Facing Sex Crime Charges in Denton County? Your Future Is on the Line.
Being accused of a sex crime in Denton County is terrifying. You’re facing the possibility of decades in prison, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent destruction of your reputation. Even an accusation can cost you your job, your family, and your standing in the community before you ever see a courtroom. If you’re reading this, you need a Denton County sexual assault lawyer who has successfully defended these cases and knows exactly what’s at stake.
The sex crimes defense attorneys at Varghese Summersett have tried more than 750 criminal cases to verdict, including sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and child pornography charges in Denton County and throughout Texas. Four of our attorneys hold board certification in criminal law, a distinction earned by less than 1 percent of Texas lawyers. We understand the fear you’re experiencing right now, and we’re here to fight for you.
Why Do Sex Crime Cases Require Specialized Defense?
Sex crime prosecutions in Texas are unlike any other criminal case. They often rely heavily on witness testimony rather than physical evidence. They carry extreme penalties that can exceed those for murder. And they trigger mandatory sex offender registration that follows you for life. Prosecutors in Denton County pursue these cases aggressively because the political and public pressure to secure convictions is immense.
Our defense team includes former prosecutors who handled sex crime cases from the other side. We know how these investigations unfold, how forensic interviews are conducted, and where the weaknesses in the State’s case typically hide. That insider knowledge shapes every defense strategy we build.
What Sexual Offenses Are Prosecuted Under Texas Law?
Texas has one of the most extensive criminal codes addressing sexual offenses in the country. Each offense carries different elements, penalties, and collateral consequences. Understanding exactly what you’re charged with is the first step toward building an effective defense.
Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.011)
Sexual assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.011 occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly causes penetration of another person without consent, or causes penetration of a child under 17 regardless of consent. This is a second degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. If the victim was someone the defendant was prohibited from marrying or someone the defendant was the clergyperson of, the offense may be enhanced.
Aggravated Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.021)
Aggravated sexual assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.021 elevates the charge when certain aggravating factors exist. These include causing serious bodily injury, attempting to cause death, using or exhibiting a deadly weapon, acting with another person, using a date rape drug, or committing the offense against a victim under 14 years old or elderly. This is a first degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years or life in prison. When the victim is under 6, or under 14 and serious bodily injury occurs, the minimum sentence increases to 25 years with no parole eligibility.
Indecency with a Child (Texas Penal Code § 21.11)
Indecency with a child under Texas Penal Code § 21.11 involves sexual contact with a child under 17 or exposing oneself to a child with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. Sexual contact is a second degree felony (2 to 20 years). Exposure is a third degree felony (2 to 10 years). These charges frequently arise from allegations involving touching over clothing or situations where no penetration occurred.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (Texas Penal Code § 21.02)
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 during a period of 30 or more days. This is a first degree felony with a minimum sentence of 25 years and no parole eligibility. The prosecution does not need to prove the exact dates of each act, only that two or more acts occurred during the specified timeframe. This makes the charge particularly difficult to defend against.
Online Solicitation of a Minor (Texas Penal Code § 33.021)
Online solicitation of a minor under Texas Penal Code § 33.021 criminalizes using electronic communications to solicit a minor to meet for sexual contact or to send sexually explicit material to a minor. Solicitation to meet is a second degree felony. If the minor is under 14, it becomes a first degree felony. Many of these cases involve undercover officers posing as minors in sting operations.
Possession and Promotion of Child Pornography (Texas Penal Code § 43.26)
Possession of child pornography under Texas Penal Code § 43.26 is a third degree felony for possession and a second degree felony for promotion (distribution). Each image can be charged as a separate count. Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2252 often accompany state charges, carrying mandatory minimum sentences of 5 to 15 years. These cases typically begin with tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children after internet service providers flag suspicious activity.
Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student (Texas Penal Code § 21.12)
Improper relationship between an educator and student under Texas Penal Code § 21.12 applies to teachers, coaches, and school employees who engage in sexual contact or intercourse with students at their school, regardless of the student’s age. This is a second degree felony. Consent is not a defense. The law recognizes the inherent power imbalance in educational relationships.
Indecent Exposure (Texas Penal Code § 21.08)
Indecent exposure under Texas Penal Code § 21.08 involves exposing one’s genitals with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire while being reckless about whether another person is present who will be offended. This is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail) for a first offense, but subsequent convictions become state jail felonies requiring sex offender registration.
