Facing a sex allegation in Dallas or the surrounding area? Your first call needs to be to an experienced Dallas sex crimes lawyer. Sexual accusations, even if unfounded, can cause irreparable damage to your reputation and jeopardize your future. Nothing you do from this moment forward will help your position without the skill and expertise of a seasoned defense lawyer.
The attorneys at Varghese Summersett have decades of experience handling sex cases, first as prosecutors and now as highly-regarded top defense attorneys. We understand the stigma associated with sex charges and will leave no stone unturned to find the best defense strategy for you. In this article, we will break down the common adult sex crimes in Texas, punishment ranges, possible defenses, and potential collateral consequences. But first, please watch this short video from Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer Letty Martinez, who explains what you should do if you are falsely accused of sexual assault.
There are numerous sex offenses for which a person can be charged in Texas. Here are some common adult sex offenses and potential punishment ranges. If you or a loved one is facing any of these charges, it’s is imperative that you contact a Dallas sex crime lawyer immediately.
Offense: Penetrates the anus or sexual organ of another person without consent; penetrates the mouth of another person with a sexual organ without consent; or causes the sexual organ of another person to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus or sexual organ of another person without consent.
Punishment: Second-degree felony, 2-20 years in prison, maximum $10,000 fine.
Offense: Sexual assault + an aggravating factor, such as using a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, attempting to cause death, or using a date rape drug. If the victim or disabled or elderly (over age 65), would also make the sexual assault aggravated.
Punishment: First-degree felony, 5-99 years or life in prison, maximum $10,000 fine.
Offense: Touches the anus, breast or genitals of another person without consent or causes another person to contact the blood, semen, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine or feces of any person.
Punishment: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, maximum $4,000 fine.
Offense: Exposes themselves (genitals or anus) for sexual gratification to someone who might be offended or alarmed.
Punishment: Class B misdemeanor, 0-180 days in jail, maximum $2,000 fine.
Offense: Engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual contact in public.
Punishment: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, maximum $4000 fine.
Offense: Engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with an ancestor or descendant by blood or adoption, including parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren; siblings including half-siblings, aunt or uncle and niece or nephew; and first cousins.
Punishment: Second-degree felony, 2-20 years in prison, a maximum $10,000 fine if sexual conduct is with a parent or a child, even an adult child. Third-degree felony, 2-10 years in prison, maximum a10,000 fine if conduct is with another family member.
Offense: Sexual contact between a teacher, educator, or any employee of a primary or secondary school and a student.
Punishment: Second-degree felony, 2-20 years in prison, maximum $10,000 fine.
Offense: Offering, agreeing to, or actually engaging in sexual conduct for a fee.
Punishment: Class B misdemeanor, 0-180 days in jail, maximum $2000 fine.
Offense: Offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for purposes of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another.
Punishment: State jail felony, 180 days – 2 years in state jail, maximum $10,000 fine.
Offense: Receives proceeds; solicits another to engage for compensation.
Punishment: Third-degree felony, 2-10 years in prison, maximum $10,000 fine; If under 18: First degree felony, 5-99 years or life, up to $10,000 fine.
Offense: Owns, invests in, finances, controls, supervises, or manages prostitution enterprise with two or more prostitutes.
Punishment: First-degree felony, 5-99 years or life, maximum $10,000 fine.
Offense: Traffics another using force, fraud, or coercion to cause the person to engage in prostitution or sexual activities.
Punishment: Second-degree felony, 2-20 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine
Unfortunately, false accusations are often made in Dallas sex crimes cases. That’s why it’s so imperative to have a tough, experienced lawyer in your corner, fighting for you every step of the way. Some defenses that could apply to a sex crimes case include but are not limited to:
Many sex crime defense strategies focus on the alleged victim’s credibility and whether he or she has a motive to be untruthful. Our team will drill down to uncover ulterior motives which could include revenge, attention, financial gain or mental instability.
It depends. Many sex crimes, such as sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault, will require sex offender registration. Other sexual crimes, such as public lewdness and prostitution, do not require sex offender registration. Compelling prostitution, however, is an offense that requires registration. To find out if the offense you or a loved one is facing requires sex offender registration, contact a skilled Dallas sex crimes lawyer. Sex offender registrations can be for a 10-year period or a lifetime.
A conviction for a sex crime can have long-lasting collateral consequences. In addition to jail time and steep penalties, you could lose your job, your marriage, your children, as well as the right to vote or carry a firearm. Texas is well-known for having some of the harshest penalties for sex crimes.
Every Dallas sex crimes lawyer at Varghese Summersett has three goals for our clients:
* Avoid prison time.
* Avoid a conviction.
* Resolve the case in a way that will allow for the arrest record to be expunged or sealed.
If you have been accused of a sex crime in Dallas or the surrounding area, time is of the essence. The sooner an experienced attorney can get in front of your case, the better off you will be in the long run. At Varghese Summersett, we will conduct our own investigation into the allegations, scrutinize every iota of evidence, including the alleged victim’s motives, and build a solid defense strategy to maximize your chances of a successful outcome. Our team has a record of exceptional results defending sexual assault and other sex crime accusations. In some cases, we have gotten the case dismissed at the outset or at the grand jury stage. In other cases, we have taken the case to trial and won an acquittal. In all cases, we bring our A-game. Rest assured, we will handle your case with the utmost discretion, sensitivity, and discretion. Call 214-903-4000 to speak with a skilled Dallas sex crimes lawyer today.
