Whether you’ve been formally charged or are under investigation, the consequences of an Oakville, MO sex offense allegation are severe. Sex crime charges often involve the possibility of long prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation and relationships.
Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. has more than 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys aggressively defend individuals facing sex crime allegations in Oakville, throughout St. Louis County, and across Missouri. Our legal team includes a former prosecutor and a former military attorney, giving us insight into how sex crime cases are built—and how they can be dismantled.
Missouri statutes governing sex offenses are complex, and many charges can be filed based on little more than an allegation. That’s why you must understand your rights, know what you’re up against, and secure skilled legal representation as early as possible. If you or a loved one are facing sex crime allegations, contact Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. right away.
Missouri sex crimes vary significantly in terms of conduct involved and potential penalties. In many cases, a conviction also results in mandatory registration as a sex offender, which carries its own long-term consequences.
Here are some of the most common sex offenses we defend:
Rape – RSMo § 566.030
Under Missouri law, a person commits rape in the first degree if they engage in sexual intercourse with another person through forcible compulsion. The statute broadly defines “forcible compulsion.” It includes physical force or a threat that overcomes any resistance.
Rape in the first degree is a Class A felony, which carries a sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment. If the victim is seriously injured or under the age of 12, enhanced penalties may apply.
Statutory Rape – RSMo §§ 566.032 and 566.034
Statutory rape happens when someone has sexual intercourse with another person who is legally incapable of giving consent due to age, regardless of whether they used force.
Because these offenses are based solely on the age of the alleged victim, they can be charged even if the relationship was consensual.
Sexual Abuse – RSMo § 566.100
Sexual abuse charges apply when someone engages in sexual contact, rather than intercourse, through the use of forcible compulsion.
This offense is typically charged as a Class C felony, with penalties of three to 10 years in prison. If the alleged victim is under the age of 14, or if aggravating factors exist, enhanced penalties may apply—including reclassification to a Class B or higher felony. It can also be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to a year of incarceration.
Child Molestation – RSMo §§ 566.067 & 566.068
Missouri defines child molestation as sexual contact with a minor. Penalties depend on the age of the child and surrounding circumstances.
These charges carry particularly harsh legal consequences, including long-term sex offender registration.
Sexual Misconduct – RSMo § 566.093
Sexual misconduct covers a broad range of behavior that may not rise to the level of rape or molestation but still threatens public safety. This includes indecent exposure, sex in public, and related sexual offenses.
Sexual misconduct can be charged as a Class B misdemeanor, a Class A misdemeanor, or even a Class B felony, depending on the specific conduct and prior history. These cases often involve complex questions of intent and context.
Child Pornography and Related Offenses – RSMo § 573.023
Possessing or distributing child pornography is aggressively prosecuted in Oakville. It is illegal to knowingly possess, access, or distribute any visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Possession is typically charged as a Class C felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison. Distribution or possession with intent to distribute may be charged as a Class B felony. Convictions for these offenses also require mandatory sex offender registration and often result in long-term supervision following any prison sentence.
If you or someone you care about is facing sex crime charges in Oakville or the surrounding areas, you need a defense attorney who knows how to navigate these serious accusations. Call Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. today for immediate legal assistance.
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Missouri, you’re likely overwhelmed—and for good reason. A conviction could mean years behind bars, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation, relationships, and career. However, being charged is not the same as being convicted. The right defense strategy can make all the difference.
Here are some of the most common sex crime defenses:
The best way to find out which defense is right for your case is to speak with one of our defense attorneys as soon as possible.
If you are charged with or under investigation for a sex crime in Missouri, act carefully and quickly. First, don’t talk about the accusation with anyone except your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you believe you’re innocent.
Avoid any contact with the alleged victim, and make sure to save all digital communications like texts, emails, or social media messages. Write down a detailed timeline of events while everything is still fresh in your mind.
Don’t try to explain yourself to the police or investigators without legal advice. Your statements can easily be misunderstood or twisted. Because sex crime charges can be filed very quickly and sometimes with little investigation, having an experienced defense attorney early on can make all the difference. A lawyer from Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. can help challenge any weak or flawed evidence.
Sex crime charges are serious, but help is available. If you or someone you know has been accused of a sex crime in Oakville, MO, reach out to Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. for a consultation as soon as possible.
