Penalties For Sexual Crimes Against Children in Missouri
February 5, 2021
Sexual crimes charges are generally prosecuted to the full extent of the law in Missouri. That’s especially true regarding sex crimes against children. While some child sex crimes offer defendants a chance at eventual redemption, others can lead to life imprisonment.
Child sex crimes can be committed by family members, teachers, strangers, etc. They include not only “in-person” crimes but also online child sex crimes. Defendants accused of a sex crime against a child face hefty fines and very long prison sentences.
If you’ve been accused of a child sex crime, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will take a neutral approach to your case, consider your best interests, and advise you of your rights.
Contact the Kirsch & Kirsch criminal defense team at 573-222-0826 today for your free, confidential, initial consultation.
Learn more about Missouri child sex laws and penalties below.
What Are Sex Crimes in Missouri?
Sexual crimes against children fall under many categories of Missouri criminal law. Essentially, any sex crime that can be committed against an adult can be committed against a minor. However, the consequences are typically harsher. Listed below are some of the most common sex crime charges in Missouri.
- Rape
- Sodomy
- Child molestation
- Sexual misconduct involving a child
- Sexual contact with a student
- Sexual abuse
Each of the sex crimes mentioned above has various degrees and designations. Regardless of the charge, if you’re convicted of a sex crime against a child, you face imprisonment and registration on the sex offender registry. Contact an experienced sex crimes lawyer in Jefferson City to confidentially discuss your case and learn more about your options.
Penalties for Sex Crimes Against Children
The consequences of sex crimes against children vary depending on the circumstances of the case. They include but are not limited to the following.
- Imprisonment: Those convicted of sex crimes against children face a 6-months to life imprisonment without the chance for parole depending on the charge.
- Fines: Fines levied for sexual crimes against children start at $750 and can be as high as $10,000. That’s not including potential restitution orders for the victim and their family. Fines are rare in these cases and the state is almost always seeking lengthy prison terms.
- Sex Offender Registration: If convicted, defendants are automatically added to the Missouri sex offender list. Those on the list must follow specific rules, are not allowed to live in certain areas, and the slightest misstep while on the registry can result in more felony charges.
- Inability to Work: It can be challenging to impossible to find a lawful job for child sex offenders in Missouri.
- Irreparable Reputation: After a person is convicted of unlawful sex acts against a child, their reputation can never be recovered. This can affect familial relationships, romantic relationships, career opportunities, standing in their community, etc.
If you’re convicted of a sex crime against a child, the consequences are harsh, and the law is unforgiving. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to discuss the details of your case.
Contact A Sex Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyer in Jefferson Missouri
Criminal defense cases involving child sex crimes are complex, highly technical, and require a lot of work. It takes the skill and intuition of an experienced lawyer in Jefferson City to handle such a sensitive case properly.
At Kirsch & Kirsch, we believe in the tenet that everyone is innocent until proven otherwise. We take a neutral, non-judgmental approach with all of our clients. Our Missouri sex crimes lawyers know what’s at stake. We understand that there are two sides to every case, and we intend to listen to yours.
We have tried these cases to juries and know what it takes to be successful.
Contact us today at 573-222-0826 to confidentially discuss your case and start building your defense strategy.