If you have been charged with sexually related offense in Houston, Texas, call our office at 281-868-8352 or fill out a consultation request form. We answer phones 24/7.
SEX CRIME DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Sexual offenses are among the most prosecuted crimes and offenses in the Texas Penal Code and carry with them severe penalties if convicted at trial. Allegations alone are able to significantly impact your personal and professional life. It is not enough to simply seek the best deal from a prosecutor in this area of the law, you must speak with an attorney who is prepared to build up your case for trial and fight for you in front of a jury. If you have been charged with a sexual offense, call our office immediately.
Sexual offenses are wide ranging and involve crimes that are categorized as misdemeanor offenses, such as indecent exposure, to felonies, such as sexual assault of a child. It is important to understand exactly what you are charged with and plan the best possible defense to fight your case at trial.
WHAT ARE SEX CRIMES IN TEXAS?
Sex crimes in Texas can be a misdemeanor offense or a felony offense. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, the offense could carry with it maximum penalties of up to one year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine. If you are charged with a felony, the offense could carry with it 5 to 99 years or life in prison with up to a $10,000 fine.
Example of sex crimes in Texas include:
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Texas Penal Code section 22.011 defines sexual assault. Sexual assault is a second degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT
Texas Penal Code section 22.011 defines aggravated sexual assault. Aggravated sexual assault is a first degree felony punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison and a $10,000 fine.
INDECENT EXPOSURE
Texas Penal Code section 21.08 defines indecent exposure. Indecent exposure is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
INDECENCY WITH A CHILD
Texas Penal Code section 21.11 defines indecency with a child. Indecency by contact is a second degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Indecency by exposure is a third degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. .
PUBLIC LEWDNESS
Texas Penal Code section 21.07 defines public lewdness. Public Lewdness is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
CONTINUOUS SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN
Texas Penal Code section 21.02 defines continuous sexual abuse of children. CSAC is a first degree felony punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison and a $10,000 fine.
DEFENSES TO SEX CRIME ALLEGATIONS
There are several defenses to allegations of sexually oriented offenses. When done correctly at trial, the right defense can help you escape criminal liability even if the prosecution can prove that the alleged sexual misconduct occurred. Our team of criminal defense attorneys and investigators attack every piece of the state's case, from the police investigation to witness testimony, even DNA evidence. Some defenses to sex crime allegations include:
- Actual innocence
- Consent
- Insanity
- Age difference between the accused and the complaining witness
- Identity issues