Have you been arrested for sexual assault in Fort Worth, TX? If so, you need skilled legal representation as soon as possible. Sex crimes carry severe criminal penalties in Texas.
Our team at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers has over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense law. Attorneys James Luster and Cody Cofer bring their experience as former prosecutors to our defense team. Two of our lawyers are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
If you need help, contact our office at 682 777 3336 to schedule a confidential consultation with our Fort Worth sexual assault defense lawyers. Let us begin building a solid defense against the criminal charges you face.
How Our Fort Worth Sex Crimes Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested for Sexual Assault
When you face sexual assault charges, your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. There is no time to waste building your defense against these charges. The state aggressively pursues sexual assault offenses and will seek the maximum penalty for a conviction.
Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys have six decades of collective experience handling sex crime cases. We’ll use our extensive resources, knowledge, and skills to fight for your rights and interests.
When you hire our top-rated sexual assault defense lawyers in Fort Worth, Texas, you can trust that we will:
- Explain the charges against you and how Texas laws apply in your case
- Protect your constitutional rights
- Coordinate an exhaustive investigation into the charges against you
- Gather evidence to refute the criminal allegations and raise reasonable doubt
- Work with experts as necessary to discredit forensic and other evidence
- Handle all communications with law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor’s office
- Aggressively negotiate a favorable plea deal if that is the best course of action
- Take your case to trial and fiercely argue your innocence if that is the best way to protect your rights
Our attorneys at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers have top ratings. We have been included in Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Attorneys for numerous years. Our experience and dedication are evident in the compassionate and fierce representation of our clients.
Call us today for a case evaluation with an experienced Fort Worth sexual assault defense attorney.
Overview of Sexual Assault in Texas
The Texas Penal Code defines sexual assault in Section 22.011.
A person commits sexual assault if they engage in any of the following:
- Physically forces someone to have sexual intercourse
- Compels someone to have sex by threat of force or violence
- Has sex with a person who is unable to consent because of a mental impairment
- Has sex with someone who has not consented because they are physically unable to resist or are unconscious
- Coerces someone to participate in sex by using their status as a public servant
- Has sex with someone who has not consented because they are unaware the assault is taking place
- Engages in sex with someone after giving them a substance to impair them without their knowledge
- Coerces someone to have sex by using their status as a healthcare professional
- Engages in sexual conduct with someone who considers them to be their spiritual adviser (clergyman)
Sexual conduct that meets the definition of sexual assault includes penetrating the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means without their consent or using a sexual organ to penetrate their mouth without their consent. It also includes causing someone to come into contact with or penetrate a sexual organ, anus, or mouth without their consent.
Charges and Penalties for Sexual Assault in Texas
You can be charged with sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, or super aggravated sexual assault based on the facts of the case. The penalties for a conviction depend on the charges and other factors.
Sexual Assault
This sex crime is generally charged as a second-degree felony. The penalty for a conviction ranges from two to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. You must also register as a sex offender.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
You can be charged with aggravated sexual assault if the act involves:
- Injury or death to the victim or another person
- Threats to kill, harm, traffic, or kidnap another person
- Use of a deadly weapon
- A child under the age of 14 years
- An elderly or disabled individual
- An additional assailant who engaged in the conduct
- The use of substances to impair the victim
Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony. The penalty is five to 99 years in prison with a maximum fine of $10,000. You must also register as a sex offender for life.
Super Aggravated Sexual Assault
This charge involves sex crimes against children under the age of six or children under 14 years old when the assailant causes serious bodily injury (or attempts to cause death). Super aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony that carries the potential for 25 years to life in prison.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our Fort Worth Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys
Don’t try to handle your criminal case alone. You need an aggressive defense to sexual assault charges. Call Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for immediate assistance. You can discuss potential defenses to your sexual assault charges with an experienced Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer.
