Sentencing Alternatives for Sex Crimes
As the jail and prison populations in America have increased, courts and lawmakers have become more open to alternatives to imprisonment. For example, in Texas, if an individual has been charged with a sex crime, he or she can face various alternatives to incarceration such as probation and deferred adjudication.
Austin sex crimes attorney Jackson Gorski understands that facing sex crime accusations can be complex and overwhelming. That is why defendants should work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can guide build them a strong defense and fight for sentencing alternatives, rather than years in prison.
TX Sentencing Alternatives for Sex Crimes Attorney, Austin
If you have been arrested for any type of sex crime in TX, you should immediately contact The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski. Jackson Gorski is a criminal defense lawyer who takes pride in protecting his clients’ rights. He can investigate the situation, build a formidable defense, and fight for a variety of sentencing alternatives.
The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski serves Texans accused of sex offenses in Williamson County, TX, and surrounding areas including Florence, Granger, Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Jarrell, Round Rock, Thrall, Weir, and Coupland. Call 512-960-4646 to schedule a free consultation and receive assistance in your case.
Information Center
Community Service
If the state has accused an individual of a severe sex crime, it is unlikely that a judge in Texas will sentence the individual to community service. However, what is unlikely is not what is impossible. A great legal defense team can help the individual get this lenient sentence. Not to mention, this sentence becomes likelier if the individual is a first-time offender and has a favorable reputation in their community otherwise.
If a judge agrees to grant the individual community service instead of incarceration, the individual can expect to perform several dozens to a few hundred hours of community service. Sometimes, the judge will provide a list of nonprofits the individual may volunteer at and the date by which the individual must complete volunteer hours. Common service opportunities are:
- Trash pickup
- Serving at homeless shelters
- Serving at food pantries
- Home repair
- Disaster relief
Probation
Although probation can be a favorable alternative to incarceration, probation does come with some strenuous rules. For example, the individual must meet with their probation officer once every week. Typically, the individual must participate in sex offense rehabilitation programs. Moreover, an individual is under restricted living arrangements. Their probationary conditions may prevent them from living in a home where an unrelated child lives or where any children live. On the other hand, the judge may order the individual to live out their probationary sentence in a halfway home.
The individual’s employers can learn whether the individual is on probation. Probation also shows on the individual’s criminal record. But everyday citizens may learn that the individual is on probation, too. After all, the penal system requires most people on probation to wear ankle monitors. The individual will have to charge their ankle monitor every two hours, which can be an inconvenience if they’re at work.
Deferred Adjudication
What does deferred adjudication mean? In laymen’s terms, this term means “delayed judgment.” When might it apply? A judge will consider a deferred adjudication after the state has charged an individual with a crime. Typically, Texas judges use deferred adjudication in sex crime cases. How does it work? Judges may decide to take a “wait and see” approach before sentencing the individual to a specific length of time behind bars. During this wait-and-see approach, the judge will consider whether the individual is seeking rehabilitation or has become rehabilitated, whether they have better control over their inclinations, and whether they have reformed.
Deferred adjudication comes with certain terms. The judge may not sentence the individual to incarceration if the individual completes these terms. Throughout this process, which can last up to ten years, the judge will work with the individual’s attorney to determine what’s in the public’s best interest.
Additional Resources
Find The Best Nonprofit Organizations In Texas – The VolunteerMatch’s [sic] website lists local community service options that may apply to fulfilling your sentencing alternative.
Texas Title 1 Chapter 42 – The Texas Statutes’ website outlines crime judgments, sentencing options, and alternatives for judgment and sentencing.
Travis County Sentencing Alternatives for Sex Crimes Attorney, TX
Jackson Gorski at The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski is a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney that has many years of experience in criminal law. He understands the sentencing alternatives available to individual arrested for sex crimes. Allow him to serve as your advocate and fight aggressively to defend your rights.
Sex crime allegations can be humiliating. Don’t tackle this legal challenge alone. Call 512-960-4646 to schedule a complimentary consultation with The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski as soon as possible. firm] has offices in Austin, TX, and Georgetown TX, but also serves clients in Lockhart, Jollyville, Round Rock, Kyle, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Anderson Mill, Taylor, Canyon Lake, and Seguin.
