Dallas County Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

Attorneys for Sexual Assault and Other Sex Crimes in Dallas, Mesquite, and Irving

Accusations of sexual assault or other sex crimes can have a wide variety of consequences. In addition to criminal charges that can result in severe punishments, the repercussions of these allegations can impact one's personal relationships, parental rights, employment opportunities, and living situation. When facing these types of accusations, you will need to act quickly to protect your rights and determine the best strategy for defense.

In any criminal case, an alleged offender should be considered innocent until they are found to be guilty in a court of law. However, false claims of sexual assault, child sex abuse, or other sexual offenses often result in a person being tried in the court of public opinion before they ever get a chance to defend themselves legally. The damage to one's reputation can cause obstacles that may last for the rest of a person's life, which is why it is essential to address these types of charges immediately.

The criminal consequences that come with a sex crime conviction can be devastating. Prison sentences for these offenses can be lengthy, especially in cases of crimes against children, and a person may also be required to pay thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Even after a sentence has been served, the requirement to register as a sex offender can also cause a great deal of difficulty by restricting a person from living in certain areas or working in certain jobs.

Due to the devastating impact that sex crime allegations can have on one's life, it is essential for anyone who is facing these types of charges to obtain legal representation. The lawyers of The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. are highly experienced in all types of criminal cases, and we have secured more than 300 acquittals and not guilty verdicts for our clients. We can help you build a defense strategy against accusations of sexual offenses, and we will fight for your rights and work to minimize the impact of these charges on your personal reputation, your career, and other areas of your life.

There are a wide variety of sex crimes identified in the Texas Penal Code, and these include:

• Rape/sexual assault - Sexual penetration that occurs without a person's consent is considered sexual assault. This is a second-degree felony, which can result in a prison sentence of 2-20 and fines up to $10,000. Children are unable to give consent, so any act of sexual penetration with a person under the age of 17 is considered sexual assault of a child.
• Aggravated sexual assault - A sexual assault charge will become a first-degree felony if aggravating circumstances are present, such as the victim suffering a serious injury or being killed or multiple people participating in the assault (commonly known as "gang rape"). A first-degree felony conviction can result in a prison sentence of 5-99 years and fines up to $10,000. If a victim is under the age of 14 and there are aggravating circumstances present, or if any act of sexual penetration occurs with a child below the age of 6, a conviction will result in a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.
• Possession or distribution of child pornography - A person who knowingly or intentionally possesses images, videos, or other visual materials depicting sexual conduct by a person below the age of 18 will face third-degree felony charges, which can result in a prison sentence of 2-10 years and fines up to $10,000. Selling, transmitting, or distributing child pornography is a second-degree felony.
• Prostitution and solicitation - Offering or agreeing to participate in sexual conduct in return for a fee is a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in a jail sentence of up to 180 days and fines up to $2,000. Soliciting a prostitute is a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in a state jail sentence of 180 days to 2 years and fines up to $10,000. A third-degree felony can be charged for promotion of prostitution, including through an online service.