Conroe Sexual Assault Attorney

Finding an Experienced Sexual Assault Defense Attorney in Montgomery County

Sexual assault and other sex crime charges are some of the most serious offenses that a person can face in Texas. These charges carry a major social stigma, and simply being accused of sexual assault can cause irreparable harm to a person's reputation, their relationships with family and friends, and their career. A criminal conviction for sexual assault or related offenses will often result in severe legal consequences, including prison time, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Those who are accused of these types of crimes will need to determine the steps they can take to defend themselves both in the courtroom and in their public and private lives.

Because of the severe penalties that are involved in sex crime cases, a person who is facing these types of accusations can make sure their rights are protected by working with an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Pullan & Young, our lawyers can provide strong, effective representation in these situations. We can help a person accused of sexual assault understand the specific laws that apply in their case, the ways to respond to the claims against them, and the defense strategies that they may use to achieve a favorable outcome to their case. While we are prepared to defend clients in the courtroom, we can also negotiate with prosecutors when necessary to determine whether charges or penalties may be reduced. Our goal is to resolve these matters quickly and effectively while preserving our clients' reputations and protecting their rights at all times.

Laws Related to Sexual Assault in Texas

A person who is accused of engaging in sexual conduct without receiving consent from the other party may face multiple types of criminal charges. The offense of sexual assault specifically refers to penetrative sexual intercourse that occurs without a person's consent. However, this offense may also apply if a person is accused of engaging in any form of sexual contact with a child under the age of 17.

The issue of consent is usually one of the primary factors involved in a sexual assault case. If a person is accused of using physical force or violence to engage in sexual intercourse, or if they allegedly threatened to use violence against the alleged victim or any other party, this will be considered a violation of consent. Engaging in sexual intercourse with a person who was unconscious or could not resist because of intoxication by drugs or alcohol is also a violation of consent that can lead to sexual assault charges. A person in a position of authority over someone else, such as a health care provider, counselor, coach, tutor, member of the clergy, caregiver, or a public service such as a police officer, may be accused of using coercion to cause a person to engage in sexual intercourse.

Sexual assault is generally charged as a second degree felony, and a person convicted on these charges may be sentenced to two to 20 years in prison and fined a maximum of $10,000. However, if sexual assault was allegedly committed against a family member, including a child, stepchild, grandchild, sibling, niece, nephew, cousin, parent, grandparent, or stepparent, a person may be charged with a first degree felony, and if they are convicted, they may be sentenced to between five and 99 years in prison.

Indecent assault, which is a less serious offense, may be charged if a person is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with another person without receiving consent. Sexual conduct may include touching or fondling a person's private parts, exposing private parts to others, or causing others to come into contact with bodily fluids for the purpose of sexual gratification. This offense is generally charged as a Class A misdemeanor, and a conviction may result in a sentence of up to one year in jail, as well as a $4,000 fine.

On the other hand, the more serious charge of aggravated sexual assault may apply in some situations. If a person is accused of committing sexual assault and inflicting a serious bodily injury or attempting to kill the victim, if a person allegedly displayed or used a firearm or other deadly weapon while committing sexual assault, if a person is accused of using a "date rape" drug or other substance to cause a person to become unable to give consent, or if the alleged victim was younger than 14 years old or was elderly or disabled, a person may be charged with a first degree felony. In aggravated sexual assault cases involving children, the minimum sentence may be increased to 25 years.

If you have been previously convicted of an assaultive offense, the punishment range for sexual assault cases can increase. Prior convictions can also affect your parole eligibility. At Pullan & Young, our attorneys make sure to carefully review all of client's criminal history and advise them of how such history can impact their pending case.

Contact Our Conroe, Texas Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys

Accusations of sexual assault or other related offenses can have severe legal and personal consequences. It is crucial for anyone facing these types of accusations to have an experienced lawyer representing them during legal proceedings. At Pullan & Young, our attorneys understand the best ways to defend against sex crime accusations, and we work tirelessly to protect our clients' rights at all times. Contact our Conroe law office today at 936-647-1540 for a free, confidential consultation.