Protecting Your Rights When You Face Sex Offense Charges
Accusations of a sex crime can destroy your reputation and your future even before you go to court. Responding to the charges as soon as possible is important. You need a skilled sex crimes defense attorney who can protect your legal rights and stand by your side throughout the process.
At Clarissa Fernandez Pratt, Attorney at Law, our criminal defense attorneys represent clients in Texas who are facing sex offenses. We will start building your defense immediately and give you the personal attention your case deserves.
Representing A Wide Range Of Charges
Sex crimes go beyond sexual assault charges. They can involve pornography, internet crimes or prostitution. Sexual assault, sometimes referred to as rape, generally involves sexual contact without the victim’s consent. A victim cannot provide consent if they are under the age of 17 or cannot provide consent for another reason, such as intoxication.
Clarissa represents a full range of sex crime charges, including:
- Indecent exposure
- Solicitation
- Sexual assault
- Child pornography
- Statutory rape
- Sexual abuse
- Indecent contact with a child
- Internet sex crimes
These are just a few examples of sex crime offenses.
What Penalties Could You Face?
Most sex crimes are felonies, though a few are misdemeanors. For example, child pornography is a federal felony that can bring a sentence of anywhere from five to 30 years in prison. Many prostitution charges, on the other hand, are misdemeanors that can include jail time. Most sexual assault, or rape, charges are felonies under Texas law.
Convictions of many of these offenses may also require you to register with the state sex offender registry. This registry is a public database that you will need to keep updated for either 10 years or your entire life. Sex offender registration can affect your future employment, housing opportunities and family relationships. Every time you move, you must update your movements with local law enforcement. Failure to register is a felony-level crime in itself.
What Is The Difference Between Sexual Assault And Aggravated Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault refers to nonconsensual sexual penetration of another person. An aggravated sexual assault is similar, but it also involves the presence of an aggravating factor such as:
- Threat of bodily injury
- Bodily injury
- A deadly weapon
- A vulnerable or disabled victim
The sentences for aggravated sexual assault are stricter than those for sexual assault.
Why Do You Need A Criminal Defense Attorney For A Sex Crimes Case?
The state is not necessarily looking for the true culprit of an assault: It is looking for someone – anyone – to put in jail. Even if you know you are not guilty, you face the loss of your freedom and reputation if wrongly convicted – even if wrongly accused. A criminal defense lawyer can level the playing field against the state, protecting your rights against and incredibly powerful system.
What Is The Age Of Consent In Texas?
The age of consent is the age at which a minor can have consensual sex with an adult. In Texas, this age is 17. Any sexual activity with a minor under age 17 can result in statutory sex abuse charges such as statutory rape.
Is There A Statute Of Limitations For Sex Crimes In Texas?
In Texas, there is a 10-year statute of limitations for sex offenses. After 10 years from the date of the assault, the state can no longer bring charges against the perpetrator. There is also a civil deadline of five years to file a personal injury lawsuit against someone for alleged sexual abuse.
Get Started Today With A Confidential Consultation
You have no time to waste in building your case. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation today. You can send an online message or call our office in San Antonio at 210-920-2535. We can serve you throughout Bexar County.