Denton County Sex Crimes Lawyer

Denton County Sex Crimes Defense — Why Varghese Summersett

Sex crime cases demand attorneys with deep experience, prosecutorial insight, and the willingness to fight at every stage — from the initial investigation through trial. Varghese Summersett has built one of the most respected criminal defense practices in North Texas, with a team of more than 70 legal professionals and four offices across Fort Worth, Dallas, Southlake, and Houston.

The firm has achieved more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions, and its attorneys bring over 100 years of combined experience to the table. Five attorneys hold board certifications — the highest professional achievement in Texas law, and most of our attorneys are former prosecutors. In fact, Ashley Feldt is a former Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted cases in both Denton County and Dallas County — she knows how the Denton County District Attorney’s Office evaluates and builds sex crime cases.

That kind of inside knowledge is exactly what you need when the stakes are this high. Reach out to Varghese Summersett’s Denton County team as soon as possible.

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What You Need to Know If You’ve Been Charged With a Sex Crime in Denton County

Sex crime charges in Texas move fast. Law enforcement often begins building a case long before an arrest is made. If a detective has contacted you, if you’ve been named in a complaint, or if you’ve already been taken into custody, the decisions you make in the next 24 to 72 hours can shape the entire direction of your case.

Below is what most people want to know — and what Varghese Summersett believes you have a right to understand before you make any decisions.

Does a Sex Crime Charge Mean I’m Going to Prison?

Not necessarily. An arrest is not a conviction. The State of Texas must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Many sex crime cases involve only the word of an accuser against the word of the accused, which creates real opportunities for an experienced defense attorney to challenge the evidence. Cases have been dismissed, no-billed by grand juries, and won at trial. The outcome depends on the facts, the evidence, the quality of the defense, and how quickly that defense begins.

What Is Sex Offender Registration — and Can I Avoid It?

Texas Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires people convicted of certain offenses to register as sex offenders, sometimes for life. Registration is one of the most devastating collateral consequences of a sex crime conviction — it affects housing, employment, relationships, and every aspect of daily life. For many clients, avoiding registration is the primary goal of the defense, and it is a goal that shapes every decision from the beginning of representation. Speak with an attorney about this early.

Can I Be Charged Based on a False Accusation?

Yes. False accusations in sex crime cases happen, and they are taken seriously by prosecutors regardless of the underlying truth. Motives for false accusations include relationship conflicts, child custody disputes, and misidentification. A strong defense starts with a thorough investigation of the accuser’s background, history, potential motives, and the timeline of events.

Texas Sex Crime Laws: What the Prosecution Must Prove

Sexual assault in Denton County and throughout Texas is governed primarily by the Texas Penal Code. Below are the most common charges our attorneys defend in Denton County courts, along with what the State must prove in each case.

Sexual Assault — Texas Penal Code § 22.011

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally or knowingly caused the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person without that person’s consent, or caused the sexual organ of another to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person without consent. Sexual assault of a child involves the same physical acts when the victim is under age 17, regardless of consent.

Sexual assault is typically a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. When the victim is a child, enhancements can increase punishment significantly.

Aggravated Sexual Assault — Texas Penal Code § 22.021

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.021, aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony. The State must prove the same elements as sexual assault, plus that the defendant caused serious bodily injury or death, threatened to kill or harm the victim or another, used a deadly weapon, acted in concert with another, gave the victim a controlled substance, or that the victim was a child under age 14. First-degree felonies carry 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child — Texas Penal Code § 21.02

Under Texas Penal Code § 21.02, this charge requires the State to prove that the defendant committed two or more acts of sexual abuse over a period of 30 or more days against a child under age 14. This is one of the most serious charges in Texas, carrying a minimum of 25 years and up to 99 years or life — with no possibility of parole until at least half the sentence is served.

Indecency with a Child — Texas Penal Code § 21.11

Under Texas Penal Code § 21.11, the State must prove the defendant engaged in sexual contact with a child under age 17, or exposed their genitals or caused a child to expose themselves with sexual intent. Contact-based indecency is a second-degree felony; exposure-based is a third-degree felony (2 to 10 years).

Online Solicitation of a Minor — Texas Penal Code § 33.021

Under Texas Penal Code § 33.021, the State must prove the defendant communicated in a sexually explicit manner with a minor (or someone believed to be a minor), or solicited a minor to engage in sexual conduct. This is a second-degree felony, elevated to first-degree when the alleged victim is under age 14.

Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography — Texas Penal Code § 43.26

Under Texas Penal Code § 43.26, the State must prove the defendant knowingly or intentionally possessed or viewed visual material that depicted a child under age 18 engaging in sexual conduct, knowing its content and character. Base possession is a third-degree felony, but penalties escalate rapidly based on the number of depictions.

In every sex crime case, the burden of proof rests entirely on the State. The defendant has no obligation to prove innocence. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt — the highest standard in the American legal system.

Penalties and Consequences

The criminal penalties for sex offenses in Texas are severe, but they represent only part of what a conviction means. Here is a summary of the major consequences:

• Sexual Assault (adult victim): 2nd-degree felony; 2–20 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine
• Sexual Assault of a Child: 2nd-degree felony (or higher with enhancements); 2–20 years minimum
• Aggravated Sexual Assault: 1st-degree felony; 5–99 years or life
• Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child: 1st-degree felony; 25–99 years or life; mandatory minimum applies
• Indecency with a Child (contact): 2nd-degree felony; 2–20 years
• Online Solicitation of a Minor: 2nd-degree felony (or higher); 2–20 years
• Possession of Child Pornography: 3rd-degree and up; 2–10 years (base); escalates with quantity
• Sex Offender Registration: Required for most convictions; often lifetime

Beyond prison time and fines, a conviction can end careers, destroy family relationships, prohibit you from living near schools or parks, bar you from certain professions, and affect your ability to see your own children.

Bond Amounts for Sex Crimes in Denton County

If you or a loved one has been arrested, getting out of jail quickly while the case is pending is a top priority. Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 258 bonds in Denton County’s sex crimes and crimes against children category, here is what bond amounts typically look like for the most common charges:

Charge	Cases Analyzed	Average Bond	Most Common Bond
Sexual Assault (adult victim)	19	$54,211	$100,000
Sexual Assault of a Child	18	$185,001	$50,000
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child	14	$528,573	$1,000,000
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child	14	$444,821	$1,000,000
Indecency with a Child (Sexual Contact)	18	$141,945	$100,000
Online Solicitation of a Minor	8	$35,000	$50,000
Possession of Child Pornography	19	$226,184	$20,000

Bond conditions in sex crime cases often include prohibitions on contact with the alleged victim, restrictions on internet access, prohibitions on being around minors, and electronic monitoring. An attorney can file motions to modify or reduce bond conditions that are overly burdensome. If bond has been denied, a motion to set bond is also possible.

Common Defenses in Denton County Sex Crime Cases

Sex crime defense is not a one-size-fits-all practice. The right defense depends entirely on the specific charge, the evidence, the witnesses, and the facts. That said, the most effective defenses tend to target one or more of the elements the State must prove.

Challenging Consent

In cases involving adult complainants, whether the sexual contact was consensual is often the central issue. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that contact occurred without consent. Evidence of prior communications, the nature of the relationship, and inconsistencies in the complainant’s account can all be critical in challenging the State’s position.

Challenging Identification

Misidentification is a significant cause of wrongful convictions, including in sex crime cases. Where the accused and the complainant did not know each other, or where physical evidence is limited, attacking the reliability of identification — through cross-examination, alibi evidence, or expert testimony — can be the core of the defense.

False Accusation

False accusations occur. Motives can include a bitter divorce or custody fight, anger stemming from a breakup, mental health issues, or coaching of a child by an adult. Uncovering these motives requires thorough investigation and careful cross-examination — exactly what Varghese Summersett’s team is built to do.

Challenging Digital Evidence

In online solicitation and child pornography cases, digital forensic evidence is central to the prosecution. That evidence can be challenged on chain of custody grounds, on the reliability of the forensic methodology, or by challenging whether the defendant actually had access to or knowledge of the material in question.

Constitutional Violations

If law enforcement obtained evidence through an unlawful search, a warrantless seizure of a device, or an improper interrogation, that evidence may be suppressed under the Fourth or Fifth Amendment. Suppression of key evidence can result in a dismissal or significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Challenging the Age of the Complainant

In cases involving alleged minors, the State must prove the victim’s age beyond a reasonable doubt. In some situations — particularly online offenses — the defendant may have had a good-faith, reasonable belief that the person was an adult.

The Legal Process in Denton County Sex Crime Cases

Understanding what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you make better decisions. Here is how sex crime cases typically move through the Denton County criminal justice system.

