Are you facing rape charges in Fort Worth, TX? If so, you might feel like everything you know is suddenly at risk. It’s important to get help from a lawyer who listens to your story and stands by you throughout the case. Our Fort Worth rape attorneys are here for you.
At Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, our legal team has 60 years of combined legal experience representing defendants facing all sorts of criminal charges. One of the most frightening things about rape allegations is how it can destroy a person’s life, even if you aren’t ultimately convicted. We will fight to get your charges reduced or elimination.
Call (682) 777-3336 or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested For Rape in Fort Worth
If you have been charged with rape in Fort Worth, Texas, our team knows how to provide you with strong legal support from day one. Here’s how we can help:
- Our Fort Worth rape lawyers will seek out evidence of false accusations, such as text messages, prior relationships, or motives to lie.
- We will work with expert witnesses to challenge DNA, medical findings, or questionable identification procedures used by the prosecutor.
- We will guide you through no-contact orders and other court restrictions, helping you avoid common missteps that could hurt your defense.
- We will try to work out a plea deal with the prosecutor that will reduce the severity of the charges you’re facing.
Our attorneys are members of several highly-regarded legal organizations, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Texas Bar College.
Having an experienced attorney on your side is the most important part of facing rape charges. Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a Fort Worth criminal defense attorney.
Overview Of Rape In Texas
Rape, generally referred to as sexual assault in Texas criminal statutes, carries serious consequences. Here’s what you should know about how these crimes are defined in the state:
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault means any sexual contact or penetration that happens without the other person’s agreement. This includes all kinds of penetration, whether it’s by force, threats, or with someone who cannot legally give consent. The law says that sexual assault also covers sexual contact with a child, even if the adult didn’t know their true age, and does not require proof of violence.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
This charge is more severe and is used when certain factors are involved. Aggravated sexual assault includes cases where there are threats, use of weapons, or physical harm during the crime. The law also covers acts against very vulnerable people, such as children under 14, seniors, or those with disabilities.
If the accused is a person in a position of trust, like a doctor, teacher, or coach, or if the act involved drugs given to the victim, penalties go up.
If you’re charged with any form of sexual assault, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are The Penalties For Rape In Fort Worth, Texas?
The penalties for rape and related charges in Fort Worth are severe, with the exact sentence depending on the details of the crime.
- Sexual assault is treated as a second-degree felony. The punishment can be anywhere from 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony. The court can sentence you to 5 to 99 years or life in prison, and impose fines up to $10,000.
- If the victim is under 6, or under 14 and there is violence or threats, there is a mandatory extra 25 years added to the prison term.
Facing rape charges should never be taken lightly. Always reach out for professional legal help right away.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Rape?
If you are facing a rape charge, the right legal defense can make a big difference for your future. Below are some of the most common ones a criminal defense lawyer could use in your case.
Consent
One defense is that the encounter was consensual, meaning both people agreed to what took place. This often comes down to showing communication before, during, and after the event, such as texts, social media messages, or witness statements that suggest there was no force or threat.
False Accusation
Sometimes accusations are made out of anger, jealousy, or to gain an advantage in divorce or custody cases. A defense attorney will look for evidence that shows the accusation is not supported by facts – such as conflicting statements from the accuser, past false claims, or motives to lie.
Mistaken Identity
There are cases where the accused is simply not the person who committed the crime. Eyewitness accounts, faulty line-ups, or suggestive police practices can lead to the wrong person being charged. Evidence like DNA, video footage, receipts proving your location, or alibi witnesses can help prove you were not involved.
Every situation is unique and requires a lawyer who listens to the facts and asks the right questions.
Contact Our Fort Worth Rape Lawyers To Schedule A Consultation
Rape and sexual assault charges in Texas bring some of the harshest consequences you can face. Accusations alone can have a significant impact on your life, even if you aren’t convicted, so it’s important to take this situation very seriously. Getting help from a legal professional who has handled these cases before is the first step toward protecting your rights and future.
Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a Fort Worth sex crimes attorney.