Texas Sex Crime Lawyer

Texas Sex Crimes Lawyer
Sex crimes charges are often investigated and pursued aggressively by police and prosecutors in the State of Texas, especially if a child is involved. If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is highly advised that you seek the assistance of an experienced sex crimes lawyer as soon as possible to begin building a viable defense and ensure that your rights are protected.
The penalties for sex crime convictions can not only be harsh legal consequences, but can also affect a person’s relationships with family, friends, and society as a whole. However, with the help of an attorney who has experience with similar cases in the Lubbock court system, you will have the resources you need available to work towards the best outcome possible in your case

Sex Crimes Laws
Many different types of sex crimes at the local, state, and federal level, and may be prosecuted differently depending on the type and level of the charge. Erick Platten has experience in a wide variety of sex crimes cases, including, but not limited to:
  • Sexual assault
  • Solicitation of a minor
  • Sexual abuse
  • Indecent exposure
  • Possession/distribution of child pornography
Sex offenses are considered especially reprehensible in the Texas Penal Code, and most sex crimes are categorized as felonies, which means they carry the possibility of longer prison sentences. The penalty for any given sex crime, however, depends on the type of crime itself as well as the level of the charge. For example, in Texas, sexual assault is typically a second-degree felony, which carries a prison sentence of two to twenty years and/or a fine of up to $10,000 (see Texas Penal Code § 22.011).
However, the charge could become a first-degree felony if aggravation can be proven, changing the minimum sentence to 25 years if the victim was younger than six years of age, or if the victim was younger than 14 years of age and a deadly weapon was used or exhibited, serious injury or murder was attempted, or drugs were used to facilitate the assault. A Lubbock sex crimes lawyer can help make these laws and penalties more clear.

Sex Offender Registry
Furthermore, anyone convicted of a sex crime in the State of Texas must register with local law enforcement through the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program , which collects information about sex offenders and makes this information readily accessible to the public. This can pose problems for those convicted of sex crimes in many different areas of life, including finding housing, obtaining employment or education, and more.
If they are convicted of a sexual offense, the individual is usually required to register as a sex offender. That reputation can follow someone around affected by the law of limitations. Having to register as a sex offender can limit where they can live and who they can be in contact with. They have to stay a specific distance away from a school or certain store such as ones that sell pornography.
Somebody who is a registered sex offender has to be more conscious about where they chose to love. If they pick a house that is near a school, they may be in violation. The sex offender registration is in a public database where anyone can get access. There is a social stigma associated with the sex offense conviction that may never go away.

Rape and Sexual Assault
A person could be charged with a sex assault when the act is considered nonconsensual and when it crosses over into a sexual assault rather than just indecent touching. This could mean facing charges such as statutory rape, date rape, and similar charges.
If an individual has prior convictions or previous accusations that will be considered an aggravating factor when consequences are being considered. Previous behavior will imply a pattern of the accused individual. If it is discovered that inappropriate touching has been going on for years, that is an aggravating factor. Rape would not be an aggravating factor because it is much more invasive. That would be a case where somebody is more likely to be looking at a prison sentence and not considered for probation.

Help from a Lawyer
Facing sex crimes charges can be complicated and intimidating. The sensitive nature of sex crimes and the emotional stress they often involve can make the stakes especially high for the defendant. Sex crimes charges must be taken seriously, which is something an experienced sex crimes attorney fully understands.
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Texas, do not hesitate to contact a skilled Texas sex crimes lawyer who can start assisting you right away in building a defense, keeping you well-informed, and ensuring your peace of mind throughout the process.
There is a lot more risk for an individual facing prison time or not being considered for probation. Therefore, they should find the most appropriate sex crimes lawyer to help them mitigate their charges. The defense attorney’s role is just as important in aggravating as non-aggravating factors. They have to make sure that they track down witnesses and try to test the credibility of the accuser and see whether or not these accusations have any foundation or credibility.