Investigating Sexual Assault
Texas takes sexual assault crimes seriously. If prosecuted and convicted, an individual stands to serve anywhere from six months in state jail to 99 years in state prison. The age of the individual’s accuser, whether the individual is a first-time or habitual offender, and whether the individual used weapons to commit a sexual assault all play a role in the charges the state brings against the individual.
If you have been arrested for sexual assault, it is important to secure the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney in TX. Investigating sexual assault can be a complex process and stressful process. The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski can be your best resource during this difficult time.
Georgetown Sexual Assault Lawyer, TX
The criminal justice system can be complex, especially when handling sex crimes. If you are under investigation for sexual assault, don’t delay in obtaining skilled legal representation. Jackson Gorski is a dedicated attorney who is committed to representing Texans facing sexual assault accusations. He is prepared to protect your rights.
To schedule a free consultation, contact The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski at 512-960-4646. The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski serves Texans in Williamson County, TX, and surrounding areas including Austin, Florence, Granger, Cedar Park, Jarrell, Leander, Round Rock, Thrall, Weir, and Coupland.
Information Center
- Sexual Assault in Texas
- Investigating Sexual Assault in Austin, TX
- Defenses for Sexual Assault
- Penalties for Sexual Assault
- Additional Resources
Investigating Sexual Assault in Austin, TX
A prosecutor’s job is to do just that: prosecute. Prosecutors do not spring into action under the notion that an individual is innocent until proven guilty. Instead, they begin aggressive investigation tactics to build a case against the individual and ensure that they are off the streets. Once someone accuses the individual of a sexual assault, prosecutors may confront them. If the individual doesn’t ask for a lawyer, they’ll use any tactic at their disposal to get a voluntary confession out of the individual. The law allows investigators to lie about evidence that they have against the individual. In other words, they can say that they have eye-witness testimony against the individual even if they don’t.
Investigators may have the individual’s accuser send electronic messages to the individual that sound apologetic or suggestive in hopes that the individual will admit to the crime. They know how to coach conversations along. They’ll record these conversations to use in court. Unfortunately, state agents can twist the individual’s words to make it seem like the individual is confessing when the individual is not. For these reasons, it’s in the individual’s best interest to hire a seasoned sexual assault defense lawyer in Texas and avoid communication with law enforcement when the individual’s attorney isn’t present.
Defenses for Sexual Assault
There are defenses to sexual assault charges at an accused individual’s disposal. Of course, it is always preferred that the individual speaks with an experienced Texas criminal defense sexual assault lawyer. A sex crime attorney in Texas will devise a defense tailored to the individual’s case.
Common defenses to this crime include, but are not limited to:
- False testimony
- Lack of evidence
- Inconsistent medical testimony
- Inconsistent witness testimony
Penalties for Sexual Assault
Different sex crimes come with different penalties. Some are lengthier and grimmer than others. Also, some sex crimes have enhancements that allow a judge to increase the individual’s sentence. Moreover, some sexual offenses require the individual to register on the Texas sex offender registration list.
The most common sex-related crimes are simple and aggravated sexual assault. Sexual assault crimes are always felony offenses. Simple sexual assault is a second-degree felony. It comes with a sentence range of two to twenty years. The individual may pay a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted of this sexual offense. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony. As such, it can come with a sentence of up to 99 years in state prison. The individual may pay a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted of this sexual offense. However, the individual can gauge how long they stand to sit behind bars based on the degree of the assault.
Third-degree felony crimes come with a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years in jail. Second-degree felony crimes come with a minimum of two years and a maximum of twenty years in prison. First-degree felony crimes come with a minimum of five years and a maximum of 99 years in prison. Exceptions and enhancements apply.
Additional Resources
Sex Crimes: Definitions And Penalties Texas – The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s website provides this question and answer webpage that’s helpful to victims and survivors of sexual crimes in Texas.
Defense Of Sexual Assault Allegations In Texas – The HG.Org’s website provides defenses for sexual assault crimes in Texas.
Austin Sexual Assault Lawyer, TX
If you have been arrested in Austin, Pflugerville, Lakeway, or the surrounding areas for sexual assault, The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski is equipped with the knowledge and resources to fight on your behalf. Jackson Gorski is prepared to utilize his years of practice as an advantage in your case.
Call him at 512-960-4646 to set you up your first consultation, free of charge. The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski serves people throughout the greater Travis County area including Austin, Del Valle, Lago Vista, Bee Cave, and West Lake Hills.