McKinney, Texas Sex Crimes Lawyers

Attorneys for Sexual Assault, Prostitution, and Related Charges in McKinney

Few things can be as damaging as an accusation of a sex crime. While a conviction for this type of offense is likely to lead to serious penalties, a mere accusation can cause lasting damage to a person's reputation. Even before a case goes to trial, an allegation alone can lead to public scrutiny, the loss of a job, and strained relationships with family and friends.

Because of the sensitive nature of these cases, it is essential to work with a criminal defense attorney who understands how to handle sex crime charges strategically. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our lawyers can protect the constitutional rights of those who have been accused of sex crimes. We treat our clients with compassion and dignity and advocate for their right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

Sexual Assault

A person may face charges of sexual assault if they are accused of engaging in sexual activity without receiving consent from the other party. These charges may be based on accusations that a person used force or threats or that they engaged in sexual activity with someone who was unconscious or was unable to resist. Sexual contact with a minor younger than 17 years old may also lead to charges of sexual assault, regardless of whether force was involved.

Sexual assault is typically charged as a second-degree felony. Accusations of aggravated sexual assault, which may be based on the alleged use of a weapon or the infliction of serious injuries, will typically lead to first-degree felony charges.

Prostitution and Solicitation

Texas law prohibits people from engaging in prostitution by offering or agreeing to payment in exchange for sexual activity. It also prohibits solicitation in which someone offers to pay someone else for sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual conduct. While prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for a second offense. solicitation is classified as a state jail felony that carries more serious penalties.

Revenge Pornography

The unauthorized disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material is illegal in Texas. This offense is commonly known as "revenge porn," and may apply in situations where someone is accused of posting pictures or videos of a former romantic partner or another party online. If the person depicted had a reason to believe that images or videos would be kept private, and materials were shared in order to cause harm, the person who shared the materials may be charged with a state jail felony.

Voyeurism and Invasive Visual Recording

The unauthorized observation or recording of another person can lead to criminal charges. Voyeurism charges may address situations where someone is accused of observing someone else for the purposes of sexual arousal when the person should have had a reasonable expectation of privacy. This offense is a Class B misdemeanor, but a person may be charged with a state jail felony if the alleged victim was under the age of 14.

Taking photos or videos of someone else with the intent to invade their privacy may result in charges of invasive visual recording. This charge may apply if a person allegedly recorded someone while they were in a bathroom or changing room or otherwise recorded or broadcasted images or videos of someone's private parts without their consent. This offense is a state jail felony.

Indecent Exposure and Public Lewdness

Texas law also prohibits certain public behaviors that are considered sexually offensive. Public lewdness involves engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual contact with someone else while in public, and it can result in Class A misdemeanor charges.

Indecent exposure charges may apply if a person is accused of exposing their private parts to others for the purposes of sexual arousal or gratification. Indecent exposure is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, a Class A misdemeanor for a second offense, and a state jail felony for any subsequent offenses.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

Beyond the possibility of jail time and large financial penalties, a sex crime conviction can have other long-term consequences, including:

• Sex Offender Registration: Many sex crime convictions require registration as a sex offender, which can limit options for housing and employment.
• Damage to Reputation: Allegations alone can lead to social stigma and professional consequences, even if a person is ultimately acquitted of a sex crime.
• Loss of Parental Rights: A conviction for a sex crime, especially in cases involving minors, can impact a person's child custody and visitation rights.

Because of these severe and lasting consequences, it is critical to seek legal representation as soon as possible after being accused of a sex crime or arrested by law enforcement. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys can help build a strong defense and work to mitigate the possible penalties.

Contact Our McKinney, TX Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys

If you have been accused of a sex crime, The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. is ready to help you. Our McKinney sex crimes lawyers will work to protect your rights and defend against a conviction. For a free consultation, contact us today by calling 214-544-0061 to discuss your case and begin building your defense.