Sexual Offenses
Sexual charges in Texas carry severe legal and personal consequences, with penalties depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances involved.
Legal Penalties
- Sexual Assault: This is typically a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. If aggravating factors are present (e.g., use of a weapon, serious injury, a child is involved), it may escalate to a first-degree felony, with penalties of 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
- Indecency with a Child: Typically involves sexual contact with a child under 17, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
- Indecent Assault: A Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
- Sex Offender Registration: Convictions often require mandatory registration as a sex offender, which can range from 10 years after conviction to life.
Collateral Consequences
- Employment: A conviction can severely limit job opportunities, especially in fields requiring background checks.
- Housing: Landlords may deny applications based on criminal records.
- Social Stigma: Convictions can lead to strained relationships and social isolation.
- Custody and Family Matters: A conviction can impact custody arrangements or divorce proceedings.
Texas law takes sexual offenses very seriously, and even allegations can have lasting effects. Jake understands how to challenge the State’s expert witnesses and hold the State to its burden of providing actual proof and corroboration, rather than just allegations.
