How a Skilled Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Sex Crime Charges in Sugar Land

If you are charged with a sex crime in Texas, you could face severe penalties if convicted. Whether the crime was a misdemeanor or a felony, it could tarnish your reputation and leave you with a permanent criminal record. It is important to know how a skilled defense lawyer can help you fight sex crime charges in Sugar Land.

What Is a Sex Crime?

Sex crimes are some of the most serious crimes in Texas, with varying levels of severity under Texas Penal Code Chapter 21. Sex crimes involve nonconsensual sexual acts with another adult or a child with the intent to arouse sexual desire. Sex crimes may involve the genitals, anus, breasts, or mouth of another person. Public exposure is also a sex crime, though it doesn’t involve physical contact.

Common Sex Crimes in Texas

Texas has a considerably high level of sex crime violations compared to other US states. Sexual assault or rape, is the highest reported sex crime, comprising over 50% of sex offenses. Sexual assault is the nonconsensual penetration of another person’s sex organs using one’s genitals or an object. Other commonly reported sex crimes in Texas include the following:

• Continuous sexual abuse of a child: It is considered continuous if there are two or more sexual abuse acts that occur over a period of 30 days or more. A child is considered someone under 14, and the actor must be over 17. It is a first-degree felony.
• Indecency with a child: This involves inappropriately touching a child’s genitals or anus with the intent to cause arousal. A minor is a child under 17 years of age. It is a first-degree felony.
• Indecent exposure involving a child: This is a serious crime that involves either an adult exposing their genitals, breasts, or anus to a child or a child doing likewise with the purpose of arousing sexual desire. It is a third-degree felony.
• Aggravated sexual assault: Aggravated sexual assault is the same as sexual assault, but it involves aggravating factors such as the victim being an elder or under 14 years old, the use of a deadly weapon, or causing bodily injury during the assault. This is a capital felony.
• Sexual performance involving a child: This crime involves a child performing various sexual acts or exposing their genitals or breasts in front of a camera, an audience, or a film. This is a first-degree felony.

Penalties for Most Common Sex Crimes

Sex crimes in Texas may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. While some sex crimes, like indecent exposure involving adults, are Class B misdemeanors, most are first, second, or third-degree felonies.

The punishments for felony sex crime convictions are as follows:

• First-degree felonies: 25 years to life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
• Second-degree felonies: Between 2-20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
• Third-degree felonies: Between 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines

In addition to serving time in jail and paying exorbitant fines, you will have to register as a sex offender. Sex crimes may also appear on your permanent criminal record, which could impede your chances of obtaining employment, educational opportunities, or even housing.

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you are facing sex crime charges, it is wise to contact a lawyer right away. Our legal team at Segura and Kiatta has extensive experience and is equipped to handle even the most serious sex crime cases. One of the most important ways we can help your case is by negotiating your charges. For example, in one case, a Sugar Land karate instructor was released on a $75,000 bond. This release was likely due to the defendant having a competent lawyer by their side.

Other ways a lawyer can help you fight sex crime charges include the following:

• Getting your case dismissed if there is a lack of evidence
• Proving consent if you maintain your innocence
• Negotiating your sentencing if you are convicted
• Appealing your charges if you are dissatisfied with the court’s ruling

There are many defenses available to you if you are charged with a sex crime, which is why it is wise to hire a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer to defend your rights.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Beat a Sex Offender Charge?

A: To beat a sex offender charge, you will need a solid defense and a skilled lawyer. Common defenses for sex offender charges include mistaken identity, invalid evidence, or challenging the witnesses’ credibility. If you maintain your innocence, you should contact a lawyer immediately who can help you explore your legal options.

Q: What Are the Four Main Lines of Defense That a Defense Attorney Can Use?

A: There are four main lines of defense that your defense attorney can use to help you with your case. They include a constitutional right violation, proving your innocence, an insanity plea, and self-defense. Each of these is a strong defense that can help you get your case dismissed, acquitted, or have your charges negotiated.

Q: How Much Does a Defense Lawyer Cost?

A: The cost of a defense lawyer varies and depends on several key factors. The main factors that are considered in defense lawyer costs are the lawyer’s skill and experience, the complexity of the case, and the law firm’s location. Generally, more experienced and successful lawyers can justify charging more. More complex cases tend to require more billable hours, and firms in areas with a higher cost of living may be more expensive.

Q: What Is a Sex Crime Lawyer?

A: A sex crime lawyer is a type of defense lawyer who has specific experience handling cases involving sex crimes. Sex crimes may include sexual assault, rape, or other forms of nonconsensual sexual contact. These lawyers have a thorough knowledge of sex crime laws in their particular jurisdiction and have extensive experience representing clients who are charged with sex crimes.

Experienced Sex Crime Lawyers at Your Side

At Segura and Kiatta, we are experienced sex crime attorneys who deeply understand sex crime laws in Texas. We understand the severity of these charges and how they can impact your life forever. If you need legal representation for your sex crime case, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.