Invasive Visual Recording (Texas Penal Code § 21.15)
Invasive visual recording under Texas Penal Code § 21.15 criminalizes photographing or recording another person’s intimate areas without consent or recording in private areas like bathrooms. This is a state jail felony (180 days to 2 years). “Upskirting” and hidden camera cases fall under this statute.
Unlawful Disclosure of Intimate Visual Material (Texas Penal Code § 21.16)
Unlawful disclosure of intimate visual material under Texas Penal Code § 21.16, commonly called the “revenge porn” law, prohibits sharing intimate images of another person without consent and with intent to harm. This is a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) that can be enhanced based on prior convictions or the victim’s status.
What Penalties Do Sex Crimes Carry in Texas?
The penalties for sex crimes in Texas are among the harshest in the nation. Beyond prison time and fines, conviction triggers mandatory sex offender registration that can last a lifetime.
| Offense | Classification | Prison Range | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Assault | 2nd Degree Felony | 2-20 years | Lifetime |
| Aggravated Sexual Assault | 1st Degree Felony | 5-99 years or life | Lifetime |
| Aggravated Sexual Assault (victim under 6) | 1st Degree Felony | 25 years-life (no parole) | Lifetime |
| Indecency with a Child (contact) | 2nd Degree Felony | 2-20 years | Lifetime |
| Indecency with a Child (exposure) | 3rd Degree Felony | 2-10 years | 10 years |
| Continuous Sexual Abuse | 1st Degree Felony | 25 years-life (no parole) | Lifetime |
| Online Solicitation of a Minor | 2nd/1st Degree Felony | 2-20 or 5-99 years | Lifetime |
| Child Pornography Possession | 3rd Degree Felony | 2-10 years | Lifetime |
What Is Sex Offender Registration in Texas?
Sex offender registration under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62 requires convicted sex offenders to register with local law enforcement, verify their address periodically, and have their information published in a public database. Registration can last 10 years, 25 years, or a lifetime depending on the offense.
Lifetime registration applies to sexually violent offenses, offenses against children under 14, and repeat offenders. Failure to register is a separate felony offense. The public nature of registration affects employment, housing, relationships, and virtually every aspect of life after conviction.
How Does Varghese Summersett Defend Sex Crime Cases?
Sex crime allegations require a defense strategy that begins immediately and addresses every aspect of the prosecution’s case. Our approach has secured dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges on cases throughout Denton County and North Texas.
We investigate before the State finalizes its case. Many sex crime cases are still being investigated when our clients first contact us. By intervening early, we can identify witnesses, preserve evidence, and sometimes present information to prosecutors that prevents charges from being filed at all. Once an indictment issues, options narrow significantly.
We challenge forensic interviews and witness credibility. Child sex abuse cases often hinge on forensic interviews conducted at advocacy centers. These interviews can be suggestive, leading, or conducted improperly. We work with experts in forensic interviewing techniques to identify problems with how statements were obtained. We also investigate the background and motivations of accusers, particularly in cases involving custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or other situations where false allegations commonly arise.
We scrutinize the physical evidence. DNA evidence, medical examinations, and digital forensics all have limitations that prosecutors may overlook or obscure. We retain independent experts to review forensic evidence and identify alternative explanations for what the State presents as proof of guilt.
We challenge the legality of searches and seizures. Child pornography and online solicitation cases often involve searches of computers, phones, and online accounts. If law enforcement obtained evidence without proper warrants or exceeded the scope of their authority, that evidence may be suppressed. We examine every search warrant application and execution for constitutional violations.
We prepare every case for trial. Prosecutors know which defense attorneys actually try cases. Our trial record of 750+ cases to verdict shapes how prosecutors approach plea negotiations with our clients. When the State’s offer is unacceptable, we’re prepared to fight in front of a jury.
What Should You Do If You’re Under Investigation?
If you learn you’re being investigated for a sex crime in Denton County, the decisions you make in the next 24 to 48 hours can determine whether you spend decades in prison or walk away with your freedom intact.
Do not speak to police or investigators. Law enforcement officers are trained to elicit incriminating statements. Even innocent explanations can be twisted into admissions. Politely decline to answer questions and state that you want to speak with an attorney. This is your constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment.
