Denton County Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Sexual Assault and Other Sex Offenses in Denton and Elizabethtown

If you have been accused of a sex crime, it is likely that your life will be turned upside down. Criminal offenses such as sexual assault, prostitution, or sexual exploitation of a child are taken very seriously, and you may not only face criminal consequences, but your personal and professional life will also be impacted. To ensure that your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly, it is crucial to immediately seek legal help in these cases.

While people in the United States are supposed to be presumed innocent until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, this is often not the case when a person is accused of a sexual offense. All too often, police officers, prosecutors, and members of the public fail to consider the motives of the person making an accusation, the circumstances surrounding the case, and the rights of the accused. As a result, if you are facing sex crime charges, you must fight an uphill battle to ensure that you are treated fairly.

In cases involving alleged sex offenses, the consequences of a conviction can be severe. In addition to large fines, years in prison, and the requirement to register as a sex offender, you will be likely to suffer other types of repercussions. You may lose your job and have trouble finding employment, your personal and family relationships may be affected, and you could even lose custody of your children. Regardless of whether you are convicted or serve a sentence, these allegations can affect you for the rest of your life.

Because of the serious nature of sex crime accusations, it is essential to act quickly to protect your reputation and determine the ideal defense strategy. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys have years of experience defending clients against criminal charges, and we can help you understand the best steps to take to achieve a positive outcome to your case. We have obtained over numerous not guilty verdicts and acquittals in criminal cases, and we are ready to provide you with the defense you need.

The Texas Penal Code identifies multiple types of sex crimes and related offenses, including:

• Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault - If consent is not given, an act of sexual penetration is considered to be sexual assault, which is a second-degree felony. Since children younger than 17 years old cannot legally give consent, an act of sexual penetration with a child is considered sexual assault. If a case involves aggravating circumstances, such as the infliction of a serious injury to the victim or the use of a deadly weapon, a charge may be elevated to aggravated sexual assault, which is a first-degree felony. A second-degree felony can result in 2 to 20 years in prison, and a first-degree felony can result in 5 to 99 years in prison. Felony offenders may also face a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Indecency with a child - Sexual contact other than sexual penetration with a child younger than 17 years old is a second-degree felony. A third-degree felony will apply if a person exposes themselves to a child or causes the child to expose their intimate parts. A third-degree felony can result in 2 to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Child pornography - Possession of visual materials, such as images or videos, that depict any type of sexual contact involving a person younger than 18 years old is a third-degree felony. Promotion of child pornography, which includes manufacturing, selling, transmitting, delivering, or advertising this type of material, is a second-degree felony. The creation of child pornography, along with any other actions in which a child is encouraged or induced to engage in the performance of sexual conduct, is a second-degree felony, and if the child is younger than 14 years old, it is a first-degree felony.
• Prostitution - Agreeing or offering to engage in sexual contact or sexual intercourse for a fee is a Class B misdemeanor, and agreeing or offering to pay a fee in return for sexual conduct is a Class A misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor can result in up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. and a Class A misdemeanor can result in 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a maximum fine of $10,000.