Stephenville & Glen Rose Sexual Assault Defense Attorney

Trusted Legal Defense Against Sexual Assault Charges in Texas

Sexual assault is one of the most serious sex crimes in Texas. A conviction is punishable by a lengthy prison sentence, fines worth tens of thousands of dollars, and even registration as a sexual offender for potentially the rest of your life. Even merely being accused of sexual assault can have a negative impact on your professional reputation and personal life, which is why you must hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you against false or unproven claims.

If you are being accused of sexual assault in Stephenville or Glen Rose, let the Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton fight for you and help you avoid serious criminal charges or penalties. We can thoroughly investigate your case, collect and examine evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and obtain the most favorable outcome in court.

Do not hesitate to contact us today at (888) 246-6869 for a free consultation. Available 24/7!

Understanding Texas Sexual Assault Laws & Penalties

According to Texas law, sexual assault is defined as sexual intercourse and penetration without consent, forcible or violent intercourse and penetration, sexual abuse against someone who cannot provide consent because of a disability or diminished mental capacity, sexual intercourse or contact with a minor under 17 years of age (regardless of consent), and other coercive sexual acts. Individuals who use or threaten physical violence or abuse their position of power to engage in sexual activity, Texas courts would claim that the victim did not provide consent to such activity.

Sexual assault in Texas is a second-degree felony, which carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. However, if the victim was someone whom the defendant was prohibited from marrying or living under the appearance of being married, then the offense is a first-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to 99 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Factors That Elevate Sexual Assault to Aggravated Sexual Assault

• The victim suffered serious injury, or the defendant attempted to kill the victim.
• The defendant placed the victim in fear of serious injury, death, or kidnapping.
• The defendant used or displayed a deadly weapon.
• The victim is younger than 14 years old.
• The victim is a disabled or elderly individual.
• The defendant worked together with another person to commit the offense.
• The defendant used a “date rape drug” to commit the offense.

Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony. If a deadly weapon was used or exhibited and the victim was younger than 14, the victim was younger than six (6) years old, the child victim suffered a serious injury, the defendant tried to kill the child, or the defendant used drugs to commit the crime, then the minimum prison sentence is 25 years.

As we mentioned earlier, a conviction for sexual assault also results in sex offender registration. Being registered as a sex offender can make it extremely difficult to gain or maintain employment, find a place to live, or live a normal life.