Collin County Sexual Assault Defense

If you or a loved one have been accused of sexual assault or sexual misconduct in Collin County, it’s imperative to contact an experienced defense attorney immediately. Sex crimes are prosecuted harshly in Collin County and must be taken seriously. Not only do they carry jail time and steep fines, but sex charges can ruin personal and professional relationships, as well as your reputation. Even if the allegations are entirely false or unfounded, you will need the best, most aggressive defense possible.

Defending Sexual Assault Allegations in Collin County

The legal process for sexual assault cases in Collin County typically involves several stages, including:

Investigation: Law enforcement will investigate the allegations, which may include collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical professionals.
Arrest and Charges: If there’s enough evidence, the accused may be arrested and formally charged with sexual assault.
Arraignment: The accused will appear in court to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to challenge the evidence or the way it was obtained.
Trial: If the case goes to trial, both the prosecution and defense will present their evidence and arguments. The jury will then decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty.

Defending Against Sexual Assault Allegations

An effective defense strategy is crucial in sexual assault cases. As a criminal defense attorney, here are some approaches that may be used:

Challenging the Credibility of the Accuser: This can involve examining the accuser’s motives, inconsistencies in their story, or any evidence that contradicts their account.
Consent: If there is evidence that the sexual activity was consensual, this can be a strong defense.
Alibi: Providing evidence that the accused was not present at the time and place of the alleged assault can be a powerful defense.
Lack of Physical Evidence: Highlighting the absence of physical evidence or any inconsistencies in forensic findings can undermine the prosecution’s case.
Expert Testimony: In some cases, expert witnesses, such as psychologists or forensic analysts, can provide testimony that supports the defense’s arguments.

Collin County Sex Crimes Lawyer

If you have been accused of a sex crime in Collin County, the worst thing you can do is voluntarily speak with police, contact the alleged victim, or try and get out “your side of the story.” You shouldn’t talk to anyone except your defense attorney. Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer Letty Martinez explains in this short video.

What are adult sex crimes in Texas?

There are numerous adult sex crimes for which a person can be charged in Texas. Here’s a list of some common adult sex crime charges and potential punishment ranges. If you are facing any of these charges, you must contact a knowledgeable and skilled Collin County sex crimes lawyer immediately.

Sexual Assault/Rape

Crime: Penetrates the anus or sexual organ of another person without consent; penetrates the mouth of another person with a sexual organ without consent; or causes the sexual organ of another person to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus or sexual organ of another person without consent.
Punishment: Second-degree felony, 2 to 20 years in prison, maximum $10,000 fine.

Aggravated Sexual Assault

Crime: Sexual assault coupled with an aggravating factor, such as using a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, attempting to cause death, or using a date rape drug. If the victim is disabled or elderly (over age 65), it would also be classified as aggravated sexual assault.
Punishment: First-degree felony, 5 to 99 years or life in prison, maximum $10,000 fine.

Collin County Sex Crimes Lawyer: Difference between sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault?

Indecent Assault/Groping

Crime: Touches the anus, breast, or genitals of another person without consent or causes another person to come into contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of any person.

Punishment: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, maximum $4,000 fine.

Indecent Exposure

Crime: Exposes genitals or anus for sexual gratification to someone who might be offended or alarmed.
Punishment: Class B misdemeanor, 0 to 180 days in jail, maximum $2,000 fine.

Public Lewdness

Crime: Engages in sexual intercourse or sexual contact in public.
Punishment: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, maximum $4000 fine.

Prohibited Sexual Conduct/Incest

Crime: Engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with an ancestor or descendant by blood or adoption, including parents and children; stepparents and stepchildren; siblings or half-siblings, aunts or uncles; nieces or nephews; and first cousins.
Punishment: Second-degree felony, 2 to 20 years in prison, a maximum $10,000 fine if sexual conduct is with a parent or a child, even an adult child. Third-degree felony, 2 to 10 years in prison, maximum a10,000 fine if the conduct is with another family member.

Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student

Crime: Sexual contact between a teacher, educator, or any employee of a primary or secondary school and a student.
Punishment: Second-degree felony, 2 to 20 years in prison, maximum $10,000 fine.

Prostitution

Crime: Offering, agreeing to, or actually engaging in sexual conduct for a fee.
Punishment: Class B misdemeanor, 0 to 180 days in jail, maximum $2000 fine.

Solicitation of Prostitution (Johns)

Crime: Offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for purposes of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another.
Punishment: State jail felony, 180 days to 2 years in state jail, maximum $10,000 fine.

Promotion of Prostitution

Crime: Receives proceeds or solicits another to engage in sexual conduct for compensation.
Punishment: Third-degree felony, 2 to 10 years in prison, maximum $10,000 fine; If under 18: First degree felony, 5 to 99 years or life, up to $10,000 fine.

Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution

Crime: Owns, invests in, finances, controls, supervises, or manages a prostitution enterprise with two or more prostitutes.
Punishment: First-degree felony, 5 to 99 years or life, maximum $10,000 fine.

Trafficking

Crime: Traffics another using force, fraud, or coercion to cause the person to engage in prostitution or sexual activities.
Punishment: Second-degree felony, 2 to 20 years in prison, maximum $10,000 fine

What are the motives for false sex crime allegations?

It is not uncommon for people to falsely accuse someone of a sex crime. Some of the motives our Collin County sex crime lawyers have seen include:

Revenge or Anger
Attention
Gain leverage in a divorce
Create an alibi
Deny a consensual act
Monetary gain
Mental instability
Guilt or Remorse

If you have been falsely accused of sexual abuse or any sex crime, you will need to build the strongest, most aggressive defense possible. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation, uncover possible motives, and work to turn the tables on the accuser.

Sex Crimes Defense in Collin County

While sex crimes are very serious, they are often based on little evidence. Often, it is a she-said, he-said scenario. Some common defenses include:

False allegation
Consensual act
The defendant has an alibi
The defendant and alleged victim were married
Insufficient evidence

Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted of a Collin County sex crime?

Many sex crime convictions will require sex offender registration, such as sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault. Some sex crimes do not require sex offender registration, such as public lewdness and prostitution. To find out if the offense for which you are charged requires sex offender registration, contact a knowledgable Collin County sex crimes lawyer. Sex offender registrations can be for a 10-year period or a lifetime.

What are the other consequences of a sex crime conviction?

A conviction for a sex crime can have permanent, negative repercussions. In addition to jail time, hefty fines, and possible sex offender registration, you could also have a hard time finding employment or a place to live. It could also impact visitation and custody rights. When the stakes are this high, you can leave nothing to chance. There is no substitute for an experienced, relentless criminal defense attorney.

Our goals in adult sex crimes cases

Every Collin County sex crimes lawyer at Varghese Summersett shares the same goal for our clients:

* Avoid prison time.

* Avoid a conviction.

* Resolve the case in a way that will allow for the arrest record to be expunged or sealed.

Call today for a free consultation with a Collin County sex crimes lawyer.

The attorneys at Varghese Summersett have extensive knowledge of Texas’ sex crime laws and vast experience handling these types of cases. All of our senior attorneys were formerly top prosecutors, which means we know how the other side thinks, and we use it to your advantage. We will analyze every aspect of your case and build the strongest, most aggressive defense strategy possible. In some cases, this may result in a dismissal in the initial stages of the case. In other cases, this may result in a no-holds-barred criminal trial. Regardless of the strategy, you can also count on us to handle your case with sensitivity and discretion. There is a reason why people trust us with the biggest problem in their lives. Call 817-203-2220 to speak with a skilled Collin County sex crimes lawyer today.