St. Louis Sexual Abuse Lawyer

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Crimes of sexual abuse involve unlawful touching against the alleged victim’s consent. 

More specifically, Missouri law recognizes the following types of sexual abuse:

Mo. Rev. Stat. § § 566.100 (Sexual Abuse in the First Degree)

Subjecting a person to sexual contact (touching genitals, anus, or breasts directly or through clothes for sexual arousal) when the person is incapacitated, cannot consent, or by force

Mo. Rev. Stat. § § 566.101 (Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree) 

Subjecting a person to sexual contact without that person’s consent

The St. Louis sexual abuse attorneys at Miller & Hine are here to help. Schedule your initial consultation with our firm today to learn more. Call us at (314) 413-2053 or reach out to us online.

What Are the Penalties and Sentencing for Sexual Abuse in Missouri?

Acts of sexual abuse are punished as felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the offense and the alleged victim’s age. In general, first degree sexual abuse is charged as a Class C felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. However, if the first degree sexual abuse involved serious physical injury, use of a deadly weapon, or an alleged victim that is younger than 14 years old, the offense rises to the Class B felony level, which is punishable by 5-15 years in prison.

Second degree sexual abuse is punished as a Class A misdemeanor in most cases, which carries 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. If the defendant charged with second degree sexual abuse has prior offenses, of if the offense involved the use of a deadly weapon or was committed as part of a ceremony or ritual, they could face Class D felony charges. A Class D felony is punishable by up to 4 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.

Defend Against Your Charges with Miller & Hine

A conviction for sexual abuse could have lasting consequences that follow you through your future. In addition to the fines and prison time, you will likely also be required to register as a sex offender for several years to life. However, the St. Louis sexual abuse attorneys from our firm are experienced in the courtroom and take an aggressive approach to protecting our clients’ rights and reputation. 

We understand the stakes of a sexual abuse charge, so we will do our best to fight for dropped or dismissed charges. Whether you face first degree or second degree sexual abuse charges, we will do whatever it takes – from negotiation to trial – to fight for your defense.

Schedule a free initial consultation with a St. Louis sexual abuse lawyer from Miller & Hine online or at (314) 413-2053 to learn more.