Tarrant County Sex Assault Defense Attorney

Lawyers for Sexual Assault and Sex Offenses in Fort Worth and Arlington

When a person is accused of a sex-related criminal offense, it is likely to have an immediate and drastic impact on their life. Allegations of sexual assault can destroy someone's personal and professional reputation, and even more serious accusations, such as possession of child pornography or child sex abuse, may follow a person for the rest of their life, even if they are found innocent of any crimes. If you are facing charges related to any type of sexual offense, you will want to understand the specific crimes being charged and the strategies for defense.

Even though everyone should be considered innocent until they are proven guilty, people often rush to judgment against those who have been charged with sexual assault or related offenses. An alleged offender will face a variety of consequences, both in criminal courts and in their personal life. These accusations can cause the loss of standing in the community, make it difficult to secure and maintain employment, and affect the decisions made in family court. The losses that can occur because of sex crime charges can be devastating, and they may last for the rest of a person's life.

If a person is convicted of a sexual offense, they may face serious criminal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and thousands of dollars in fines. In addition, they will usually be required to register as a sex offender, which can place limitations on where they are able to live and the types of jobs they can hold.

When you are facing allegations of a sex crime, you should be sure to work with a skilled criminal defense lawyer to determine your options for defense. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. has assisted many clients in criminal cases, and we have received over 300 acquittals and not guilty verdicts. We will ensure that you understand your rights, the nature of the crimes you have been charged with, and the steps you can take to protect your freedom and your reputation.

Sex crimes can be prosecuted in a variety of cases, including:

• Sexual assault - Engaging in sexual penetration with another person who has not given consent is a second-degree felony, punishable by between 2 and 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. More serious charges will apply if there are aggravating circumstances such as the use of a deadly weapon or "date rape" drugs. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony, punishable by between 5 and 99 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Sexual assault of a child - A person can be charged with sexual assault if they engage in sexual penetration with a child who is under the age of 17, or they may face aggravated sexual assault charges if the victim is under the age of 14. If the victim is under the age of 6, or if aggravating circumstances are present when a victim is under the age of 14, an offender faces a minimum prison sentence of 25 years.
• Child pornography - The possession of visual materials, such as photos, videos, or images on a computer, that depict sexual conduct by a child who is under 18 is a third-degree felony, punishable by between 2 and 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Creating child pornography or otherwise cause a child to perform acts of sexual conduct before an audience is a second-degree felony, and it is a first-degree felony if the child is under the age of 14.
• Indecency with a child - Acts of sexual contact other than sexual penetration with a child under 17 may result in second-degree felony charges. A third-degree felony may be charged if a person exposes their genitals to a child under 17 or causes a child to expose their genitals.
• Prostitution - A Class B misdemeanor may be charged if a person offers or agrees to receive a fee to engage in sexual conduct. This is punishable by a maximum of 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. A Class A misdemeanor may be charged if a person solicits a person to engage in sexual conduct for a fee. This is punishable by between 180 days and 2 years in state jail and a maximum fine of $10,000.