Fort Bend Sex Crimes Lawyer

A sex crime charge in Fort Bend County can upend your life before a single day in court. The right defense attorney — retained early — can mean the difference between a dismissed case and a conviction that follows you forever.

Why Varghese Summersett for Fort Bend Sex Crime Charges

Varghese Summersett is a Texas criminal defense firm with more than 100 years of combined legal experience across four offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston and Southlake. The firm has secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800+ charge reductions statewide.

For Fort Bend County cases specifically, the firm’s Houston team is led by Mike Hanson, a Board Certified Juvenile Law specialist and former Assistant District Attorney — including in Fort Bend County. His prosecutorial background means he knows how Fort Bend County prosecutors build sex crime cases, and how to dismantle them. He has tried more than 60 cases before a jury across criminal defense, military law, and prosecution.

The firm has been recognized repeatedly by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.

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What Do Sex Crime Charges in Fort Bend County Cover?

The term “sex crimes” covers a wide range of offenses under Texas law. Some of the most common charges handled in Fort Bend County courts include:

• Sexual assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.011
• Aggravated sexual assault under TPC § 22.021
• Sexual assault of a child
• Indecency with a child by contact or exposure under TPC § 21.11
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child under TPC § 21.02
• Online solicitation of a minor under TPC § 33.021
• Possession or promotion of child pornography
• Aggravated promotion of prostitution

Each offense carries its own elements, penalty range, and registration requirements. This page covers the most frequently charged offenses in Fort Bend County and explains what the prosecution must prove, what defenses exist, and what you can expect from the process.

The Law: What Must Be Proven and By What Standard

Every criminal charge in Texas requires the State to prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt — the highest standard in law. The burden is entirely on the prosecution. You have no obligation to prove your innocence.

Sexual Assault — TPC § 22.011

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, sexual assault is a second-degree felony. The prosecution must prove that the defendant intentionally or knowingly caused the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person without consent, or caused the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of the defendant without consent. When the alleged victim is a child under 17, consent is not a defense — contact alone satisfies the element.

Aggravated Sexual Assault — TPC § 22.021

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.021, the offense is elevated to aggravated sexual assault — a first-degree felony — when certain aggravating factors are present. These include: the victim is younger than 14; a deadly weapon is used; the defendant causes serious bodily injury; the defendant acts in concert with another person; the victim is elderly or disabled; or the defendant administers a drug or controlled substance to impair the victim. The State must prove all elements of sexual assault plus at least one aggravating factor.

Indecency with a Child — TPC § 21.11

Under Texas Penal Code § 21.11, indecency with a child occurs when a person engages in sexual contact with a child under 17 or causes the child to engage in sexual contact (by contact— a second-degree felony) or exposes their genitals or causes the child to do so with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire (by exposure— a third-degree felony). The prosecution must prove the defendant’s intent as well as the specific act.

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child — TPC § 21.02

Under Texas Penal Code § 21.02, this offense requires the prosecution to prove that the defendant committed two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child under 14 during a period of 30 or more days. It is a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum of 25 years and no parole eligibility for that term. Jurors do not need to agree on which specific acts occurred — only that at least two qualifying acts took place during the required period.

Penalties for Sex Crimes in Fort Bend County

The consequences of a sex crime conviction in Texas are severe and long-lasting. Beyond prison time, a conviction can trigger mandatory sex offender registration under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure—sometimes for life.

• Second-degree felony (sexual assault): 2 to 20 years in state prison; up to $10,000 fine
• First-degree felony (aggravated sexual assault): 5 to 99 years or life in state prison; up to $10,000 fine
• Second-degree felony (indecency with a child by contact): 2 to 20 years; up to $10,000 fine
• Third-degree felony (indecency with a child by exposure): 2 to 10 years; up to $10,000 fine
• First-degree felony (continuous sexual abuse of a child): 25 years to life; no parole for minimum term
• Super aggravated sexual assault of a child (victim under 6 or victim under 14 with prior conviction): Mandatory life without parole

Sex offender registration can affect where you live, where you work, and your ability to travel. The stakes in these cases demand experienced, aggressive defense counsel from the very start.

Bond Amounts for Sex Crimes in Fort Bend County

Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 10,241 bonds in Fort Bend County, the following table reflects typical bond amounts for sex crime charges:

Charge	Typical Bond Range	Most Common Bond
Sexual Assault (§ 22.011(a)(1))	Varies widely	$50,000
Sexual Assault of a Child (§ 22.011(a)(2))	Varies widely	$100,000
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (§ 22.021(a)(2)(B))	Varies widely	$150,000
Indecency with a Child – Sexual Contact (§ 21.11(d))	Varies widely	$100,000
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (§ 21.02(b))	Varies widely	$200,000
Online Solicitation of a Minor (§ 33.021(b))	Varies widely	$40,000

Bond amounts in sex crime cases depend heavily on the specific charge, the defendant’s criminal history, the alleged victim’s age, and the judge’s assessment of flight risk. A defense attorney can file a motion to reduce bond—and in some cases, get a client released before charges are formally filed.

Common Defenses in Fort Bend Sex Crime Cases

Because the prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, a defense can succeed by creating reasonable doubt about any one of those elements. The specific defense depends on the facts of your case, but frequently used strategies include:

Consent

In adult sexual assault cases, consent is a complete defense. The prosecution must prove that the alleged contact was without consent. A defense attorney will examine all communications, prior relationship history, and the circumstances of the alleged incident to challenge this element.

