If you are facing a sex crime accusation, it is imperative that you hire an experienced sex crime lawyer in Dallas, Texas immediately. Some of the most common sex-related accusations include sexual assault, rape, statutory rape, indecent exposure, and prostitution – a defendant convicted of any of these sex crimes may face a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, registration as a sex offender, and other life-altering ramifications.
The earlier you involve our Dallas sex crimes lawyers in the criminal justice process, the more opportunities we have to help you minimize the effects of an accusation. We may be able to help you collect critical evidence for your defense, prevent a case from being filed, or avoid an embarrassing arrest.
Having spent years as criminal defense attorneys and Dallas County prosecutors before that, we have worked on some of the highest-profile cases in the North Texas area. Our clients benefit from our extensive jury trial experience, long-standing relationships with local law enforcement, highly personalized client attention, and a persevering approach to litigation.
More than that, at M|C Criminal Law, we are not only attorneys who fight but also attorneys who care. We listen to our clients, tell you the truth about what you’re facing, and help you address and rehabilitate behaviors in your lives that may have led to these frightening accusations. Contact us today so that we can assess your situation and begin preparing a defense.
Sexual assault under Texas Penal Code 20.011 is non-consensual sexual contact with a person that involves penetration. In Texas, sexual assault is the equivalent of rape. Aggravated sexual assault is sexual assault that happens under specific aggravating circumstances, such as using a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime; causing serious bodily injury or death; making the person fear injury, death or kidnaping; if multiple alleged assailants were involved; using drugs with the intent to facilitate the crime; or if the sexual assault was committed against a person under 14, an elderly, or disabled person. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony punished by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, while aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony punished by five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. When it comes to sexual assault, prosecutors are often pressured to file charges purely based on the word of an alleged victim, without supporting evidence. Our Dallas sex crime lawyers know how to attack the prosecution’s case while doing our best to keep your reputation intact.
In Texas, the legal age of consent is set to 17. That means that a person 16 or below cannot consent to sexual activity with an adult and any sexual contact can be charged as sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony. This is the equivalent of statutory rape in other states. Any sexual contact with a child under the age of 14 is considered aggravated sexual assault, which is a first-degree felony. If two or more sexual acts happened over a 30-day time period or longer, it is considered that a pattern of behavior existed and the punishment is harsher than for any single sexual act. Continual sexual abuse of a child under 14 is one of the most serious accusations in Texas and it was expanded in 2021 so that the victims can include disabled individuals, in addition to children. Just an accusation of sexually assaulting a child can have devastating consequences, without even considering a potential conviction. You need the best sex crime attorneys in Dallas to represent and guide you from day one.
A person can be charged under the Trafficking of Persons law in Texas if they are the ones doing the trafficking, benefiting from it, or using the victims to commit sexual acts. The base accusation of trafficking is punished as a second-degree felony, however, the charges can often be enhanced. If the trafficking involves minor children or disabled individuals, the charge can be enhanced to a first-degree felony, while engaging in trafficking two or more times is considered continuous trafficking. Trafficking charges are often accompanied by additional criminal charges, such as solicitation or promotion of prostitution. As serious as these charges are, there are valid defenses that can be employed, from proving that the accused had no knowledge that any criminal activity was happening to challenging the prosecution’s evidence. You have the highest chance of defending against these charges if you contact experienced Dallas sex crime attorneys before the charges are even filed.
The prostitution and solicitation laws in Texas are some of the harshest in the country; while paying for sex was a misdemeanor until 2021, as a result of changes to the law it is now considered a felony. A sexual act does not have to have happened for a person to be charged with a crime – solicitation involves merely offering money (or items of value) for sexual activity. Even for first-time offenders, solicitation and prostitution are considered state jail felonies punished by 180 days to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. If the crime involves minors between 14 to 18 years of age, it is enhanced to a second-degree felony, while it becomes a first-degree felony if it involves persons 14 or younger. Repeat offenders face even higher penalties. Texas also has laws against the promotion of prostitution and compelling prostitution. The first refers to persons who knowingly profit from prostitution or solicitation without engaging in sex acts themselves; promotion of prostitution is a state jail felony. The second refers to coercing another person to participate in prostitution by force, threats, or fraud; coercion of prostitution is a second-degree felony. Both crimes can be enhanced under specific circumstances. While being accused of solicitation and prostitution might be embarrassing, the worst thing you could do is hide from the accusations. Contact our sex crimes attorneys in Dallas and let us fight the accusations head-on.
Indecent assault is one of the least severe sex-related charges in Texas, however, that does not mean that it is, by any means, not serious. Indecent assault encompasses any unwanted sexual touching, such as feeling another person’s sexual areas or attempting to expose them, or causing another person to come into contact with the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of any person. Indecent assault is typically classified as a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. It can be enhanced to a state jail felony if the accused is a repeat offender, a healthcare worker, or a mental health service provider. These charges can be hard to fight against because even innocent, accidental contact can be considered unwanted sexual touching by the other person. Our experienced Dallas sex crime attorneys know how to fight these charges.
Defending against a sex crime accusation without expert guidance can expose you to the possibility of getting convicted and receiving the maximum punishment. If convicted, you could face imprisonment, substantial fines, sex offender registration, and other social ramifications. At M|C Criminal Law, our attorneys are committed to offering comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to individuals in sex crimes cases. As your legal counsel, we will evaluate and investigate every last detail of your case and determine your best defense strategy. We can help you navigate the Texas criminal justice system and strive to keep your record as clean as possible.
Kendall is an extraordinary attorney with great legal knowledge, experience, common sense and judgement. The quality of Kendall’s character is equally outstanding. He deeply cares about his clients and doing the very best for them. Kendall was an invaluable counsel and resource in in our difficult domestic child abuse case. I am honored to know
Messina Madson is the greatest!! She not only knows the law in and out, but truly cares for her clients. Messina was up front and honest about everything happening throughout my case. I spoke to Messina for the first time while I was in jail and thought I had zero chance of getting out on
My loved one had a very serious charge, and I wanted to do everything I could to make sure he got the best outcome possible. After almost a year, the plea deal stayed the same, and I was frustrated. Also getting his bond reduced was denied over and over. Someone I work with told me
When I first learned I needed a defense lawyer for some very serious charges I was lost and scared, and feared the worst. I saw my life spinning out of control with the possibility of losing everything and even jail. I had never needed a lawyer and didn’t know who to turn to. Kendall Castello
Consent can be described as an agreement between two people to engage in sexual activity. Consent must be voluntary, clear, and ongoing. This means that consent can be revoked at any time during a sexual activity.
In Texas, the legal age of consent is 17 years of age. This is the age at which an individual is legally considered old enough to consent to sexual activity. Therefore, engaging in sexual activity with a minor, even if the person consented to the sexual activity (or lied about their age) is regarded as sexual assault.
Being falsely accused is devastating, emotionally, socially, and legally. Your first instinct may be to attempt to prove your innocence to the public or to government institutions on your own. This is not the best course of action and there is the possibility that you could make matters worse. You need to hire legal experts who can help you navigate these accusations, both in and out of the courtroom.
