Have you been charged with a sex crime in Allen, Texas? Few accusations carry consequences as severe or as far-reaching as these. However, the fact of the matter is that you’re innocent until proven guilty, which gives our experienced Allen sex crimes lawyers with Texas Defense Firm lots of room to work with.
Our top-rated criminal defense law firm has over 200 years of combined experience helping clients respond to even some of the most serious charges on the books. We’ll do everything in our power to help you secure a favorable outcome as the law permits.
Call us today at (972) 369-0577 to get started with an initial consultation. We can offer you some initial legal advice about what you should do next when we meet.
How Texas Defense Firm Can Help if You Are Facing Sex Crime Charges in Allen, TX
The prosecution and law enforcement have already made up their minds about your guilt and are building a case designed to put you away for as long as possible. To level the playing field, you need a defense team on your side that is equally aggressive and prepared.
Our award-winning Allen criminal defense lawyers have received honors on both the local and national levels for our dedication to our clients. If you hire us to represent you, we can:
- Analyze the evidence the state has gathered and identify every weakness in its case
- Protect your rights throughout the investigation, including any interrogations and searches
- Retain qualified experts when needed, such as forensic analysts and digital evidence specialists
- Pursue every opportunity to have your charges dismissed before trial
- Prepare a thorough defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of your situation
- Represent you at every hearing and, if necessary, fight for you in front of a jury
Prosecutors treat sex crime cases as high-priority matters; you deserve an attorney who matches that intensity. Contact the Allen sex crimes attorneys at Texas Defense Firm today for an initial consultation.
Sex Crime Charges Under Texas Law
Texas law covers a broad range of offenses that fall under the umbrella of sex crimes, each carrying its own legal elements. Learning about what you are up against as a defendant is the first step toward building an effective defense.
Some of the most commonly prosecuted sex offenses in Texas include:
- Sexual Assault (Penal Code § 22.011): Involves non-consensual sexual contact and is typically classified as a second-degree felony
- Aggravated Sexual Assault (Penal Code § 22.021): Applies when certain aggravating factors are present, such as the use of a weapon or when the alleged victim is under 14, and is charged as a first-degree felony
- Indecency with a Child (Penal Code § 21.11): Covers sexual contact with or exposure to a minor, classified as either a second- or third-degree felony depending on the nature of the alleged conduct
- Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child (Penal Code § 21.02): One of the most serious charges in the Texas Penal Code, classified as a first-degree felony
- Online Solicitation of a Minor (Penal Code § 33.021): Involves using electronic communications to solicit a minor for sexual purposes
These are serious charges that require a comprehensive response. Learn about your best plan of action by contacting our law firm for help today.
Potential Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in Allen, Texas
The penalties for sex crimes in Texas are among the harshest in the country. What you face depends on the specific offense and whether any aggravating factors apply.
To give you a sense of what is at stake:
- Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- First-degree felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison and fines up to $10,000
- Continuous sexual abuse of a young child: A minimum of 25 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life
The majority of sex crime convictions in Texas also trigger mandatory registration as a sex offender under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Many offenses require lifetime registration.
What Defenses Are Available for Sex Crime Charges in Texas?
The state must prove every element of your charges beyond a reasonable doubt. That is the highest standard of proof in the legal system and creates real opportunities for an experienced defense attorney with our team to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Depending on the facts, potential defenses may include:
- The alleged conduct did not occur, and the accusation is false
- Consent was present and the complaining witness was of legal age
- The evidence was obtained through an illegal search and seizure
- There are inconsistencies with the accusing party’s statements
- Mistaken identity played a role in the accusation
- The prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof based on the available evidence
Some defenses are affirmative, meaning you must present supporting evidence. Our sex crimes attorneys in Allen will evaluate which strategies give you the best path forward based on your situation.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Allen Sex Crimes Attorneys
A sex crime accusation in Allen, TX, can upend every part of your life, let alone a conviction. This isn’t the time to cut any corners; contact Texas Defense Firm as soon as you can for legal help. Our Allen sex crimes attorneys have over 200 years of combined experience and understand how the prosecution operates as well as anyone.
