Sexual assault is a very serious sex crime that is associated with lifelong, devastating consequences. Being accused of rape can carry a substantially negative stigma as compared to other crimes. Before the trial even begins, you could already be labeled as guilty in the eyes of the public and media. If you were arrested for sexual assault in Texas, let the Edgett Law Firm help you get the most favorable outcome possible.
With more than a decade of legal experience, our Plano sexual assault defense lawyer understands the state legal system in order to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. Schedule your free consultation with the Edgett Law Firm today by calling 972-424-0760.
Sexual Assault Penalties
The offense of sexual assault involves intentionally or knowingly causing a sexual organ to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person without their consent. Sexual assault allegations also include acts against children.
The following are the specific circumstances in which sexual assault is without consent:
- By use of physical force or violence
- By threatening to use force or violence against the victim, with the victim believing that the offender is capable of doing so
- The victim is unconscious or physically unable to resist
- The victim has a mental disease or defect and isn’t capable of knowing the nature of the act or resisting it
- The victim is unaware that the sexual assault is occurring
- Intentional impairment of the victim by administering any substance without the victim’s knowledge
- By threatening to use force or violence against any person, with the victim believing that the offender is capable of doing so
- The offender is a public servant who coerces the victim to submit or participate
- The offender is a mental health services provider or health care services provider who causes the victim to submit or participate by exploitation of the victim’s emotional dependency of the offender
- The offender is a clergyman who causes the other to submit or participate by exploiting the victim’s emotional dependency on the clergyman as a spiritual advisor
- The offender is an employee of a facility where the other person is a resident
Sexual assault in Texas is generally considered a second-degree felony, which is punishable by a prison sentence between 2 and 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. However, it can also be charged as a first-degree felony based on specific circumstances.
Let Our Plano Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys Fight For You
A sexual assault conviction can mean a lengthy prison sentence, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and a complete loss of respect among your peers. It’s imperative to seek legal representation from experienced, skilled, and reliable Plano sexual assault defense Attorneys.
With more than a thousand cases handled, Attorney Scott E. Edgett has been included in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers list. He understands what it takes to get your life back on track. Call us today to get started.