Our Criminal Attorneys Represent Defendants Facing Sexual Assault Charges in Texas
Everyone should know that a sexual assault charge is a serious matter. Not only can sexual assault convictions mean harsh penalties, but the stigma of such an offense can impact almost every aspect of your life. Sexual assault convictions might mean you have to register as a sex offender, and it often affects an offender’s ability to find employment, housing, and more.
If you have been accused of sexual assault, you should not delay in contacting The Law office of Kyle Whitaker. The sooner we learn about your case, the sooner we can begin working on the strongest possible defense against these charges. Call us today.
Sexual Assault in Texas
Under Texas law, sexual assault refers to acts that might commonly be known as rape. Specifically, sexual assault means committing any of the following acts without the person’s consent:
- Penetration of a sexual organ or anus by any means
- Penetration of a person’s mouth by the offender’s sexual organ
- Contact of the person’s sexual organ with the offender’s mouth
Someone does not give consent if the offender:
- Used force or threats to compel the sexual contact
- The person is unconscious, impaired, or has a mental defect that prevents them from being able to consent
- The offender is in a certain position of authority who coerces the sexual contact
Sexual assault also applies to children, and in such cases, consent is not an issue. Any of the above acts with a child is considered to be sexual assault regardless of consent.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Sexual assault can become an aggravated offense if certain circumstances are alleged by the authorities. These include:
- Causing serious bodily harm to the victim
- Attempting to kill the victim
- Using a deadly weapon during the assault
- More than one defendant was involved in the offense
- Using rohypnol or ketamine (“date rape drugs”) so a victim will submit
- The victim is younger than 14, elderly, or disabled
Possible Penalties in TX
Both sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault are serious felony charges with potential penalties that will alter your life. For each offense, you could face the following:
- Sexual assault - Second-degree felony charges, fines up to $10,000, and two to 20 years in prison
- Aggravated sexual assault - First-degree felony charges, fines up to $10,000, and five to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment
Sexual assault offenders will also need to register as sex offenders and often feel the effects of a conviction long after they complete a prison sentence. It is critical to prevent a conviction for this type of charge whenever you can.
Contact The Law Office of Kyle Whitaker for Help Today!
At the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, we know how devastating a sexual assault conviction can be. We fight for the rights of criminal defendants facing serious charges, including allegations of sexual assault. You need an aggressive defense attorney on your side, so call 817-332-7703 or contact us online right away to discuss how we can assist you.