Are you facing sex crime charges in San Antonio, TX? Being arrested for a sex crime is a serious matter that can result in professional and personal consequences. These allegations can irreparably harm your reputation and limit your opportunities in the future.

Additionally, Texas prosecutors often aggressively pursue the maximum sentences for convictions. Hence, a conviction could result in lengthy prison terms and other criminal penalties.

Our attorneys at Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience. Our seasoned trial attorneys are aggressive negotiators who will fiercely defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your criminal case.

Do not trust your freedom to an inexperienced attorney. Contact Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law or call us at (210) 500 0000 to schedule a consultation with an experienced San Antonio sex crimes lawyer.

How Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law Can Help You Defend Yourself Against Charges of Sex Crimes in Texas

Individuals are often wrongfully accused of sex crimes. However, even if you are innocent, there is no guarantee that the truth will win in court. Regardless of your guilt or innocence, you need an experienced criminal attorney to prepare a solid defense to sex crime allegations in San Antonio, Texas.

When you hire our top-rated San Antonio criminal defense attorneys, you can trust that we will:

• Explain the criminal charges against you and the potential penalties for a conviction
• Listen to you as you explain what happened
• Analyze the evidence in your case to develop an effective defense strategy
• Conduct an independent investigation to gather evidence and identify defenses
• Determine if your constitutional rights were violated
• Represent you at all court hearings and at a jury trial, if necessary
• Negotiate terms for a fair plea deal if taking your case to trial is not in your best interest

Our attorneys have numerous awards, top ratings, and recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, and Martindale-Hubbell. We will vigorously pursue a just outcome in your criminal case. Call Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced San Antonio sex crimes lawyers.

What Is Considered a Sex Crime in San Antonio, TX?

Sex crimes describe a wide variety of offenses that have a sexual component. Texas Penal Code Chapter 21 defines numerous sex crimes and their penalties. Sex crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the type of offense, aggravating circumstances, and other factors.

Common sex crimes in San Antonio include, but are not limited to:

Sexual Assault

Rape or sexual assault refers to intentionally and knowingly engaging in sexual activity without the consent of the other person. This includes any form of penetration of another individual’s sexual organs or anus, as well as forcing someone to perform oral sex. Even minimal penetration can lead to a sexual assault charge.

In Texas, sexual assault is typically classified as a second-degree felony. However, aggravated sexual assault — which involves factors like the use of a deadly weapon, bodily injury, or assaulting an elderly person — can be charged as a first-degree felony, carrying much harsher penalties.

Indecent Exposure

A person can be charged with indecent exposure if they intentionally reveal their anus or genitals to someone. The person must intend to stimulate themselves or someone else sexually when exposing themselves without consideration of whether their conduct disturbs or offends bystanders. Indecent exposure is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is a felony. It involves enticing, transporting, harboring, recruiting, or obtaining a person for sexual labor. Many cases are charged in federal court, but Texas also has state laws for sex trafficking. Sex trafficking applies to children and adults.

Compelling Prostitution

A person is guilty of compelling prostitution if they cause someone to commit prostitution by threat, fraud, force, or coercion. A person may also be charged for this crime if they solicit a child under 18 years old to engage in prostitution. Generally, compelling prostitution is a felony offense.

Indecency With a Child

A person can be charged with indecency with a child if they engage in sexual contact with a child under the age of 17. This includes touching the child’s genitals, breasts, or anus, either under or over clothing. The charge can also apply if the individual causes the child to touch these areas on someone else. Additionally, exposing one’s genitals or anus in the presence of a child, or causing a child to expose themselves, can lead to this charge. 

Indecency with a child is considered a felony sex offense.

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Failing to register as a sex offender is a crime itself under Texas Penal Code §62.102. A person can be charged with a state jail felony, third-degree felony, or second-degree felony, depending on when your duty to register expires. If you have a prior conviction for this offense, the punishment is increased to the next highest degree of felony.

Public Lewdness

It is illegal to engage in sexual conduct in public places. The law also makes it illegal to engage in sexual activities in private places if you are reckless about whether someone could be present who would be alarmed or offended by your conduct. Public lewdness is a wobbler offense. Depending on the circumstances, the prosecutor may charge the offense as a misdemeanor or felony offense.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

Soliciting a minor online is a felony offense in Texas. Online solicitation of a minor is defined in Texas Penal Code §33.021 as intentionally communicating with a minor in a sexually explicit manner or distributing sexually explicit material to a minor. The offense also covers convincing a minor to meet with them with the intent to engage in sexual contact with the minor.

Improper Relationship Between an Educator and Student

Improper relationship laws apply to any adult working for a private or public primary or secondary school in Texas, including teachers, coaches, administrators, and bus drivers. It is a second-degree felony for any school employee to engage in sexual conduct with a student enrolled in the school. 

Are You Facing a Sex Crimes Charge in San Antonio, TX?

If you are being investigated or have been arrested for a sex crime in Texas, you need legal counsel immediately. Your freedom and reputation are at stake. Our legal team at Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law can provide the legal advice and support you need as you deal with the charges against you.

What Are the Potential Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in Texas?

The penalties for a conviction of a sex crime depend on several factors, including the charges, your criminal history, the victim, the severity of injuries, and other aggravating factors. Sentences for sex crimes can include:

• Incarceration: The maximum sentence for a misdemeanor sex crime is up to one year in jail. However, a felony conviction can result in decades or life in prison.
• Fines: Fines for sex crimes range from a thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the crime and the severity of the crime.
• Sex Offender Registration: Most sex crimes require individuals to register as a sex offender with the Texas State Offender Registration Program. Depending on the crime, a person may have to register for 10 years to life.

The court may impose other criminal penalties, including a suspended driver’s license, probation, mandatory therapy/counseling, and victim restitution. An experienced attorney can explain your potential punishments based on your specific charges. 

Other Consequences of a Sex Crimes Conviction

In addition to fines, jail, and registering as a sex offender, an individual may face one or more collateral consequences. The consequences depend on the nature of the sex offense and the person’s circumstances. Potential consequences include:

• Loss of child custody and/or unsupervised visitation
• Trouble finding and keeping a job
• Damage to your personal and professional reputation
• Revocation of a professional license or denial of a professional license application
• Ineligibility for financial aid
• Trouble with immigration and citizenship
• Inability to live in a specific location
• Loss of voting rights and gun rights

A sex crimes conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. Our legal team will aggressively defend you against the charges so you can move on with your life.

Are There Defenses to Sex Crimes in San Antonio, TX?

An arrest for a sex crime is not a conviction. The state must prove each legal element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction. You have the right to present a defense to the charges and challenge the state’s evidence.

The defenses in your case depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding the charges. Potential defenses to sex crimes include:

• The alleged victim made false allegations.
• You are not the person who committed the crime (i.e., mistaken identity).
• There is insufficient evidence proving the elements of the crime.
• The alleged victims consented to the sexual contact.
• You have an alibi for the time of the crime.
• You did not intend to commit the crime (i.e., lack of intent).
• The defendant is incompetent because of a severe mental defect or disorder, which meant they did not know their conduct was wrong.
• A Romeo and Juliet Defense may apply depending on the ages of the minors involved in the case.

The sooner you hire a criminal defense lawyer, the more time your attorney has to develop a defense. Also, your attorney can immediately begin gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and taking other steps to preserve evidence before it disappears.

Schedule a Consultation With Our San Antonio Sex Crimes Lawyers

If you have been accused of a sex crime, the stakes are high. You need a strong criminal defense lawyer to advocate for you in court. Our San Antonio sex crimes lawyers at Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law can defend you against all types of sex crimes. Call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.