Sex crimes can have serious and lasting repercussions – for both the victim and the person charged with committing the crime. If you or someone you love is being investigated for a sex crime or has been so charged in the state of Texas, it is imperative that you contact an attorney who has experience in the defense of criminal sex charges and that you do so without delay. Dallas attorney Don Tittle will waste no time in seeing that your rights are protected and that every avenue is explored in crafting your defense against charges of sexual assault or other sex crimes. Call Mr. Tittle at (214) 522-8400.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault in Texas is covered under Penal Code Chapter 22, Section 22.011 and is generally defined as any non-consensual, unwanted sexual contact against another person involving penetration. Depending on the facts of the case, a sexual assault can be charged as either a first or second degree felony.

The most apparent issue in sexual assault cases, and the one to be addressed first in fashioning a defense, is that of consent. The prosecution will assert that there was lack of consent if the circumstances included physical force, threats of violence, coercion or manipulation.

The fact that there is no physical evidence to support an accusation of sexual assault does not preclude such a charge from being filed. In many cases, the evidence boils down to “he said, she said.” False allegations may arise as a result of divorce of child custody battles; when there is conflict between a child and a step-parent; or when the unwanted affections of an unstable person are spurned. It is not unheard of for sexual assault charges to be made after consensual sex, for one reason or another. Tragically, children are sometimes coerced or manipulated into making false charges of sexual assault.

The situations surrounding sex crime charges are always fraught with emotional complexity. They are not to be taken lightly, as the consequences to a person’s career and educational opportunities last long after the criminal investigation is over. A person convicted of sexual assault could face a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.

A thorough and critical investigation is essential. Don Tittle, a Dallas criminal defense attorney who was once a prosecutor for Dallas County, knows how to analyze the accusations to identify details that could help you successfully challenge them in court.

Aggravated Sexual Assault

When the alleged assault includes certain factors, the charge may be the more severe offense of aggravated sexual assault, covered by Texas Penal Code Chapter 22, Section 22.021. Those factors include:

• Serious bodily injury of the victim or an attempt to cause his or her death, or threats, statements, or actions thereof;
• Threats to cause the kidnapping, or statements or actions that cause the victim to fear that kidnapping will be imminently inflicted of any person;
• Use or exhibit of a deadly weapon;
• Giving the victim “date rape” drugs with the intent of facilitating the commission of the offense;
• A victim’s age or disability.

The most important difference between aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault is the severity of the penalties. Conviction of aggravated sexual assault can lead to a prison sentence of 5 to 99 years, or even life in prison. Additionally, if the victim was younger than six or was younger than 14 and was subjected to actual violence, the perpetrator could face a minimum of 25 years in prison. Again, registry as a sex offender is mandatory.

CALL DON TITTLE

Sex crime charges are often personal and sensitive. You will need an attorney you feel comfortable with, one who understands the disturbing situation you are in. In attorney Don Tittle, you will find a thoroughly professional advocate, and yet someone who sincerely cares about helping those who need representation in a difficult legal situation. A quick phone call to (214) 522-8400 will get the conversation started that could put an end to your anxiety. For your convenience, you may also use our secure online contact form.