The penalties for a Texas sex crime conviction can vary, but they can include extensive prison time, fines, and mandatory inclusion on the sex offender registry.
If you are facing sex crime charges, Sugar Land criminal defense lawyer Jay Blass Cohen can guide you through the criminal justice system. You deserve legal representation that can protect your rights and fight for your best interests.
What does a Sugar Land Sex Crime Lawyer Do?
We help you navigate the legal process, build a strong criminal defense strategy, and advocate for your best interests. We will:
Provide Legal Consultation and Assess Your Case
We will provide advice and guidance regarding the charges you’re facing, the potential consequences, and the criminal justice process. We’ll review your case’s details, including evidence such as police reports and statements from the alleged victim, to assess the merits of the prosecution’s case and identify all potential defenses.
Advocate for Your Rights and Craft a Defense Strategy
We will ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings. We’ll work to develop a defense strategy relevant to your case’s specific circumstances, which may involve challenging the admissibility of evidence or questioning witness credibility.
Discussing Your Options With Prosecutors
Once we’ve looked into your case, we can start discussing options with the prosecution. If we have established your alibi or determined there was police misconduct, we can use that information to win your case at trial.
If that happens, your case is done and you can go back to your regular life.
If appropriate, we can work on negotiations for a lesser charge or build a robust case to take to trial, whichever is best for you.
Consult With Expert Witnesses
We can work with expert witnesses to support what actually happened.
File Pretrial Motions
Your defense attorney can file pretrial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully or to dismiss charges due to a lack of evidence.
Provide Courtroom Representation
During this process, we will present arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge any evidence presented by the prosecution.
Possible Penalties for Sugar Land Sex Crimes
Texas law categorizes sex crimes into various offenses, each with its own set of penalties, which include the following:
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault penalties can range from a second-degree to a first-degree felony, depending on factors such as the alleged survivor’s age, use of force, or presence of a weapon.
- Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- First-degree felony: 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault involves additional factors such as the use of a deadly weapon or serious bodily injury. Penalties are severe and can result in first-degree felony charges.
Indecency With a Child
Penalties for indecency with a child vary based on factors such as the complainant’s age and the nature of the conduct.
- Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- First-degree felony: 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000
Online Solicitation of a Minor
If you are convicted of communicating with a minor with the intent to commit sexual activity, penalties include a second- or third-degree felony, depending on the minor’s age.
- Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Third-degree felony: 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography
Possession or distribution of child pornography can range from a state jail felony to second-degree felony, depending on the number of images and the age of the depicted minors.
- State jail felony: 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000
- Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
Inclusion on the Sex Offender Registry
In addition to criminal penalties, individuals convicted of sex crimes may also face registration as a sex offender, which has significant long-term consequences. Registration can be for a 10-year period or for a lifetime, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
Potential Defense Strategies for Sugar Land Sex Crimes
Defending against sex crime charges requires careful examination of the specific facts of the case and an understanding of relevant laws. While each case is unique, the following are some potential defenses that may be able to use for your case:
- Consent was given—If the alleged sexual activity was consensual, we can provide evidence or witnesses who can attest to the consensual nature of the encounter.
- Mistaken identity—You may assert that the accuser misidentified you if we can prove you were not present at the alleged time and place.
- False accusations—If we can establish that the allegations are false, the prosecution may need to drop the case.
- Lack of evidence—If there is not enough evidence to charge you, the case may be “no billed.”
- Police misconduct or mishandling of evidence—If the police mishandled or improperly obtained evidence or engaged in misconduct, it may impact the admissibility of evidence.
- Fourth amendment violations—We can challenge the legality of searches and seizures, e.g., the evidence was obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
- Failure to read you your rights—If law enforcement fails to properly advise you of your Miranda rights to remain silent and request an attorney, statements you make after your arrest may be inadmissible in court.
Contact a Sugar Land Sex Crime Lawyer Today for Help
Sex crime offenses in Texas can result in severe, life-altering penalties, and the prospect of spending years in prison can be terrifying. Fortunately, you don’t have to face the justice system with a bad lawyer. Jay Blass Cohen and his team of Sugar Land sex crime lawyers at Blass Law will advocate for you through every step of the legal process.
Our criminal defense team provides aggressive representation and crafts strategic defenses for our clients, regardless of the charges they’re facing. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation—we pledge to work tirelessly to build you a robust defense, protect your rights, and fight for your freedom.