Sexual Misconduct Charges in Missouri
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If you are facing sexual misconduct charges, your reputation and freedom may be on the line. A misdemeanor or a felony under Missouri law, sexual misconduct involves such acts as exposing one's genitals or having sexual intercourse in a public place.
If convicted of this sex crime, you may face:
- Imprisonment in jail or prison
- Fines
- Sex offender registration
The most important thing you can do in the face of informal allegations or formal charges is to involve an attorney who can protect your interests.
Sex Crime Defense from JMH Law Firm, LLC
JMH Law Firm, LLC takes on the most serious and complex sex crime cases in Missouri. We are not afraid of taking on these often controversial matters and have secured outstanding case results for our clients, based on our tireless efforts, our experience, and our resources.
If you have been accused of sexual misconduct, now is the time to involve a St. Louis sex crime defense lawyer from our firm. You can get started by calling for a confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable professionals.
What is sexual misconduct?
Sexual misconduct charges involve sex acts in public and exposing one's genitals in a public place or in front of another person with the intent to offend or alarm. There are three specific charges that a person accused of such conduct may face: sexual misconduct in the first degree, sexual misconduct in the second degree, and sexual misconduct involving a child.
- Sexual misconduct in the first degree is defined under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.093 as: 1) exposing one's genitals with the knowledge that doing so is likely to shock, offend, or alarm, 2) having sexual contact in the presence of another person with the knowledge that this is likely to offend, shock, or alarm, or 3) having sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse in public in the presence of another person. First offense: class B misdemeanor. Second offense: class A misdemeanor.
- Sexual misconduct in the second degree is defined under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.095 as soliciting or requesting another person to engage in sexual conduct, with the knowledge that this request is likely to shock, alarm, or offend this person. Class C misdemeanor.
- Sexual misconduct involving a child is the most serious of sexual misconduct offenses. This offense is defined under Missouri Revised Statutes § 566.083 as: 1) knowingly exposing one's genitals to a child under the age of 15 with the knowledge that this is likely to cause shock or alarm, or for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, 2) knowingly coercing or inducing a child under the age of 15 to expose his or her genitals for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, or 3) knowingly coercing or inducing a child under the age of 15 to expose a child's breasts through the internet or other electronic means for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification. Note: it is not a valid defense if the minor involved was actually a peace officer disguised as a child. Class C felony.
What penalties may be enforced?
Sexual misconduct in the first degree is a misdemeanor. If it is a defendant's first offense, he or she may face class B misdemeanor charges, up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500. If a defendant has a prior sexual misconduct conviction, he or she may face class A misdemeanor charges and up to 1 year in jail plus a fine of up to $1,000. Sexual misconduct involving a child may be charged as a class C felony, punishable by up to 7 years in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A defendant may also face formal or informal probation, court fees, and sex offender registration.
Take immediate action against criminal charges with an experienced, driven St. Louis sex crime attorney from our firm and protect your future. Contact our assault crime defense law offices today.
