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Sexual assault in Texas generally refers to an adult sexual assault that lacks any “aggravating” factor and is a second degree felony in Texas. Aggravated sexual assault in Texas, on the other hand, is sexual assault with an aggravating factor such as age, the threat of injury, actual injury, or disability. Aggravated sexual assault is generally a first degree felony in Texas.
| Sexual Assault | Aggravated Sexual Assault |
|---|---|
| Penal Code 22.01(a)(f) | Penal Code 22.021 |
| Second Degree Felony | First Degree Felony (Generally) |
| 2-20 years in prison | 5-99 years or life in prison |
| -- | No probation from jury if victim is below 14 |
| No probation from jury if sentence is 10 years or more | No probation from jury if sentence is 10 years or more |
| Deferred adjudication is possible | Deferred adjudication is not possible for a second offense |
| Lifetime registration as a sex offender | Lifetime registration as a sex offender |
Being accused of aggravated sexual assault is one of the most serious offenses for which a person can be charged and the presumption of innocence seems to go out the window as soon as an investigation begins. Unfortunately, people rush to judgment before you ever even step foot in a courtroom. Our goals for any sexual assault charge is threefold:
Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly listen to the circumstances surrounding your casework to build defenses to protect your reputation and your freedom. We have years of experience handling sex crimes – first as prosecutors and now as highly acclaimed defense attorneys. It’s imperative to have our background and experience on your side when the stakes are this high.
Aggravated Sexual Assault is a sexual assault that has at least one “aggravating” factor as set out in Penal Code 22.021. A sexual assault becomes an aggravated sexual assault if:
This is generally a first degree offense, with a punishment range of 5 years to 99 years or life in prison.
A jury cannot recommend probation to someone found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault. A judge cannot grant probation for someone on Aggravated Sexual Assault.
A person who is found guilty of aggravated sexual assault will have to register as a sex offender for life. Learn more about registration as a sex offender in Texas.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child or Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor in Texas is a sexual assault of a person under the age of 14. It involves the penetration of the sexual organ, anus, mouth involving a child under the age of 14. Sexual Assault of a Child is also “aggravated” if a deadly weapon is used or serious bodily injury is threatened.
This is a first degree felony offense, with a punishment range of 5 years to 99 years in prison or life.
Super aggravated sexual assault of a minor occurs:
The punishment for Super Aggravated Sexual Assault is 25 years to 99 years or life in prison. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 508.145(a), a person sentenced for this crime is not eligible for parole.
Our attorneys are hired in the most serious sexual assault cases for many reasons. First and foremost, we have extensive trial experience – on both sides. All of our partners started off as prosecutors and then became defense attorneys. For sexual assault cases, we not only know the State’s playbook, in many cases we trained the prosecutors and wrote the plays – so we know, better than anyone, how to beat them.
We also have a track record of proven results. Call us to discuss how our experience and diligence can help you.
Being charged with aggravated sexual assault in Fort Worth can be overwhelming. You don’t have to go this alone. Put our experience to work for you. Call today for a free consultation.
