Austin Sexual Assault Attorney
Defending Against Criminal Allegations of Sexual Assault in TX
A sexual assault allegation can ruin your reputation and strain relationships. On top of that, if you are convicted, you could be sentenced to years in prison, be subject to steep fines, and be required to register as a sex offender. With your future and freedom on the line, it’s crucial to have an experienced lawyer on your side to fight charges.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our Austin sexual assault lawyers have years of experience handling complex legal matters and are practiced at developing effective defenses on behalf of individuals facing criminal accusations. We know that this can be a stressful and frightening experience, which is why we take the time to answer your questions, listen to your side of the story, and inform you of the potential outcomes. Our team will fight hard to minimize the effects of a conviction on your life.
Schedule your free consultation today by calling our Austin sexual assault lawyers at (512) 359-3743.
Sexual Assault Defined in Texas
In Texas, it is illegal for an individual to intentionally and knowingly subject another person to non-consensual and unwanted sexual contact.
Specifically, an individual could violate this offense if they:
- Penetrate the anus, sexual organ, or mouth of another person with their own sexual organ; or
- Make someone else’s sexual organ come in contact with or penetrate their own sexual organ, anus or mouth
Such acts are prohibited against both adults and children. It is not a defense under this law for the individual to say they didn’t know the age of the person they had sexual contact with.
What Is Consent Under Texas Law?
The law states that if a person uses physical violence or threats to compel, force, or manipulate another individual into participating in sexual conduct, the actor does not have consent for the act. Additionally, if a person is unconscious or physically unable to refuse, they cannot give their permission to be involved in sexual activity. Also, people in certain occupations who use their status to exploit the vulnerabilities of another for sex, cannot be said to have received consent for the act.
Such individuals include:
- Public servants,
- Mental health providers, and
- Employees of facilities where an alleged victim lives
Potential Sexual Assault Conviction Penalties in Texas
Sexual assault is charged as a second-degree felony.
The penalties for a conviction include:
- Up to 20 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Lifetime registration as a sex offender
If the individual sexually assaulted someone they were prohibited from marrying, the level of offense could be elevated to a first-degree felony.
Violators could face the following penalties:
- Up to 99 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Lifetime registration as a sex offender
Retain the Services of Our Seasoned Austin Sexual Assault Lawyers
The consequences of a sexual assault conviction could follow you around long after you served your time and paid your fines. You might have difficulty finding housing, getting a job, or obtaining credit. Additionally, because of the sex offender registry requirement, you might be limited in where you can go and whom you can contact.
Our Austin attorneys for sexual assault charges at Smith & Vinson Law Firm will review the prosecutor’s evidence to identify flaws and weaknesses. We will seek to get the case dismissed or charges dropped.
To discuss your case during a free consultation, call our Austin sexual assault lawyers at (512) 359-3743 or contact us online.
Our Client Reviews
Earning Our Reputation by Protecting Yours
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Smith and Vinson are absolutely incredible! They go above and beyond to help their clients and have a track record of success in getting cases dismissed. Their aggressive approach and unwavering dedication make them stand out from the rest.- Linda W.
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What sets this firm apart is their unwavering dedication to their clients. They listen attentively, provide clear guidance, and approach every case with the utmost diligence. Their attention to detail is truly impressive, and they leave no stone unturned.- Former Client
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When in battle you need people by your side who are fierce enough to face the opposition with you. Brad and Jarod far exceeded my expectations with their passion for winning and attention to detail.- Nikki C.
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After the Jury was selected, the first witness was called to the stand, and Brad and Jarrod imploded the State's case. Moments later, the case was dismissed. I couldn't be any more thankful for Smith & Vinson.- Former Client
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Case Dismissed DWI
Our client, a veteran, fell asleep at the wheel and was involved in an accident. He was arrested for DWI and refused to give a breath or blood sample to the police. He came to us concerned that a DWI conviction would put an end to his military benefits. We received a plea offer for a DWI conviction with 15 months of probation, but we knew we could do better.
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Case Dismissed Aggravated Robbery
Our client was indicted on the 1st Degree Felony charge of Aggravated Assault. He was out celebrating a birthday with friends when the party took a different turn and our client ended up being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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Motion to Suppress Granted; Case Dismissed DWI 2nd .209
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Cases Dismissed Trafficking of a Person and Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution
Our client was accused of running a prostitution ring out of a massage parlor and trafficking an unwilling participant as part of the operation. The alleged victim had never been instructed to perform any sexual favors and accused our client after she felt she was owed extra wages. We poured through the evidence and noticed repeated mistakes the police made in investigating the accusation, interviewing the witness, and collecting evidence. We discussed the faulty investigation and evidence with the Sta
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Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence
Our client was drinking and watching sports with his girlfriend when they got into a heated argument. The argument escalated, and our client left in order to avoid further trouble. A neighbor called the police and our client’s girlfriend made a statement alleging that our client had assaulted her.