Being falsely accused of a sex crime in Fort Worth, Texas, can impact your life the second the allegation is made, even before charges are filed or your case is heard in court. These accusations can arise from contentious divorces, custody battles, breakups, personal disputes, or misunderstandings, yet police and prosecutors still treat them with the utmost seriousness.
Even an accusation that you can later show to be baseless can affect your reputation, your job, and your relationships. Knowing your rights when facing sex crime allegations in Fort Worth is critical to protecting yourself.
If you’re a defendant facing an accusation, contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers at (682) 777-3336 to discuss your case with a Fort Worth sex crimes defense lawyer.
Why Hire Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers if You’re Arrested for a Sex Crime in Fort Worth, TX?
Anyone accused of a sex crime in Fort Worth, TX, should take the allegation seriously, even if you believe you are innocent. Police may begin investigating before an arrest or formal charge, making it important to understand your rights early in the process. A Fort Worth criminal defense attorney can review the allegations, preserve evidence, and determine how to respond.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers offers:
- Attorneys who have 60 years of combined experience defending clients against serious criminal charges
- Multiple attorneys who are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- A team that includes attorneys with experience as former prosecutors, a former magistrate judge, a former federal public defender, and a law professor
Having a team that has worked on the other side of criminal cases gives our team insight into how prosecutors may evaluate evidence and build their cases. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation for help to protect your rights and your future.
Overview of Sex Crimes in Texas
In Texas, sex crimes cover a wide range of offenses, from misdemeanors like indecent exposure to serious felonies like aggravated sexual assault.
The category is broad, but common offenses include:
- Sexual assault: Texas law defines sexual assault to include certain sexual acts performed without another person’s consent, as well as specified sexual conduct involving a child.
- Aggravated sexual assault: A more serious offense involving circumstances such as the use of a deadly weapon, serious bodily injury, threats of certain types of harm, or the age of the alleged victim.
- Crimes against children: Offenses include continuous sexual abuse of a child, indecency with a child, and online solicitation of a minor.
- Misdemeanors: Some offenses, including indecent exposure, are misdemeanors but can still carry jail time, fines, and other consequences.
Understanding the specific charge you’re facing is the first step toward determining which defenses may apply.
What Are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Fort Worth, Texas?
Penalties for sex crimes in Fort Worth vary widely depending on the offense and the circumstances.
A second-degree felony, such as sexual assault, can carry two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Aggravated sexual assault is generally a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison. In certain cases involving young children or specified aggravating conduct, the minimum prison term increases to 25 years.
Some offenses carry lower penalties. Indecent exposure, for example, is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Some sex-offense convictions also require registration under the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. Depending on the offense, registration requirements may last for years or for life and can create substantial personal and professional consequences.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime in Fort Worth?
When an accusation is false, the defense may focus on the credibility of the allegation, the available evidence, and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The approach your Fort Worth sex crimes lawyer takes generally depends on what allegedly happened and what evidence exists.
Potential defenses may include:
- Examining the accuser’s credibility and motive: Investigating potential conflicts like custody battles or personal disputes to identify reasons for false claims and cross-referencing these allegations with other available accounts.
- Exposing material inconsistencies: Challenging the reliability of claims by identifying significant contradictions in statements regarding timelines, locations, or key details.
- Presenting an alibi: Using evidence—such as phone records, surveillance, receipts, or witness testimony—to definitively establish that the accused could not have committed the alleged crime.
- Using physical and digital evidence: Analyzing texts, emails, social media, and other records to find evidence that contradicts the allegation or supports the defense’s version of events.
- Challenging how the investigation was conducted: Scrutinizing law enforcement’s methods, including interview techniques and search procedures, to determine if evidence is inadmissible or unreliable.
In some circumstances, evidence obtained through an unlawful search may be subject to suppression. The effect of an investigative problem depends on the facts of the case and the evidence involved.
The defense strategy should be based on the specific allegations, available evidence, and offense charged.
Contact Our Fort Worth Sex Crimes Attorneys Today for a Confidential Consultation
An accusation is not a conviction, and you have the right to defend yourself against a criminal charge. Involving a defense attorney early can provide more time to investigate the allegation, preserve evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
At Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, our attorneys have 60 years of combined experience and are ready to help you build a strong defense strategy. We understand the sensitive nature of these charges and are committed to protecting your reputation and freedom.
If you have been falsely accused of a sex crime in Fort Worth, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with a Fort Worth sex crimes lawyer today.
