Sex crimes are among the most harshly prosecuted here in the United States. If you’re currently facing sex crime charges, you should understand that your future and freedom are at stake. That said, we understand that often, accusations of sex crimes are a result of certain misunderstandings, or at times, even entirely fabricated. If you’re facing sex crime charges, contact a skilled Dallas sex crime lawyer today.
Dallas Sex Crime Defense Lawyer: Fighting for Your Reputation & Future
Here at Spangler Law, we believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, which is why we do everything in our power to protect each of our clients’ reputations and futures. When you partner with our firm, you can have peace of mind, knowing your case is in good hands. A Dallas County criminal defense lawyer at our firm stands ready to fight for you, every step of the way.
Types of Sex Crimes in Texas
The state of Texas recognizes a wide range of acts that fall under the umbrella term of “sex crime.” Some of those are as follows:
- Sexual Assault: This involves intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact or penetration without the consent of the other person.
- Aggravated Sexual Assault: A more severe form of sexual assault that includes additional factors such as causing serious bodily injury, using a deadly weapon, or targeting a child, elderly, or disabled person.
- Indecency with a Child: Engaging in sexual contact or causing a child to engage in sexual contact, as well as exposing oneself to a child with the intent to gratify sexual desire.
- Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child: Committing two or more acts of sexual abuse over a period of 30 days or more against a child under the age of 14.
- Prostitution and Solicitation: Offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct for a fee, or requesting such an act.
- Possession of Child Pornography: Knowingly or intentionally possessing visual material that depicts a child under the age of 18 engaged in sexual conduct.
- Sexual Performance by a Child: Employing, authorizing, or inducing a child under the age of 18 to engage in sexual performance.
Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas
As you can imagine, the penalties for various sex crimes in Texas are very severe. Some of the penalties you may face for various sex crimes are as follows:
- Sexual Assault: This is typically a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Aggravated Sexual Assault: As a first-degree felony, it carries a penalty of 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Indecency with a Child: Depending on the specifics, this can be a second or third-degree felony, leading to 2 to 20 years in prison for second-degree and 2 to 10 years for third-degree offenses.
- Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child: This first-degree felony carries a minimum of 25 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
- Prostitution and Solicitation: Penalties range from a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and a fine) to a second-degree felony, depending on prior offenses and other factors.
- Possession of Child Pornography: A third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, with increased penalties for subsequent offenses.
- Sexual Performance by a Child: This is a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years in prison) or a first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life in prison) if the child is under 14 years old.
Potential Defenses
Of course, the route our sex crime lawyer will take to defend you will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. That said, attorneys in the past have combatted sex crime charges by:
- Demonstrating that the alleged victim consented to the act, where applicable, can be a strong defense.
- Highlighting inconsistencies in the accuser’s story or presenting evidence that the accusation was fabricated can undermine the prosecution’s case.
- Proving that their client was not the individual who committed the crime through alibis or forensic evidence.
- Challenging the sufficiency and reliability of the evidence presented by the prosecution can lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges.
- Proving that evidence was obtained unlawfully, thereby having it excluded from the case, weakening the prosecution’s position.
Contact Our Dallas Criminal Defense Attorneys
Sex crime accusations can have significant and lasting ramifications on a person’s life. We understand this, and we take our duty to you, the client, incredibly seriously. Contact a knowledgeable and aggressive sex crime lawyer here at Spangler Law today so we can begin building an effective legal strategy on your behalf.
