Are you being charged with a sex crime in Texas? If so, your situation demands a serious response due to the potential consequences on your freedom, reputation, and future. Securing representation from a knowledgeable Texas sex crimes attorney is critical. Contact our law firm, Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, at (682) 777-3336 to schedule a consultation.
Our legal team has 60 years of experience defending clients. Our lawyers understand the complexity of such cases and the nuances of Texas law. With so much at stake, don’t hesitate to get help if you’re facing criminal charges. We’ll vigorously defend you from the charges you are facing and fight for your freedom.
Why Should I Choose Cofer Luster to Help Me With My Sex Crimes Charge in Texas?
If you are convicted of a sex crime in Texas, you could be facing imprisonment, fines, and sex offender registration. You need an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer who can support you throughout the legal process and build a strong defense.
At Cofer Luster, we’ve successfully defended hundreds of people from a wide variety of criminal charges, including sex crimes. Our attorneys have decades of legal experience and belong to a number of reputable legal organizations, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Additionally, three of our lawyers are board-certified in criminal law.
Our Texas sex crimes lawyers are ready to put their experience and resources to work for you. Contact our law office to schedule a consultation.
Overview of Sex Crimes in Texas
Sex crimes in Texas encompass a broad range of criminal offenses that carry harsh penalties and can have lasting implications for those convicted. Given the state’s serious laws regarding sexual offenses, it’s essential to recognize just how seriously these matters are treated within the legal system.
Some of the most common sex crimes in Texas include:
Sexual Assault
In Texas, sexual assault charges are serious and address various forms of non-consensual sexual activity. This includes intercourse without consent (generally referred to as rape) but extends beyond it to cover a wide array of non-consensual acts,
The statute accounts for situations where the victim cannot give informed consent due to physical or mental disabilities and also prohibits adults from having sexual contact with minors under the age of 17. This is true regardless of whether they gave apparent consent, since minors are legally incapable of doing so under the law.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault in Texas is a more severe form of sexual assault characterized by additional elements that amplify the gravity of the offense. An offense is elevated to aggravated sexual assault when it involves serious physical harm or threats of harm, use of a deadly weapon, or occurs with another offender present.
It’s also considered aggravated sexual assault when there is the involvement of drugs that incapacitate the victim, or when the act is perpetrated against a particularly vulnerable victim, such as children younger than 14 years old or individuals who are elderly or disabled.
Indecent Exposure
Texas law identifies indecent exposure as an individual exposing their anus or genitals with the intent to sexually arouse any person while being reckless about whether this act might alarm or offend others who witness it.
Examples could include a variety of public behaviors, such as changing clothes in view of others with the aim of provoking sexual interest or running naked through a public space, commonly referred to as streaking. Committing acts such as flashing also falls under this statute without considering the impact on innocent bystanders.
Sexual Assault of a Child
In the state of Texas, sexual assault against someone under the age of 17 qualifies as sexual assault of a child. This occurs when an adult — regardless of whether they’re aware of the victim’s age — knowingly engages in penetration with a child, causes a child to engage in sexual acts with another, or compels any form of sexual contact between the child and themselves or someone else.
This overview covers several key offenses recognized under Texas law, but there are many other sex crimes — like child pornography — that can be charged depending on the circumstances.
What Are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas?
The penalties for sex crimes in Texas can be severe and life-altering. Depending on the crime, it could be either a misdemeanor or a felony. Some common punishments for sex crimes include:
Jail/Prison Sentences
Those found guilty could face anywhere from a few months in county jail for more minor offenses to decades in prison or even longer for more serious crimes. For example, aggravated sexual assault can lead to a sentence of 99 years in prison.
Probation
Depending on the nature of the sex crime and criminal history, a court might order probation instead of jail time. Probation means you would stay out of jail but remain under court supervision with specific rules like meeting regularly with a probation officer, adhering to curfews, and avoiding further legal trouble. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in imprisonment.
Fines
Fines for sex crimes can also be substantial. Depending on the severity of the offense, these financial penalties can range from minor amounts to up to $10,000.
Sex Offender Registration
One of the most impactful consequences of a sex crime conviction is being required to register as a sex offender. The length and conditions of this registry largely depend on the severity of the offense — ranging from a 10-year registration period to being required to register for life.
This registration can severely limit your privacy and restrict where you can live or work, as registries are public records easily accessed online. Your presence on this registry can lead to social stigma, impact personal relationships, and severely compromise your ability to find housing or employment.
It’s clear that sex crime convictions carry harsh penalties in Texas, making it imperative to have a strong defense. Reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for a Sex Crime in Texas?
If you’re arrested for a sex offense in Texas, several defenses can be mounted depending on the specifics of your case and the evidence at hand. There are several defenses that your experienced lawyer might raise:
Consent
In cases where the alleged victim willingly agreed to engage in sexual activity, proving consent can be a key defense.
Proving consent can involve pointing to communication between the parties, witness testimonies affirming the alleged victim’s voluntary participation, or presenting evidence such as messages that document mutual agreement. It’s key to compile this evidence without violating privacy laws as well.
False Allegations
Defending against false allegations means discrediting the accuser’s claims. This may involve exposing contradictions in their story by examining the evidence and highlighting ulterior motives for making a false accusation, such as jealousy, revenge, or custody battles.
Mistaken Identity
Another potential defense is mistaken identity, where someone else committed the offense, but you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator. Evidence for a claim of mistaken identity could include an alibi that confirms your presence at another location when the alleged offense took place, like surveillance footage that clears your name.
Expert witness testimony might also be used to challenge the reliability of eyewitness identifications.
Defending against sex crimes requires meticulous analysis, strategic planning, and often the involvement of forensic experts to challenge the prosecutor’s case. Skilled legal representation should be sought as soon as possible to help you fight back against these serious charges.
How Can a Sex Crimes Lawyer in Texas Help Me?
Here’s how a Texas sex crimes attorney can help you:
- They will investigate your case thoroughly, including interviewing witnesses and collecting any relevant evidence that can help you fight the charges.
- They will keep you informed every step of the way and take your input into consideration when building your case.
- They will assess the prosecution’s evidence and challenge its admissibility or reliability.
- They will protect your rights during interrogations or court proceedings to ensure you don’t incriminate yourself and say something that can be used against you.
- They will negotiate potential plea agreements with prosecutors when it’s in your best interest, carefully balancing the benefits of going to trial against potential plea options.
- When necessary, they will provide strong courtroom representation, clearly communicating your defense and advocating for your innocence at trial.
If you’re facing sex crime charges, reaching out to a lawyer for help is crucial.
Confronting a sex crime charge in Texas can impact every aspect of your life. You don’t have to navigate this complex situation alone. If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for a sex crime, we are here to help you. We have over 60 years of combined experience and will fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Contact Cofer Luster to schedule a consultation with a Texas sex crimes lawyer.