Do not contact the accuser. Any contact with an alleged victim can be used against you and may result in additional charges. Do not call, text, email, or communicate through third parties. Do not post anything on social media about the situation.
Do not consent to searches. If police ask to search your home, car, phone, or computer, politely decline. If they have a warrant, do not resist, but make clear that you are not consenting. Your attorney can later challenge the warrant’s validity.
Contact a sex crimes defense attorney immediately. Early intervention can make the difference between charges being filed or declined. An experienced attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, preserve favorable evidence, and begin building your defense while the case is still developing.
What Happens After You Hire Varghese Summersett?
When you retain our firm to defend your sex crime case, we immediately begin working to protect your rights and your future.
First, we conduct a comprehensive case evaluation. We review all available evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the State’s case. We identify the key issues that will determine the outcome and develop a strategic plan tailored to your specific situation.
Next, we handle all communication with law enforcement and prosecutors. You should not speak with anyone about your case except your attorney. We become the barrier between you and the State.
If charges have not yet been filed, we work to prevent indictment. We may present evidence to prosecutors demonstrating problems with their case, or we may advise you to simply wait while we monitor the investigation’s progress.
If charges are filed, we aggressively pursue discovery, file appropriate pretrial motions, and prepare for trial. We keep you informed at every stage and ensure you understand your options before making any decisions about how to proceed.
Why Choose Varghese Summersett for Your Denton County Sex Crime Case?
Sex crime allegations demand attorneys who have actually tried these cases and won. Our qualifications and track record set us apart from other Denton County criminal defense firms.
Four of our attorneys hold board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This distinction requires passing a rigorous examination, demonstrating substantial trial experience, and earning peer recognition for competence and ethics. Fewer than 1 percent of Texas attorneys achieve board certification in any practice area.
Our team includes former prosecutors who handled sex crime cases. We understand the strategies prosecutors use because we used them ourselves. That experience now benefits our clients.
We’ve tried more than 750 criminal cases to verdict in state and federal courts. Our attorneys have secured acquittals and dismissals on charges including aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, and child pornography. We don’t guarantee outcomes because no ethical attorney can. But our results demonstrate what’s possible when experienced trial lawyers fight for their clients.
We’ve earned recognition including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Law Firm of the Year, and Entrepreneurs of Excellence. More importantly, we’ve accumulated more than 1,100 five-star Google reviews from clients whose lives we’ve helped protect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crime Defense in Denton County
Can I be convicted of sexual assault based only on the accuser’s testimony?
Yes. Texas law does not require physical evidence or corroboration to convict someone of sexual assault. A jury can convict based solely on the alleged victim’s testimony if they find that testimony credible beyond a reasonable doubt. This makes challenging witness credibility and exposing inconsistencies absolutely critical to your defense.
What if the alleged victim is lying?
False allegations occur more frequently in sex crime cases than many people realize, particularly in situations involving custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or adolescent conflicts with parents. Our investigation focuses on identifying motivations for false allegations and inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements. We work with experts who can analyze forensic interviews for suggestive questioning techniques.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Most sex crime convictions in Texas require sex offender registration. The duration ranges from 10 years to lifetime depending on the offense. Some plea negotiations can result in convictions for offenses that do not require registration. Avoiding registration is a primary goal in many of our defense strategies.
Can sex crime charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. We have secured dismissals on sex crime cases by exposing problems with the State’s evidence, demonstrating false allegations, or presenting information prosecutors were unaware of. Charges can also be reduced through plea negotiations when the evidence makes conviction on the original charge uncertain. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and evidence involved.
What is the statute of limitations for sex crimes in Texas?
There is no statute of limitations for sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, or most sex offenses involving children. The State can file charges decades after the alleged offense occurred. For some lesser offenses involving adult victims, the statute of limitations ranges from 2 to 10 years depending on the specific charge.
Talk to a Denton County Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Today
If you’re facing sex crime allegations in Denton County, waiting to hire an attorney is the worst decision you can make. Every day that passes without experienced legal representation is a day the State uses to build its case against you.
Our Denton County sex crimes defense attorneys are available right now to discuss your case. We offer free confidential consultations where we’ll evaluate your situation, explain your options, and answer your questions. You’ll speak directly with an experienced attorney who handles these cases, not a paralegal or intake specialist.
Call 817-203-2220 today. Your freedom, your family, and your future depend on the defense you choose.
