Williamson County Sex Crime Attorneys

Defense Lawyers Serving Wise County and the State of Texas

A conviction for a sex crime in Texas carries several penalties that can impact your life for years to come. From enticement and public indecency to Paul's Law and rape, you need an experienced lawyer in your corner that is backed by years of experience serving those in and around Austin, Texas. As one of the top firms and soon to be the largest in Williamson County, we possess the knowledge and resources to build a tough and aggressive defense on your behalf. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, you can rest assured knowing you are working one-on-one with a skilled and determined team of lawyers.

Call (512) 991-0576 or fill out an online contact form to get started on your defense.

What is a Sex Crime?

Sex crimes encompass a wide range of illegal behaviors that involve non-consensual or inappropriate sexual activity. Texas law defines a sex crime as any unlawful act committed with the intent of obtaining sexual gratification, causing harm, or violating the victim’s privacy. These offenses often carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Sex crime accusations can be made based on misunderstandings, false allegations, or insufficient evidence. Therefore, you must seek legal representation from a skilled attorney who understands the intricacies of these charges and can mount a comprehensive defense on your behalf.

Common Types of Sex Crimes in Texas

Sex crimes range in severity, from misdemeanors to felonies, and each offense comes with unique penalties. Some of the most common sex crime charges that individuals may face in Williamson County include:

• Sexual Assault: Often referred to as rape, sexual assault occurs when an individual engages in non-consensual sexual intercourse or other sexual activity. This offense can result in a second-degree felony charge, which may lead to up to 20 years in prison and registration as a sex offender.
• Aggravated Sexual Assault: Aggravated sexual assault is a more severe version of sexual assault that involves factors such as the use of a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or targeting a child or elderly person. This offense is a first-degree felony and can result in life imprisonment.
• Indecent Exposure: Indecent exposure occurs when a person knowingly exposes their genitals in public with the intent to arouse or gratify themselves or another person. This misdemeanor offense can carry fines and jail time, and in some cases, may require the accused to register as a sex offender.
• Child Sexual Abuse: Child sexual abuse encompasses a variety of offenses involving minors, including sexual contact, solicitation, or exploitation. These crimes are treated with particular severity in Texas and may result in long prison sentences, heavy fines, and mandatory sex offender registration.
• Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography: Possession, production, or distribution of child pornography is a serious felony in Texas. Individuals convicted of these offenses can face extensive prison time, substantial fines, and lifelong registration as a sex offender.
• Online Solicitation of a Minor: Online solicitation of a minor occurs when an adult uses the internet or electronic communication to entice or solicit a minor to engage in sexual conduct. This offense is treated as a felony and can lead to severe criminal penalties and the requirement to register as a sex offender.

Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction

A conviction for a sex crime in Texas can have severe and lasting consequences. Beyond the immediate penalties, such as incarceration and fines, you may also face mandatory registration as a sex offender. This requirement can have a long-term impact on your ability to secure housing, find employment, and maintain personal relationships. The Texas Sex Offender Registry is public, meaning your personal information will be accessible to anyone who searches for it.

In addition to the social stigma attached to sex crime convictions, you may also face restrictions on where you can live, work, and travel. The penalties for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements are harsh and can result in further criminal charges.

Legal Defenses to Sex Crimes

Sex crime accusations can be devastating, but a strong defense can help protect your rights and your future. Our team can evaluate the facts of your case and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Common legal defenses to sex crime charges in Texas include:

• Consent: In some cases, the alleged victim may have consented to the sexual activity in question. While proving consent can be challenging, especially in situations involving minors or individuals who are unable to legally provide consent, it can serve as a viable defense in certain situations.
• Mistaken Identity: Sex crimes often rely heavily on the testimony of the alleged victim, and cases of mistaken identity can arise when there is little physical evidence to support the accusation. An alibi or lack of physical evidence may demonstrate that you were wrongly accused.
• False Allegations: False accusations of sex crimes can occur for various reasons, including revenge, jealousy, or misunderstanding. A skilled attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations and present evidence to challenge the credibility of the accuser.
• Lack of Evidence: Sex crime cases can sometimes hinge on inconclusive or insufficient evidence. Your attorney can question the strength of the prosecution’s case, challenge the admissibility of certain evidence, and argue for dismissal based on a lack of reliable proof.
• Improper Police Conduct: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation, such as through unlawful search and seizure or coercive interrogation tactics, your attorney may be able to get key evidence suppressed, weakening the prosecution’s case.

How Our Firm Can Help

When you are accused of a sex crime, your freedom and reputation are at stake. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, our legal team has extensive experience handling complex criminal cases in Williamson County, and we are committed to providing a robust defense for our clients. As a seasoned Williamson County sex crime lawyer, we work tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and seek the best possible outcome.

Contact Cofer & Connelly, PLLC in Austin at (512) 991-0576 to review the facts of your case in an initial case evaluation.