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If you have been accused of sexual assault, you must hire an experienced sexual assault attorney immediately. Texas has some of the most stringent laws in the nation designed to protect the public from perpetrators who commit sex crimes.
If you are convicted of sexual assault, you could potentially face a significant amount of time in jail or prison, be required to register as a sex offender and find it challenging to obtain gainful employment. You will also be limited to where you can live and may be forced to have supervised visitation with your children.
The Cory Roth Law Office has extensive experience handling sexual assault cases and would be honored to help you resolve your legal issues. If you have been charged with sexual assault, contact our law offices, and ask to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and explore legal options.
What is Sexual Assault?
The Texas penal code states that sexual assault is when any unwanted or non-consensual sexual conduct occurs that involves penetration or contact with a sexual organ. Sexual abuse occurs when an individual has sexual intercourse with another person who cannot give consent due to mental capacity or disability. In most instances, sexual assault is charged as a second-degree felony in Texas.
Texas has strong laws on the books that deal with sexual assault offenses. For example, suppose the accused is a clergyman who committed a sexual assault upon a child. In that case, the clergyman may still be charged up to 20 years after the victim’s 18th birthday.
Suppose the alleged perpetrator is a public servant who uses their position and coercion to make the victim comply with their demands. In that case, they may be charged with a third-degree felony, which is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
However, one of the most common forms of sexual assault involves rape. Any unwanted sexual conduct that occurs as a result of physical force or violence or with those who are unable to give consent because they are physically unable to resist or are unconscious is considered rape.
What is Aggravated Sexual Assault?
Aggravated sexual assault is one of the most severe crimes an individual can be charged with under Texas law. The Texas penal code classifies aggravated sexual assault as a first-degree felony. A sexual assault case becomes aggravated sexual assault when it is coupled with mitigating factors. Mitigating factors include:
- Serious bodily injury.
- Threat or use of a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime.
- Sexual assault with a minor who is under the age of 14.
- Sexual assault of a disabled or elderly person.
- Death threats
- Kidnapping
- Sex trafficking
Additionally, an individual who acts as an accomplice can face an aggravated sexual assault charge and be forced to comply with lifetime sex offender registration.
Aggravated sexual assault is a serious offense and requires help from an attorney who can provide you with quality legal counsel. Our sexual assault attorney has extensive experience and training in handling first-degree felony sex crimes and obtaining favorable results for clients.
What Are the Criminal Penalties For Sexual Assault Charges?
The criminal penalties in Texas for individuals convicted of sex crimes significantly vary depending on the circumstances of the case. In many cases, a sexual assault may be bumped up from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony based on the victim’s age.
Penalties for felony sex crimes are severe under the Texas penal code, and in most instances, those convicted face mandatory jail or prison time. Felony sentencing guidelines for sexual assault include:
- First-degree felony: Punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in a Texas prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-degree felony: Punishable by two to 20 years in a Texas prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-degree felony: Punishable by two to 10 years in a Texas prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- State jail felony: Punishable by 180 days in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
In addition, any individual convicted of a sex crime must comply with sex offender registration. In some cases, offenders must only have their name on the sex offender registry for 10 years. However, depending on the crime’s facts, others convicted must comply with lifetime registration requirements. The Texas sex offender registry is a public record easily accessible to potential employers, landlords, and family members.
Because of the long-lasting impact a sex crime conviction can have on you and your reputation, it is always in your best interest to hire a sexual assault lawyer who can act as your legal ally.
The Cory Roth Law Office is a client-centered law firm fully prepared to take your case to trial to help you protect your freedom and resume your life.
What Makes Your Sexual Assault Attorney the Best Choice For My Legal Needs?
A sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault charge must be taken seriously. If convicted, you stand to lose your freedom, family, and reputation.
However, the Cory Roth Law Office understands that clients often make poor choices. Our sexual assault attorney, Cory Roth, is highly trained and has a proven history of using innovative strategies to help defend clients.
For example, the Romeo-Juliet law may be used to defend young adults charged with statutory rape as long as they are within three years of each other to have legal intercourse without facing criminal charges.
In cases of child sexual assault, our law offices may be able to poke holes in the prosecution’s case or negotiate to a lesser charge.
The Cory Roth Law Office strives to treat each client with the compassion and integrity they deserve. We also recognize how overwhelming and frustrating it is to know you are innocent of the crime and still face sexual assault charges.
Contact our law office at 832-400-4133 and ask to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