Investigation

Many sex crime cases begin with an investigation before any arrest. A detective may contact you or people close to you, or you may learn you are a person of interest. This is the most important time to retain an attorney — before you say anything to law enforcement. Anything you say can and will be used against you. An attorney can intervene early, communicate with investigators on your behalf, and in some cases prevent charges from ever being filed.

Arrest and Initial Hearing

If you are arrested, you will be taken to the Denton County Jail and brought before a magistrate, who will set abond. An attorney can appear at this stage and advocate for a reasonable bond amount and reasonable conditions of release.

Grand Jury

Most felony sex crimes in Denton County are presented to a grand jury before formal charges are filed. The grand jury decides whether probable cause exists to indict. This is an opportunity — an experienced defense attorney can potentially present evidence or context to the grand jury through a grand jury packet, and in some cases the grand jury will return a “no bill,” meaning no indictment and no charges.

Arraignment and Pre-Trial

After indictment, the case proceeds through arraignment, discovery, and pre-trial motions. This phase involves gathering evidence, deposing witnesses, filing suppression motions, and exploring plea negotiations if appropriate.

Trial

If the case goes to trial, the State bears the full burden of proving every element beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense is not required to present any evidence at all. Varghese Summersett’s attorneys have taken cases to jury verdict at every level of severity — and the firm’s track record demonstrates what aggressive, prepared representation looks like.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire Varghese Summersett to handle a sex crime case in Denton County, you are not handed off to a paralegal or a junior associate. You work with experienced attorneys who understand the law, the local courts, and — critically — how the Denton County District Attorney’s Office thinks and operates.

From the moment you call, the firm moves with urgency. The team works to understand the full picture of what happened, gather evidence before it disappears, identify weaknesses in the State’s case, and build a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. If that strategy points toward trial, the attorneys at Varghese Summersett are fully prepared to take your case before a jury. If resolution without trial is in your best interest, the firm’s negotiating experience with prosecutors across North Texas gives you a real advantage.

Sex crime cases also require discretion. The firm handles your case with the seriousness and confidentiality it deserves. Your consultation is protected by attorney-client privilege from the very first call.

To speak with a member of the Denton County defense team, call (940) 252-2220 around the clock, seven days a week.

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Watch: What to Do If You’re Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault

This video — viewed more than 77,000 times — walks through the steps you should take if you’ve been accused of sexual assault in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crimes in Denton County

Can sex crime charges be dropped before trial?

Yes. Charges can be dismissed by the prosecutor, rejected by a grand jury through a no-bill, or resolved before trial in other ways. Early, aggressive intervention by an experienced defense attorney gives you the best opportunity to resolve the case before it goes to trial. The outcome depends on the specific facts, the evidence, and the strength of your defense.

Do I have to register as a sex offender if I’m convicted?

In most cases, yes. Texas Chapter 62 requires registration for a wide range of sex crime convictions, and for many offenses, registration is for life. However, some offenses may carry shorter registration periods, and negotiating a plea to a non-registrable offense — where the facts and law permit — can be a central goal of the defense. This is a critical conversation to have with your attorney early in the case.

What should I do if a detective contacts me about a sex crime investigation?

Do not speak with the detective. Politely decline to answer questions and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. You have a constitutional right to remain silent, and anything you say — even if you believe it helps you — can be used against you. An attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf and protect your rights from the start.

Can charges be filed based solely on someone’s word?

Yes. Texas law does not require corroborating physical evidence to file a sex crime charge. Prosecutors can and do file cases based primarily on the testimony of the complainant. That said, a case built entirely on one person’s testimony can be vigorously challenged, and inconsistencies in the complainant’s account become central to the defense.

How long does a sex crime case take in Denton County?

Sex crime cases are among the most complex in the criminal justice system and typically take many months to resolve — and often longer if the case proceeds to trial. The timeline depends on the severity of the charge, the volume of evidence, and whether the case is contested at trial. During this time, a skilled attorney is building your defense, investigating the facts, and positioning you for the best possible outcome.

Speak With a Denton County Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

A sex crime charge can upend your life before a single day in court. The time to act is now — before evidence disappears, before witnesses’ memories fade, and before you say something to law enforcement that can’t be taken back. Varghese Summersett’s Denton County defense team is available around the clock to take your call.

Call (940) 252-2220 for a free and confidential consultation. Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege.