Collin County Sexual Assault Lawyer

Some of the most serious criminal charges in the state’s criminal code are sexual assault allegations. A sexual assault describes unwelcome sexual intercourse a person commits against another. A conviction for sexual assault could involve a minimum prison sentence of at least two years, unless a person is eligible to get probation. It is also possible to receive a life sentence for this type of conviction. . It is essential to develop a defensive strategy against these allegations as soon as possible after an arrest. Potential avenues for defense involve mistaken identity, pointing out bias and falsehoods by the complainant, disputing whether the sexual intercourse was consensual, or arguing whether there was sexual contact.

a Collin County sexual assault lawyer could help you when you are facing these serious, life-altering allegations of sexual assault. From day one, a skilled defense attorney could protect your legal rights, maintain your reputation in the community, and fight back against the charges during all court sessions.

THE CONCEPT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT UNDER STATE LAW

State criminal law defines what is considered sexual assault. According to Texas Penal Code § 22.011, accusations of sexual assault may follow after a sexual act with another person without their permission. This can include sexual intercourse, oral sex, or having sexual contact with a minor.

An essential concept under the state’s sexual assault laws is the idea of consent. A prosecutor seeking a sexual assault conviction must prove the sexual intercourse was the product of force and against the other person’s will. This sexual contact may be through the use of actual force, the threat of harm, or even the use of drugs to restrict a person’s ability to resist. As a result, one strategy in a successful defense against sexual assault charges involves raising doubt about the use of force or the presence of consent. An attorney in Collin County can provide more information about the concept of sexual assault as a criminal offense.

PENALTIES THAT ACCOMPANY SEXUAL ASSAULT CONVICTIONS

A sexual assault charge will always change a person’s life, regardless of if they are given probation or sentenced to prison. Most sexual assault charges are second degree felonies with a range of punishment between two years and 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000. However, aggravating circumstances may lead the case moving forward as a first-degree felony, resulting in a maximum penalty of 99 years or life in prison.

A sexual assault lawyer wants to help people in Collin County avoid these heavy penalties. As soon as the police begin investigating a sexual assault allegation and before they make an arrest, a legal representative could protect suspects from intense interrogation techniques. They could also question the legality of police methods that led to the acquisition of evidence and ask for the exclusion of evidence from the case. Finally, they could cross-examine the state’s witnesses during the trial or present other information creating reasonable doubt in the judge or jury’s mind.

REACH OUT TO a Collin County SEXUAL ASSAULT ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY

Every accusation involving a sexual assault is a serious matter. Even an arrest under these charges has the potential to change your life forever. If the arrest results in a conviction, even for a lesser charge, it is possible to spend significant time in prison or endure other harsh penalties.

Let a Collin County sexual assault lawyer take the lead in defending your rights and freedoms. Our legal team will work immediately to protect you, limiting your time in police custody, perform an independent investigation into the matter, challenge the legality of police methods, and present solid defenses before and during the trial. Contact our office now to discuss your case options.