Child Sexual Assault Lawyer Denton County | 24/7 Free Consult

A child sexual assault charge in Denton County is among the most serious accusations you can face. A conviction can result in decades in prison, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent destruction of your reputation. The stakes could not be higher. But an accusation is not a conviction, and with the right defense team, you can fight these charges.

At Varghese Summersett, we defend people accused of sex crimes involving children throughout Denton County. Our attorneys have secured no-bills from grand juries, dismissals, and acquittals in sexual assault child cases across Texas. We understand the fear and shame that comes with these allegations. We also understand how to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.

Why Clients Facing Sex Crime Charges Trust Varghese Summersett

Our criminal defense team brings over 100 years of combined experience defending Texans against serious felony charges. Managing partner Benson Varghese, a graduate of Baylor Law School, is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He and our team have handled hundreds of cases involving sexual offenses against children, securing outcomes that include grand jury no-bills, case dismissals, and charge reductions.

Our firm includes former prosecutors who understand exactly how the State builds these cases and where the vulnerabilities lie. We regularly handle high-profile matters and have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Texas Monthly, and D Magazine. Our 70-member team operates from offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake, and we serve clients throughout the North Texas region, including Denton County.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

What is Child Sexual Assault Under Texas Law?

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011(a)(2), sexual assault of a child occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly causes sexual contact or penetration with a child under the age of 17. Unlike adult sexual assault, the prosecution does not need to prove that the contact was nonconsensual. The child’s age alone establishes the offense.

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• The defendant engaged in sexual contact or penetration with another person
• The other person was a child younger than 17 years of age
• The defendant acted intentionally or knowingly

Sexual contact includes any touching of the genitals, anus, or breast with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. This broad definition means that allegations can stem from brief contact or situations that are misunderstood or misinterpreted by a child.

Related Offenses Often Charged in Denton County

Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors in Denton County may file charges for related offenses instead of or in addition to sexual assault of a child:

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child applies when the alleged victim is under 14, when the defendant allegedly used or exhibited a deadly weapon, caused serious bodily injury, or acted with another person. This is a first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child under Texas Penal Code § 21.02 applies when a person commits two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child under 14 over a period of 30 days or more. This first-degree felony carries 25 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact involves touching a child’s genitals, anus, or breast, or exposing oneself to a child with intent to arouse or gratify. Contact offenses are second-degree felonies; exposure offenses are third-degree felonies.

Penalties for Child Sexual Assault in Texas

Sexual assault of a child is a second-degree felony in Texas, carrying serious consequences:

• Prison: 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Fines: Up to $10,000
• Sex Offender Registration: Lifetime registration requirement
• Probation Restrictions: GPS monitoring, residency restrictions, limitations on internet access

The charge becomes a first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life) if the child is under 6 years old, or if the defendant has a prior conviction for certain sexual offenses.

Beyond prison time, a conviction creates lasting consequences: difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses, inability to live near schools or parks, restricted contact with your own children, and permanent damage to your reputation.

Bond Amounts for Child Sexual Assault in Denton County

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a sex crime involving a child in Denton County, bond will be a significant concern. These cases carry some of the highest bond amounts in the criminal justice system.

Based on our analysis of bonds set in Denton County:

• Sexual Assault of a Child (§ 22.011(a)(2)): Bonds typically range from $50,000 to over $200,000, with $50,000 being the most commonly set amount
• Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (§ 22.021(a)(2)(B)): Bonds frequently reach $500,000 to $1,000,000, with $1,000,000 being common for the most serious cases
• Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (§ 21.02): Bonds average over $440,000, with many set at $1,000,000
• Indecency with a Child (§ 21.11): Contact offenses typically see bonds around $100,000

Bond amounts depend on factors including your criminal history, ties to the community, the specific allegations, and the alleged victim’s age. An experienced Denton County criminal defense attorney can argue for reasonable bond conditions at your first appearance.

Defense Strategies in Child Sexual Assault Cases

False accusations happen more often than people realize. Children can be coached by adults involved in custody disputes, misinterpret innocent contact, or make statements that investigators misunderstand. Our attorneys carefully examine every aspect of these cases to build the strongest possible defense.

False or coached allegations. Custody battles, family disputes, and conflicts between parents can lead to fabricated accusations. We investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegation to expose potential motives to lie.

