Have you been accused of a sex crime in Fort Worth, TX? Call the law office of Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers at (682) 777-3336 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation. An experienced Fort Worth sex crimes lawyer can defend you against unfair criminal charges.
A sex crime conviction can completely change your life. Not only does it put you at risk of going to prison, but it also puts you in danger of facing social stigma and isolation.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers has over 60 years of combined experience. We will help you navigate the court process, explain the law, and identify the best defense in your case.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help if You’re Arrested for a Sex Crime in Fort Worth
The best decision that you can make is to hire a lawyer after getting arrested for a sex crime in Fort Worth, Texas. You don’t have time to waste and shouldn’t risk letting the prosecution get the upper hand in your case.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers is the right legal team for the job. Our team includes lawyers who are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an accolade only a small percentage of attorneys earn.
If you hire us to handle your case, we will:
- Explain your charges and potential penalties
- Hear your story and formulate your defense
- Investigate your case and collect evidence
- Review discovery and file pretrial motions
- Represent you at every hearing
- Go to trial if that’s in your best interest
Contact our law offices today to schedule a case review with one of our trusted Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys.
What Is a Sex Crime?
Sex crime is a broad term for a category of criminal charges. These charges relate to illegal behavior that is sexual. It may include violent or coercive behavior or behavior that is sexually motivated. It also includes sexual contact when one party is unable to consent legally.
Sex crimes are serious. There is a risk of life-altering consequences and intense social stigma if convicted. Even people who are charged with a sex crime but not convicted may experience an adverse effect on their lives.
Common Sex Crimes in Fort Worth
There are many different sex offenses in Fort Worth. During your consultation, we can explain the specific criminal charges in your case. We can also discuss the prosecution’s burden of proof, the potential penalties, and the best defense to your situation.
If you are charged with another type of sex crime that is not listed below, do not hesitate to call us to discuss your case. Just because a crime isn’t listed doesn’t mean we can’t help.
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Online solicitation of a minor is a third-degree felony.
Generally, this behavior involves communicating with a child online and encouraging them to engage in sexual behavior. It may include scheduling a meet-up for sexual purposes or exchanging sexually explicit messages or photographs.
Failure To Register as a Sex Offender
If you are required to register as a sex offender but don’t, then you can be charged with failure to register. You can also be charged with this crime if you don’t update your information or remain in contact with the authorities as required.
Indecency With a Child
Indecency with a child may include sexual exposure, fondling the child, or encouraging the child to fondle you. Both are felonies and can carry significant prison sentences.
Compelling Prostitution
Compelling prostitution is forcing or coercing someone into becoming a prostitute. It may include an adult or a child.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a broad crime that can include a variety of unwanted sexual contact with either an adult or a child. It may include penetration or sexual touching.
Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking is transporting, enticing, recruiting, harboring, or obtaining a person for sexual labor. It is a very serious crime and in many cases, is charged federally.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure is a sexual misdemeanor. It happens when someone exposes their genitals with the intent to arouse another person. The key is that the other person is offended and did not consent to the exposure. Usually, this crime happens in public.
Invasive Visual Recording
Invasive visual recording happens when someone records another person’s intimate areas without consent. This recording may happen in an area where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, like a dressing room or bathroom.
As noted above, we can help with all types of sex crime charges – even those that aren’t listed here.
What Are the Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Fort Worth?
There can be life-changing consequences if you’re found guilty of a sex crime. Our number one goal is to make sure that you are not convicted.
Ultimately, the consequences in your case depend on many different factors including the charges, the facts of the case, and your background. If you have no criminal record you will probably receive a less severe sentence than a serial offender.
Court-Ordered Penalties
Some of the most common court-ordered penalties for sex crimes are:
- Prison or jail time
- Sex offender registration
- Probation
- Fines
If you are convicted of a felony sex crime, you will face more consequences than if you are convicted of a misdemeanor.
Collateral Consequences
Collateral consequences are not directly ordered by the court. These are consequences that many people do not consider until they are released from prison. You must understand the collateral consequences of a conviction because they can be just as life-altering as prison time.
Collateral consequences can include:
- Loss of voting rights
- Loss of the right to own a firearm
- Loss of job or difficulty maintaining employment
- Loss of professional licenses
- Loss of housing prospects
- Disqualifications for certain loans
- Inability to live in certain neighborhoods
- Difficulty with relationships
- Social stigma and isolation
- Immigration consequences
We can help you understand how a conviction may affect your life beyond court-ordered punishments. Call us to talk more about the consequences of a sex conviction.
Are There Defenses to Sex Crimes in Fort Worth, TX?
You may feel hopeless if you are charged with a sex crime. Fortunately, there are many defenses to sex crimes. We will work closely with you to identify the best defense for each charge. Our team will collect evidence to support your defense and argue on your behalf in court.
Different defenses apply to different crimes. Defenses are very fact and case-specific. However, some of the most common defenses are:
- False allegations: the complaining witness is lying
- Consent: the complaining witness consented to sexual contact
- Alibi: you were at another location at the time of the offense
- Mistaken identity: the complaining witness has identified the wrong perpetrator
- Insufficient evidence: the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to meet their burden of proof
- Insanity: the defendant has a severe mental disease or defect so that they did not know their conduct was wrong
- Lack of intent: you didn’t intend (or possess the necessary mindstate) to commit the crime
The defense in your case may be obvious. However, sometimes, it takes more work to identify a defense with the best shot of getting you out of trouble. It is important to build a strong defense as early on in the process as you can.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With a Fort Worth Sex Crimes Lawyer
You may feel confused and lost while facing sex crime charges, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers will stand by your side even when it seems like no one else will.
Call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our award-winning Fort Worth sex crimes lawyers.
Fort Worth, TX Courts
- Fort Worth Municipal Court – 1000 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, United States
- Tarrant County Court – 100 W Weatherford St, Fort Worth, TX 76196, United States
- Tarrant County Criminal Court Clerk – 401 W Belknap St, Fort Worth, TX 76196, United States
- Precinct 8 Court House – 3500 Miller Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76119, United States
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
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