What is Aggravated Sexual Assault | Fort Worth Criminal Lawyer

By Benson Varghese

Aggravated Sexual Assault

Being accused of aggravated sexual assault is one of the most serious offenses for which a person can be charged and the presumption of innocence seems to go out the window as soon as an investigation begins. Unfortunately, people rush to judgment before you ever even step foot in a courtroom. Our goals for any sexual assault charge is threefold:

• Avoid prison time;
• Avoid a conviction; and
• Avoid registration as a sex offender, if at all possible.

Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly listen to the circumstances surrounding your casework to build defenses to protect your reputation and your freedom. We have years of experience handling sex crimes – first as prosecutors and now as highly acclaimed defense attorneys. It’s imperative to have our background and experience on your side when the stakes are this high.

What is Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas?

Aggravated Sexual Assault is a sexual assault that has at least one “aggravating” factor as set out in Penal Code 22.021. A sexual assault becomes an aggravated sexual assault if:

• a weapon is used or displayed,
• the defendant caused serious bodily injury,
• the defendant attempted to cause death,
• the defendant threatens human trafficking, kidnapping, serious bodily injury or death,
• the defendant used a date rape drug, or
• the victim is an elderly person
• the victim is disabled
• the victim is under the age of 14

What is the Punishment for Aggravated Sexual Assault?

This is a first degree offense, with a punishment range of 5 years to 99 years or life in prison.

Is Sex Offender Registration Required for Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas?

A person who is found guilty of aggravated sexual assault will have to register as a sex offender for life. Learn more about registration as a sex offender in Texas.

What is Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child in Texas?

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child or Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor in Texas is a sexual assault of a person under the age of 14. It involves the penetration of the sexual organ, anus, mouth involving a child under the age of 14. Sexual Assault of a Child is also “aggravated” if a deadly weapon is used or serious bodily injury is threatened.

This is a first degree felony offense, with a punishment range of 5 years to 99 years in prison or life.

What is Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor?

Super aggravated sexual assault of a minor occurs:

• If the victim is under the age of 6
• If the victim is under the age of 14 and
  • The accused caused serious bodily injury or death;
  • Threatening human trafficking, death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping;
  • The accused uses or exhibits a deadly weapon; or
  • The accused uses a date rape drug.

The punishment for Super Aggravated Sexual Assautl is 25 years to 99 years or life in prison. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 508.145(a), a person sentenced for this crime is not eligible for parole.

What we bring to the table:

Our attorneys are hired in the most serious sexual assault cases for many reasons. First and foremost, we have extensive trial experience – on both sides. All of our partners started off as prosecutors and then became defense attorneys. For sexual assault cases, we not only know the State’s playbook, in many cases we trained the prosecutors and wrote the plays – so we know, better than anyone, how to beat them.

We also have a track record of proven results. Call us to discuss how our experience and diligence can help you.

Defending Against Aggravated Sexual Assault Charges in Fort Worth

Being charged with aggravated sexual assault in Fort Worth can be overwhelming. You don’t have to go this alone. Put our experience to work for you. Call today for a free consultation.