Dallas Sex Crime Lawyers

Experienced Defense Against Sexual Offenses in Dallas County

Being charged with any crime is stressful. Being arrested for a sex crime is not just stressful, though - you are likely to be stigmatized by society before a jury of your peers even tries you. If you are convicted of certain sex crimes, it will affect you for the rest of your life. In addition to the standard penalties of jail or prison time, fines, and conditions of probation, convicted sex offenders must often register with local law enforcement for life.

At Scott H. Palmer, P.C., we understand the importance of protecting defendants' rights and ensuring they receive a fair trial - no matter what crime they are accused of. Let our Dallas sex crime attorneys help you resolve these stressful and confidential matters with the knowledge, experience, and personal attention you need.

Are you facing a sex crime charge in Texas? Call Scott H. Palmer, P.C. today at (214) 891-3382 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our sex crime attorneys in Dallas! 

What is the Legal Definition of a Sex Crime in Texas?

In Texas, a sex crime is an offense involving any sexual or indecent contact with another person. This includes rape and other forms of non-consensual sexual intercourse, sexual assault, indecency with a child, online solicitation of a minor, possession or distribution of child pornography, and prostitution. Sex crimes are taken very seriously in Texas and can result in serious penalties. A conviction for a sex crime can also have long-term effects on an individual's employment opportunities, housing options, and reputation. Therefore, it is important to seek experienced legal help if you are facing charges of a sex crime in Texas.

Sex Crime Cases We Handle

Our Dallas sex crime attorneys have nearly 100 years of combined experience providing sound legal advice and criminal defense servicesto clients charged with all types of sex crimes, such as:

• Sexual Assault & Rape - including date rape, statutory rape, acquaintance rape, and child molestation.
• Internet Sex Crimes - including online solicitation of a minor; a second-degree felony with minors
• Prostitution - including charges related to online escort services; a Class B misdemeanor (first offender)
• Indecent Exposure - intentionally exposing yourself in public; a Class B misdemeanor
• Child Pornography - including downloading or distributing child pornography; second-degree felony

What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas?

According to the Texas Penal Code, sex crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the alleged actions of the accused. If convicted you could face any of the following harsh penalties.

A misdemeanor sex crime conviction could result in the following:

• Class C misdemeanor: Up to $500 in fines
• Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and / or up to $2,000 in fines
• Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail & up to $4,000 in fines

A felony sex offense conviction will incur penalties as follows:

• First-degree felony: 5 - 99 years or life prison & up to $10,000 in fines
• Second-degree felony: 2 - 20 years in prison & up to $10,000 in fines
• Third-degree felony: 2 - 10 years in prison & up to $10,000 in fines
• State jail felony: 180 days - 2 years in state jail & up to $10,000 in fines

Sex Offender Registration Requirements in Texas

In Texas, sex offenders must register with local law enforcement in their jurisdiction after being convicted. The registration is required to be done within seven days from the date of conviction or release from imprisonment. It includes providing personal information such as full name, aliases, home address, work address, vehicle details, and photographs of the offender. Additionally, they must inform law enforcement of any changes to this information within seven days. Registration is a lifetime requirement, and failure to register or update appropriate details can lead to serious criminal charges. Sex offenders need to understand their registration requirements to avoid further legal trouble. Failure to do so can result in significant fines, imprisonment, or other criminal penalties. Those convicted of sex offenses in Texas must take the time to understand their registration requirements and seek legal help if needed.

Common Defenses to Sex Crime Charges

Many types of defenses may be used to fight sex crime charges. Some of the most common include: challenging the accuser's credibility, attacking any physical evidence presented in the case, and arguing that the accused did not have criminal intent. Additionally, if a person was coerced into committing an act or cannot understand its wrongfulness due to an intellectual disability, an insanity defense can be raised. It's important to note that each case differs, and the defenses employed should be tailored to the specific situation. An experienced Dallas sex crimes lawyer will be able to assess an individual's case and give advice on which type of defense may be most appropriate for a successful outcome.

Contact Our Dallas Sex Crime Attorneys Today

It is important to understand that a sex crime conviction can have serious long-term implications. Not only does a person convicted of such an offense face severe social stigma and potential prison time, but they may struggle to obtain employment or housing opportunities. It is highly recommended that those accused of a sex crime seek legal representation to protect their legal rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

The proven legal team at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. is capable and experienced in resolving sex crime cases. As Dallas sex crime lawyers, we are ready to answer your criminal law questions.

Contact Scott H. Palmer, P.C., today to schedule a case evaluation with one of our sex crime lawyers in Dallas!