San Antonio Sex Offense Lawyers
Being charged with a crime of any kind is a stressful experience. But when you are arrested for a sex crime, the stigma surrounding your case can lead to more penalties than hefty fines and prison time.
Certain sex crime convictions can affect your professional and personal reputation, making it difficult to find jobs or form lasting relationships. Fortunately, with a criminal defense attorney on your side, you can fight for your rights and defend yourself to potentially reduce or avoid the penalties you face.
Our team at Flanary Law Firm, PLLC understands how essential it is to build a vigorous defense in any sex crime case. Our extensive experience enables us to give you the best chance of optimum results.
If you have been accused of a sex crime in the greater San Antonio area or Bexar County, you must act swiftly. From the initial investigation into a sex offense by law enforcement to arrests, charges, and all legal proceedings, we can work aggressively to protect your rights and pursue your best interests in the courts.
Schedule a free initial consultation with a San Antonio sex offense attorney by phone at (210) 899-7566. You can also email the team using our online contact form. We will reply promptly.
What Is the Definition of a Sex Offense in Texas?
In Texas and most other states, a sexual offense is any crime involving sexual acts or indecent contact with another person.
This can include:
- Non-consensual sexual intercourse
- Rape
- Indecency with a child
- Sexual assault
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Solicitation of a minor
- Prostitution
Sexual crimes are taken very seriously, and convictions often come with severe punishments like fines and extended jail sentences. Any convictions of sex crimes will stay on your permanent record, leading to difficulties finding employment or housing down the line.
What Kind of Sex Offenses Can We Help With?
Our San Antonio sex crime lawyers can defend you in any case involving a sexual act. With 30+ years of combined professional experience, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle even the most complex cases.
These are a few examples of sex crime cases we have handled:
- Sexual assault and rape: date rape, statutory rape, child molestation, and acquaintance rape.
- Prostitution: online escort services and in-person charges.
- Internet sex crimes: soliciting a minor, possessing or distributing child pornography.
- Indecent exposure: intentionally exposing yourself in public or to others online.
- Sexual abuse: continual sexual abuse of young children.
Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions
The specific penalties you face in any sex crime conviction will depend on the nature of the charge and its surrounding circumstances. Under the Texas Penal Code, sex offenses are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies.
Misdemeanor charges carry the following penalties:
- Class C misdemeanors: up to $500 in fines
- Class B misdemeanors: up to $2,000 in fines and up to 180 days in jail
- Class A misdemeanors: up to $4,000 in fines and up to one year in jail
Felony charges carry the following penalties:
- Third-degree felony: up to $10,000 in fines and between two and 10 years in prison
- Second-degree felony: up to $10,000 in fines and between two and 20 years in prison
- First-degree felony: up to $10,000 in fines and between five and 99 years in prison
Protect Yourself from Being Falsely Accused
Being falsely accused of a sex crime is a terrifying ordeal for anyone. Taking immediate steps to protect yourself is crucial, such as avoiding compromising situations and maintaining clear, respectful boundaries in all interactions.
If accused, seek legal representation promptly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have an advocate to navigate the complex legal landscape. A skilled criminal defender can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a robust defense.
Texas Sex Offender Registration
One of the most enduring consequences of a sex crime conviction is the requirement to register as a sex offender. In Texas, your name, photograph, and personal details will be included in a public registry accessible to anyone.
After a conviction, offenders must register with local law enforcement and become part of the sex offender registry within seven days of the conviction or release from prison. When signing up for the registry, you will provide your full name, home address, work address, vehicle details, and a photo of yourself. This registry is public information; any community member can access the details about you and the crime.
Registration is lifelong unless the court decides otherwise. All offenders must update law enforcement with any changes to their personal information within seven days. Some offenders must also check in with law enforcement monthly or yearly to ensure their whereabouts are known.
If you have been convicted of a sex crime and are required to register, contact our team today to learn more about the requirements and how to avoid getting criminal penalties.
Why Choose Flanary Law Firm, PLLC?
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Constant CommunicationAt our firm, we always want our clients to feel empowered when defending against criminal charges. We aim to constantly communicate with our clients, answering questions and taking feedback as we progress through the case. We are always here to answer your questions or adjust your legal strategy as needed.
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A History of ResultsWith multiple decades of experience between our attorneys, we have a history of proven results and happy clients. We always aim to get a criminal case dismissed or have the charges lowered to reduce any penalties our clients are facing. We are confident we can get you the results you deserve.
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Experience You Can Count OnAt our firm, we pride ourselves on the diverse range of criminal cases we have worked on. From federal felony charges to state misdemeanors, we know exactly how to build a defense strategy that's right for you. Our team can handle even the most complex cases and are willing to be flexible with our strategies.
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Advice on Your TimelineWe understand that all criminal cases work at different paces. Whether you are just looking around for a lawyer because you're under investigation or you need immediate representation, our team can help. We will work with you no matter where you are in the process to protect your rights.
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Free Initial ConsultationsWe understand that hiring a criminal defense attorney is a big decision that many people need time to make. That's why we offer all our potential clients a free consultation to see if we're the right legal team for them. We will review your case and begin building a legal strategy to defend your rights.
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Personalized Legal Defense StrategiesAll criminal cases are different, so our dense strategies are too. We would never re-use a legal strategy from one client to the next because your case is too unique. We will always build a defense strategy that's personalized and effective for you to get the outcome you deserve.
Common Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges
Although sex crimes carry severe penalties, specific strategies may get your case dismissed or your charges lowered. Your specific defense strategy will depend on the circumstances of your case.
Common tactics that our team may use to defend against sex crimes include:
- Challenging the credibility of the accuser
- Arguing against criminal intent
- Questioning the validity of physical evidence