False Accusation or Mistaken Identity

Studies consistently show that false allegations occur in sex crime cases, particularly those arising from relationship disputes, custody battles, or cases where the accuser had a financial motive. Defense counsel will scrutinize the accuser’s motive, inconsistencies in prior statements, and the absence of physical evidence.

Lack of Intent

For offenses like indecency with a child by exposure, the prosecution must prove the act was committed with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. Absence of that intent is a viable defense.

Challenging Forensic and Scientific Evidence

DNA evidence, digital evidence, and forensic interviews of child complainants are all subject to challenge. Defense experts can examine whether forensic interviews were conducted properly, whether chain of custody for physical evidence was maintained, and whether DNA testing was performed correctly.

Constitutional Violations

If law enforcement searched your home, seized your devices, or interrogated you in violation of your Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights, evidence obtained through those violations can be suppressed—sometimes gutting the prosecution’s case entirely.

Romeo and Juliet Defense

Texas law provides a limited “affirmative defense” for consensual sexual contact between a person aged 14 to 17 and another person no more than three years older, where both are close in age. This is a fact-specific defense that must be raised and proven by the defense.

What Happens After a Sex Crime Arrest in Fort Bend County

Sex crime cases in Fort Bend County are handled by the District Courts in Richmond, Texas, at the Fort Bend County Justice Center. Here is what typically happens after an arrest or accusation:

Before Charges Are Filed

Many sex crime investigations begin before an arrest is made. Law enforcement may contact you for a “voluntary” interview, ask you to come to the station, or reach out through text or phone. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Retaining a defense attorney during the investigation phase — before charges are filed — is often the most important step you can take. In some cases, a proactive defense can prevent charges from being filed at all.

Arraignment and Bail

After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate for an arraignment and bail hearing. Defense counsel can argue for a reasonable bond or request a bond reduction hearing if the initial bond is excessive.

Grand Jury

Felony sex crime charges in Texas must be presented to a grand jury before an indictment is issued. A skilled defense attorney may be able to present evidence to the grand jury — through a “grand jury packet”— that leads the grand jury to return a “no bill,” meaning charges are not filed. Varghese Summersett has secured no-bills in sexual assault cases in Texas courts.

Pre-Trial and Trial

Pre-trial motions — to suppress evidence, to challenge the indictment, or to exclude prejudicial testimony — can significantly shape the case before trial. If the case proceeds to trial, the defense has the right to cross-examine all witnesses, challenge expert testimony, and present its own evidence. Sex crime cases are among the most emotionally charged in the courthouse — you need a team that is both analytically sharp and composed under pressure.

Case Results in Sex Crime Defense

Varghese Summersett has achieved favorable outcomes in sex crime cases across Texas. Results have included charges rejected before prosecution, no bills from grand juries, and dismissals. Specific documented results include sexual assault cases rejected by the prosecutor, grand jury no-bills in sexual assault and sexual assault of a child cases, and dismissals in indecency cases. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.

What to Expect from Varghese Summersett

When you retain Varghese Summersett, you get a full team, including former prosecutors who understand how these cases are built from the inside, and certified specialists whose credentials have been validated by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

The firm handles sex crime cases at every level of seriousness, from misdemeanor-equivalent offenses to capital-adjacent charges. For Fort Bend County cases, the Houston office — led by Mike Hanson, who personally prosecuted cases in this county — is the primary point of contact. You can reach the Houston office at (281) 805-2220.

If you or someone you love has been accused of a sex crime in Fort Bend County, reach out to Varghese Summersett as soon as possible. The earlier a defense attorney becomes involved, the more options are available.

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

This video, with more than 77,000 views, covers what you should and should not do when facing a sexual assault accusation in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a sex crime charge in Fort Bend County be dismissed?

Yes. Sex crime charges can be dismissed at multiple stages — before charging, at grand jury, during pre-trial motions, or at trial. The outcome depends on the specific facts, the strength of the evidence, and the quality of the defense. Cases that lack physical evidence, involve inconsistent accusations, or reveal constitutional violations during investigation are among those most likely to result in dismissal or a no-bill.

What is the difference between sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in Texas?

Sexual assault under TPC § 22.011 is a second-degree felony. Aggravated sexual assault under § 22.021 is a first-degree felony, triggered when specific aggravating factors are present — such as a victim under 14, use of a deadly weapon, or the presence of a co-actor. The penalty ranges are significantly higher for the aggravated offense, and conviction triggers mandatory lifetime sex offender registration in most cases.

Does a sex crime conviction in Texas require sex offender registration?

Most sex crime convictions in Texas require registration as a sex offender under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The duration of registration — 10 years or lifetime — depends on the offense. Some offenses carry mandatory lifetime registration regardless of circumstances. Registration affects where you can live, work, and travel.

Should I talk to police if they contact me about a sex crime investigation?

No. You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Anything you say — even if you believe it helps your case — can be used against you. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. The firm is available 24/7 at (281) 805-2220.

What happens at a Fort Bend County sex crime trial?

Sex crime trials in Fort Bend County are held in the district courts in Richmond. The prosecution must present evidence to a jury and prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense has the right to cross-examine witnesses — including the complainant — challenge forensic evidence, and present its own case. Jury selection in these cases is critical, and experienced trial counsel makes a measurable difference in outcomes.

Sex crime charges in Fort Bend County demand immediate, experienced legal representation. The attorneys at Varghese Summersett are available around the clock to answer your questions and begin building your defense. Call the Houston office at (281) 805-2220 or reach out online to speak with a member of the team today.