Dumas Sex Crime Lawyers

Few crimes are as serious or consequential legally, socially, or personally as sex crime allegations. Even false accusations can ruin your reputation, create family discord, result in job loss, and result in an uphill legal battle.

Arrests may appear in news reports, exposing you to public bias. You may feel convicted before you ever have your day in court. In such circumstances, turning to a proven criminal defense attorney is critical.

At Tisdell Law Firm, we understand the impact on the lives of those accused of any sex crime. Our legal team believes that everyone deserves the best possible defense available despite the nature of the charges. Your constitutional rights must be protected, and your case must be thoroughly investigated, prepared, and presented, giving you the best chance of obtaining an optimum result.

Our criminal defense team has 30+ years of shared experience defending cases in the Texas courts. Our team includes a former prosecutor who understands how the other side thinks and operates. We have the professional insight, resources, and determination you need to help you fight for your freedom and future.

Discuss your case in a free initial consultation with a Dumas sex crime attorney at Tisdell Law Firm. Call (806) 352-4844 or contact us online to get started. Hablamos español.

Types of Texas Sex Crimes

Texas law defines several sex crimes under Title 5, Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code.

Common offenses include:

• Sexual assault: Non-consensual sexual penetration of another, including cases involving force, threats, or incapacitation, punishable by two to 20 years in prison.
• Aggravated sexual assault: This is a more severe form of sexual assault involving the use of deadly weapons or violence or victims under 14, the elderly, or disabled people. Penalties include up to life in prison with mandatory minimums in some instances.
• Indecency with a child: Any sexual exposure or contact with a minor under 17, which can include exposing oneself or touching the victim over clothing. It carries two to 20 years in prison.
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child: This involves two or more acts against a child under 14 within 30 days or more. It carries 25 years to life in prison.
• Online solicitation of a minor: Using the internet to sexually communicate with or to lure a minor, carrying two to 20 years in prison.
• Child pornography possession or distribution: This includes sexually explicit material involving minors punishable by two to 20 years in prison per image.
• Indecent exposure: Exposing your private parts in public for sexual gratification is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail.

Sex crime allegations can be difficult to defend due to public presumption of guilt. They can often be based on “he said/she said”  or revenge motive scenarios lacking witnesses or DNA evidence. Despite cases of false allegations, many people believe victims do not lie.

Texas prosecutors aggressively pursue sex crime accusations due to political and public pressure. Text messages, emails, and online searches can be used against the accused, even if taken out of context. DNA or forensic evidence (even if inconclusive) can be misinterpreted in court.

These difficulties underscore the need for thorough and aggressive legal representation, such as you can find at Tisdell Law Firm.

Texas Sex Offender Registration

One of the harshest punishments for certain sex crime convictions is mandatory sex offender registration. This registration can be for life or, in less severe cases, for 10 years. Registration affects every part of one’s life, including housing, employment, movement, or travel, and often requires frequent check-ins with parole or probation officers. Violating the restrictions can lead to new felony charges.

How We Can Defend Against Sex Crime Charges in Dumas

A skilled sex crime defense attorney is essential when facing these types of charges.

Defenses can include: 

• Challenging consent issues: Proving the encounter was consensual, if applicable.
• Exposing false allegations: Investigating motives for false claims, such as those stemming from divorce, custody battles, or revenge.
• Discrediting weak evidence: Attacking flawed forensic analysis or unreliable witnesses.
• Filing constitutional motions: Seeking to suppress illegally obtained evidence, such as through improper searches or coerced confessions.
• Digital evidence defense: Using phone records, surveillance footage, and GPS to prove innocence.

At Tisdell Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, challenge any weak or improperly obtained evidence, and fight relentlessly to defend your innocence. Our skilled and dedicated lawyers can make a vital difference in the outcome of your case.

Request a free case review with an Dumas sex crime lawyer at Tisdell Law Firm by phone at (806) 352-4844 or submit our online contact form today.