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Internet Sex Crimes

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Internet Sex Crimes Allegations in Missouri

nternet sex crime allegations are among the fastest growing and most aggressively prosecuted offenses in Missouri. These cases often involve digital communications, images, videos, or online platforms and can escalate quickly from an investigation to felony charges.

Unlike many traditional sex offenses, internet sex crimes often leave permanent digital trails that law enforcement relies on heavily, sometimes without full context. Allegations alone can result in arrest, device seizure, employment consequences, and long-term reputational harm.

Early legal representation is critical.

Experience and Early Defense Matter in Internet Sex Crime Cases

Internet sex crime cases are technical, evidence-driven, and often misunderstood. They frequently involve search warrants, forensic analysis of devices, and assumptions drawn from partial digital records.

Attorney Thomas Kissell has handled serious felony cases across Missouri, including sex offense allegations involving digital evidence. His experience includes early intervention, investigation-phase defense, and challenging improper searches, overbroad warrants, and misinterpretation of electronic data.

Prosecutors know which attorneys understand how digital evidence works and which do not. That matters.

Why Early Legal Representation Is Critical

Internet sex crime investigations often begin quietly.

Law enforcement may:

  • Monitor online activity
  • Review tips or reports from platforms
  • Execute search warrants for phones, computers, and cloud accounts

By the time an arrest occurs, evidence has often already been collected and interpreted.

In many cases:

  • No arrest has occurred
  • No charges have been filed
  • The matter exists only as a digital investigation

This stage is where effective defense work is most impactful.

Pre-Investigation Defense Can Prevent or Limit Charges

Early retention allows defense counsel to:

  • Intervene before charges are filed
  • Challenge improper searches and seizures
  • Preserve favorable digital evidence
  • Prevent mischaracterization of online conduct
  • Limit the scope of alleged offenses

In internet sex crime cases, early defense can mean the difference between no charges, misdemeanor charges, or serious felony prosecution.

Types of Internet Sex Crimes in Missouri

Missouri prosecutes a wide range of internet-based sex offenses, many of which fall under Chapter 573 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.

Common allegations include:

  • Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images
  • Dissemination of pornography
  • Distribution of explicit material through electronic means
  • Online solicitation or coercion
  • Possession or sharing of prohibited sexual content

Each offense carries different elements and penalties.

Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images (Revenge Porn)

Missouri Revised Statute 573.110 governs the offense commonly referred to as revenge porn.

A person may be charged if he or she knowingly disseminates or transmits a private sexual image of another person:

  • Without that person’s consent
  • When the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy
  • Under circumstances likely to cause emotional distress

This statute applies to images and videos shared electronically, including through social media, messaging apps, or other online platforms.

Penalties for Nonconsensual Dissemination

Depending on the circumstances, the offense may be charged as:

  • A misdemeanor
  • A felony for aggravating factors or repeat conduct

These cases often turn on consent, intent, and how the image was obtained or shared.

Dissemination of Pornography and Related Offenses

Missouri law also criminalizes certain acts involving the dissemination or promotion of pornography, particularly when minors are involved or when content is distributed unlawfully.

These offenses may include:

  • Disseminating pornographic material to minors
  • Promoting or distributing prohibited sexual content
  • Electronic transmission of explicit material under unlawful circumstances

These charges are governed by Chapter 573 and are highly fact-specific.

Digital Evidence and Device Seizures

Internet sex crime cases almost always involve digital evidence.

Law enforcement may seize:

  • Cell phones
  • Computers and tablets
  • External storage devices
  • Cloud-based accounts

The scope of what is searched and how evidence is interpreted is often contested. Improper searches, overbroad warrants, and misinterpretation of metadata are common defense issues.

Why Internet Sex Crime Allegations Are Often More Complex Than They Appear

  • These cases frequently involve:

    • Context-free screenshots or messages
    • Shared or accessed devices
    • Third-party account use
    • Old or cached data
    • Misinterpretation of digital timelines
    • Assumptions about intent

    An accusation based on digital evidence is not proof. The state must still establish every statutory element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Bonds and Pretrial Consequences

Internet sex crime charges can result in:

  • Arrest and jail time
  • Seizure of personal and work devices
  • Restrictive bond conditions
  • Employment consequences
  • Public and reputational harm

The damage often begins immediately after an allegation is made.

How Internet Sex Crime Cases Are Defended

There is no one-size-fits-all defense. Effective representation requires early involvement and technical understanding of digital evidence.

Defense strategies may include:

  • Challenging search warrants and seizures
  • Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence
  • Attacking consent and intent elements
  • Examining digital timelines and metadata
  • Identifying third-party access or device use
  • Limiting scope of alleged conduct

Preparation matters greatly in these cases.

What To Do If You Are Accused of an Internet Sex Crime

If you are under investigation or have been accused:

  • Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney
  • Do not consent to device searches
  • Do not delete messages, images, or data
  • Do not attempt to explain online conduct
  • Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately

Early mistakes in internet sex crime cases are often irreversible.

Confidential Consultation With a Missouri Internet Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Attorney Thomas Kissell of Kissell Law Group has handled thousands of criminal cases across Missouri, including sex offense allegations involving digital and internet-based evidence.

If you are under investigation, have been contacted by law enforcement, or fear an internet sex crime allegation may be coming, time matters.

Initial consultations are absolutely free

All consultations are confidential and judgment-free.

Contact Kissell Law Group today to protect your future.

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