Accusations of sexual assault or other sex crimes in Texas can have consequences that will follow and haunt you for a lifetime.
In addition to a heavy fine and a lengthy prison sentence, you’re now branded as a sex offender, limiting your employment opportunities and even where you’re allowed to live.
As with any accusation of criminality, under the law you’re presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, accusations of sexual assault cases will often mean you’re found guilty in the court of public opinion. That can happen long before you ever enter a courtroom to face your accuser.
That out-of-court “conviction” of a sexual assault charge can create obstacles, problems, and negative consequences you may have to face for the rest of your life.
That’s why it’s essential to secure an experienced sexual assault defense lawyer as soon as you possibly can.
If you need a sexual assault lawyer in San Antonio, you can do no better than the Hernandez Law Office. Over the years, we have successfully defended many individuals falsely accused of committing various types of sexual offenses, and we would like to have the opportunity to represent you and protect your reputation against any false accusations leveled against you.
Sexual Offenses in Texas
Listed below are the crimes that are considered sexual offenses in the state of Texas:
Rape/Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is defined as sexual penetration taking place without the other person’s consent. Under Texas law this is a second degree felony and conviction carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of 2-20 years. Children under the age of 17 are not able to give consent, and any penetration of a person under that age is considered to be sexual assault of a child.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
A charge of sexual assault becomes a first degree felony if there are aggravating circumstances. These would include the victim being injured or killed or multiple individuals being involved in assaulting the victim. Conviction can lead to a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of 5-99 years.
Further, if the victim is under age 14 and there are aggravating circumstances, or if there is sexual penetration of a child under age 6, conviction will mean a minimum of 25 years in prison.
Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography
Third degree felony charges are leveled at any person who knowingly or intentionally possesses images, videos, or other visual materials that depict sexual conduct by a person under age 18. Conviction can lead to a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of 2-10 years.
Under Texas law, selling, transmitting, or distributing child pornography is a second degree felony, and conviction can lead to a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of 2-20 years.
Prostitution and Solicitation
Offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct in return for a fee is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law, and conviction can lead to a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.
Soliciting a prostitute is a Class A misdemeanor, and conviction can lead to a fine of up to $10,000 and 180 days to 2 years in jail.
Third degree felony charges (up to a $10,000 fine and 2-20 years in prison) can be leveled against anyone accused of promoting prostitution, including through the use of online services.
San Antonio Sexual Assault Attorney
While sexual assault in any form is a horrible crime, we know that innocent persons are often accused of this offense. If you have been wrongly accused of sexual assault, we urge you to contact Hernandez Law Office.
We have extensive experience successfully defending individuals falsely accused of sexual assault in San Antonio and surround areas, and our attorneys will be glad to examine your case and explain your legal options and the steps we can take together in your defense.
Sexual assault is a very serious offense, and delay is not an option. Contact us today to schedule your initial free consultation.
Our Criminal Defense law firm in San Antonio also provides:
Criminal Defense Attorney in San Antonio
Drug Crimes Attorneys in San Antonio, TX
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