A sexual assault charge is one of the most serious charges you could face, and it is also one of the most frightening to be charged with. A charge alone could upend your life, and a conviction would come with serious consequences. You could go to jail or prison, be ordered to register as a sex offender, be placed on probation, and could have trouble finding a good job.
If you have been charged with sexual assault, now is the time to act. You can fight back against the charges and protect your freedom and future. But you do not have to fight alone.
A Galena Park criminal defense lawyer from our firm can help you by investigating your case, gathering evidence to defend you, building your case, and representing you in court.
How We Can Help You Build Your Case
From gathering evidence to developing a defense, we can handle every aspect of your case. We can also help you think through your legal options if you are offered a plea deal.
Building a Defense Against a Charge of Sexual Assault
Below are some possible defenses against a charge of sexual assault:
- Consent
- Innocence
- Mistaken identity
- Not enough evidence to convict
- Police procedural errors
- Violation of your rights
- Mental incapacity
For instance, if you are accused of committing a sexual assault but the victim consented to the sexual act, this could be a defense against the charges. It is vital that you build the best legal defense possible before it is too late. We can help you put together arguments to challenge your charges, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Considering a Plea Agreement Vs. Going to Trial
A plea agreement might be the right option for you, depending on your case, but you want to be 100% sure that it is the best option before signing an agreement. Discussing your case with someone from our team can help you identify your best course of action.
A plea agreement may be the faster option, but it is not always the right one. Going to trial can make the criminal court process take longer, but it could be best for you in the end. You should never plead guilty to something you didn’t do – you could receive lesser penalties after a chance to tell your side of the story.
Your case could:
- Be dismissed
- Be no billed by the grand jury
- Be acquitted by a jury
- Have the charges reduced
Sexual Assault as Defined By Texas Law
In Texas, sexual assault is any intentional sexual contact with another person without their consent per the Texas Penal Code §22.01. The severity of your charge will depend on the facts of the case. For instance, using a deadly weapon to coerce someone to engage in a sexual act may come with additional penalties.
No matter the circumstances of your case, you would face severe penalties if convicted. Remember that a Galena Park sexual assault lawyer from our firm can help defend you against a conviction.
Legal Penalties if You are Convicted of Sexual Assault
It is important to understand the consequences you could be facing if convicted of sexual assault in Texas. Knowing what you are up against can help you make important decisions about your case.
Texas uses classifications to categorize crimes based on their severity. For instance, a class A misdemeanor is a minor crime punished by a fine, a short jail term, or both. Legal punishments in Texas are listed in the table below, according to the Texas Penal Code §12.
Legal Penalties in Texas Based on Classification of Crime
| Classification | Punishment |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Fine up to $4,000, jail up to one year, or both |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Fine up to $2,000, jail up to 180 days, or both |
| Class C Misdemeanor | Up to $500 fine |
| State Jail Felony | Fine up to $10,000, confinement in state jail between 180 days and two years |
| Felony of the First Degree | Fine up to $10,000, imprisonment for life or between five and 99 years |
| Felony of the Second Degree | Fine up to $10,000, imprisonment between two and 20 years |
| Felony of the Third Degree | Fine up to $10,000, imprisonment between two and 10 years |
| Capital Felony | Life imprisonment (with or without parole) or the death penalty |
Additional Consequences of an Assault Charge or Conviction
Legal penalties are not the only negative effects you have to consider after a sexual assault charge or conviction. You could also face serious consequences to your life, including:
- Family and friends could look at you differently.
- You may not be allowed to spend time with certain family members.
- Sex offender registration is likely.
- Job loss is common due to laws about sexual offenders in certain industries.
- Financial hardship may follow any job loss, jail time, and heavy fines.
- Embarrassment, mental health issues, and other problems could follow.
We can work hard to fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Let us get started on investigating and building a case for you today.
The Attorneys at Blass Law Can Fight for You
If you were charged with sexual assault in or around Galena Park, Texas, do not hesitate to contact us today. We will fight for your rights, protect your future, and work tirelessly to see that you are treated fairly and that you are not punished through the legal system without due process. Call (713) 664-4000 to speak to a member of our team and find out more about how our firm can defend you.