Missouri Rape and Sexual Assault Laws
By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed March 18, 2025
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Missouri law prohibits all forms of non-consensual sexual acts. This includes anal, oral, and vaginal intercourse as well as contact with any private parts and the hands, mouth, etc.
The legal term for the prohibited sexual act depends on the anatomy involved and whether penetration or intercourse happened. For example, rape is defined as a man inserting his penis into a woman's vagina. Touching a breast is sexual abuse.
The state assesses higher penalties when the offense involves weapons, use of force, or if the person has a prior sex offense conviction. Also, higher penalties may apply based on the victim's status, such as age or mental capacity. A conviction for an offense involving such circumstances may be an aggravated sexual offense.
Children are considered too young to consent to certain sexual conduct in Missouri. Even if a child claims to consent to the sexual act, it's illegal. This is called "statutory rape" or "statutory sodomy." The state considers these acts as rape even if the minor doesn't believe it to be rape.
Missouri Rape and Sexual Assault Laws: Statutes
The table below outlines Missouri's rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse laws. For more information, visit FindLaw's Sex Crimes section.
Code sections | Missouri Chapter 566: Sexual Offenses
|
---|---|
Penalty levels | Penalties vary depending on the conduct committed, the force used, and the victim's age. Class A felonies
Class B felonies
Class C felonies
Class D felonies
Class E felonies
Class A misdemeanors
Class B misdemeanor
Class C misdemeanor
|
Penalties | Punishments for felonies and misdemeanors in Missouri vary by class. The penalty ranges by offense class are:
Sex offender registration: Besides any prison sentence and fines, a person convicted of a sex crime may also have to register in the national sex offender registry. Registering may seriously impact where they can live and work. Sex offenders also have to notify their community members in some situations and check in with their local police regularly. |
Civil case | After sexual battery (harmful or offensive sexual touching), a victim can sue their abuser. A civil lawsuit for financial compensation is separate from any criminal case on sexual offenses. If you're a victim of sexual assault, you may want to consult with a personal injury attorney about suing your abuser. If someone accuses you of a sex crime, know that a civil suit is possible. In that case, you may need to hire a civil defense attorney besides your criminal defense attorney or public defender. |
Note: State laws are constantly changing. Contact a Missouri sex crime attorney or conduct your own research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Defenses to Sexual Offenses
If someone accuses you of committing a sex crime, seek the advice of a local Missouri sex crime defense attorney. Several of the possible defenses include:
- Consent — When you can show that the person you had sexual contact with was capable and did consent to all of the sexual acts involved.
- Innocence or false allegations — You didn't do it. Your current or former romantic partner may want to hurt you by accusing you of rape. Proving you couldn't have done it because you weren't there, i.e., that you have an alibi, will help you defend yourself.
- Insanity — If you or a loved one had a mental disorder at the time or couldn't understand that the law prohibited a particular sexual act, you may have an insanity defense.
Other defenses may apply to your circumstances. If you face criminal charges for sex crimes or sexual misconduct, contact a Missouri sex crime attorney for legal advice.
Research the Law
For more information about Missouri's sex crime laws and penalties, visit the following links:
Visit FindLaw's Official State Codes page for information about other states' laws.
Missouri Sexual Assault Laws: Related Resources
Browse the following links for more information about sex crimes:
- Sex Offenders and Sex Offenses: Overview
- Sexual Assault Penalties and Sentencing
- Rape Laws
- Statutory Rape
- Community Notification Laws (Megan's Law)
- The Sex Offender Registry: What You Need to Know
For more information about civil cases, read FindLaw's Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuits article.
Accused of Rape or Sexual Assault in Missouri? Get Legal Help
Rape and sexual assault crimes carry some of the most serious penalties in the criminal justice system. If law enforcement charges you with violating Missouri's rape or sexual assault laws, contact a skilled local sex crime attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand the possible penalties for your charges. They can also try to negotiate a plea agreement on your behalf and represent you in court.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex cases usually require a lawyer
- Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Sexual assaults & sex crime convictions often have long sentences and lifelong consequences
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
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