Contaminated interviews. When investigators use leading questions or suggestive interview techniques with children, the resulting statements may be unreliable. We work with forensic interview experts to identify flawed investigation methods.

Insufficient evidence. Many child sexual assault cases lack physical evidence. The prosecution may rely entirely on a child’s statement. We challenge the reliability and consistency of testimony and highlight the absence of corroborating evidence.

Constitutional violations. If police obtained evidence through illegal searches, coerced confessions, or violated your right to counsel, we file motions to suppress that evidence.

Mistaken identity. In some cases, the alleged victim may have been abused, but identifies the wrong person. We investigate alibis and alternative explanations.

One of our recent cases involved a sexual assault allegation that was rejected by the prosecutor after our team presented evidence that undermined the accuser’s claims. In another matter, the grand jury returned a no-bill, declining to indict our client on sexual assault charges after we presented evidence challenging the alleged victim’s account. These outcomes require early intervention and thorough investigation.

What Happens After an Arrest in Denton County

Understanding the criminal process helps you make better decisions about your defense:

Arrest and Booking. You will be processed at the Denton County Jail. Bond will be set, and you should contact an attorney before speaking with anyone about your case.

Magistration. A judge will inform you of the charges and set formal bond conditions. These often include no-contact orders with the alleged victim.

Grand Jury. In felony cases, the prosecutor must present evidence to a grand jury, which decides whether to indict. This is a critical stage where an experienced attorney can sometimes present information that prevents an indictment.

Arraignment and Pre-Trial. If indicted, you will be arraigned and enter a plea. Your attorney will review discovery, file motions, and negotiate with prosecutors.

Trial or Resolution. Cases may be resolved through dismissal, plea negotiations, or trial. Our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial.

Denton County criminal cases are heard at the Denton County Courts Building in Denton. The district attorney’s office prosecutes felony sex crimes aggressively, making early legal representation essential.

What to Do If You Are Under Investigation

You may learn you are under investigation before any arrest occurs. Perhaps a detective called asking to “hear your side of the story.” Do not speak with investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you, even statements you believe are innocent explanations.

Contact an attorney immediately. We can sometimes intervene before charges are filed, presenting evidence to prosecutors that may result in the case being declined or referred for further investigation rather than prosecution.

Do not contact the alleged victim or their family. Do not discuss the case on social media or with friends. Preserve any evidence that supports your defense, such as text messages, emails, or records showing your whereabouts.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire our firm, you get a team that will fight for you at every stage. We conduct our own investigation, retain expert witnesses when needed, and challenge every piece of evidence the State presents. We communicate openly with you throughout the process and prepare you for what lies ahead.

We understand the sensitive nature of these allegations and treat every client with dignity and respect. Our goal is the best possible outcome for your case, whether that means dismissal, acquittal, or minimizing the consequences of a conviction.

Watch our attorneys explain what to do if you are falsely accused:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can child sexual assault charges be dropped in Denton County?

Yes, charges can be dismissed if the evidence is insufficient, if constitutional violations occurred, or if new evidence undermines the accusation. An experienced attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and advocate for dismissal or a grand jury no-bill.

What is the statute of limitations for child sexual assault in Texas?

There is no statute of limitations for sexual assault of a child in Texas. Charges can be filed at any time, even decades after the alleged offense. This makes defending these cases particularly challenging, as evidence and witnesses may have disappeared.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?

Yes. A conviction for sexual assault of a child requires lifetime registration as a sex offender in Texas. This affects where you can live, work, and travel. Registration requirements are one reason fighting these charges is so important.

Can I get probation for child sexual assault?

Probation may be available for some second-degree felony convictions if you have no prior felony convictions. However, probation for sex offenses comes with strict conditions including GPS monitoring, treatment programs, and residency restrictions. Many judges and prosecutors seek prison time in these cases.

Should I talk to police if I am innocent?

No. Even innocent people can make statements that harm their defense. Police are trained to obtain admissions, and your words can be taken out of context. Always consult an attorney before speaking with law enforcement about any criminal allegation.

Talk to a Denton County Child Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you love is facing child sexual assault charges in Denton County, time is critical. The sooner you have an experienced defense attorney working on your case, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Call Varghese Summersett today at (940) 252-2220 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.