Collin County Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

Sex Crime Attorney Serving Texas including McKinney and Plano

Sex crimes are some of the most serious offenses that a person can face, and even a mere accusation can upend someone's life, impacting family relationships, career opportunities, and much more. If you have been accused of sexual assault or any other sexual offense, it is important to understand the nature of the charges, the criminal consequences, and the best options for defense.

While everyone has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, those who have been accused of sex crimes often struggle to address the impact of these types of allegations. The reasons why an alleged victim may make an accusation may not be taken into account, and a defendant may face an uphill battle in which they are assumed to be guilty by people who have not taken all the facts of the case into consideration.

An accusation of a sex crime can affect nearly every area of an alleged offender's life. Their personal relationships and reputation in the community may be damaged, and they may lose their job or be unable to find employment. Family relationships can also suffer harm, and a parent may lose custody of their children or be required to have supervision present whenever they spend time with their kids. All of this can occur even if a person is never convicted.

If you have been accused of a sexual offense, it is crucial to secure legal representation from a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we have worked with clients in a wide variety of criminal cases, and we have obtained more than 300 not guilty verdicts and acquittals. We are prepared to investigate the circumstances of your case and determine the best possible defense strategy. We understand the serious and sensitive nature of sex crime allegations, and we will do everything we can to protect your rights, your reputation, and your freedom.

The Texas Penal Code identifies a wide variety of sex-related offenses, including:

• Sexual assault - Typically referred to as rape, this offense applies if a person engages in an act of sexual penetration with a person who has not given consent. Sexual assault charges will apply any time a person engages in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 17. In most cases, this offense is a second-degree felony, and it can be punished by 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Aggravated sexual assault - This offense applies if sexual assault causes serious bodily injury or death, if a deadly weapon was used during the assault, if more than one person participated in the assault, if a drug or substance was given to the victim to render them unable of giving consent, or if the victim was under the age of 14, elderly, or disabled. This is a first-degree felony, and it can be punished by 5-99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Indecent assault - Groping or other types of sexual contact that are committed without a person's consent may result in a Class A misdemeanor charge, which can be punished by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
• Child pornography - Possessing, accessing, or promoting visual material that depicts a child under the age of 18 engaging in sexual conduct is a third-degree felony. A second offense is a second-degree felony, and a third offense is a first-degree felony.
• Indecency with a child - A person may face second-degree felony charges if they engage in sexual contact with a child under the age of 17. A person may be charged with a third-degree felony if they expose themselves to a child or cause the child to expose their intimate parts for their own sexual gratification. A third-degree felony can be punished by 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Prostitution - Receiving payment for engaging in sexual conduct is a Class B misdemeanor, which can be punished by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A third offense is a Class A misdemeanor, and a fourth offense is a state jail felony, which can be punished by 180 days to two years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Solicitation of a prostitute is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a state jail felony for a second offense. Solicitation of a person who is under the age of 18 is a second-degree felony.