Sexual assault accusations are serious and can have significant legal, personal, and professional repercussions. Facing such allegations can be profoundly challenging, and seeking legal consultation is the first step toward crafting a robust defense.
If you find yourself facing these distressing accusations, know that you're not alone. Understanding the legal landscape and having a strategic defense are crucial steps toward safeguarding your rights and securing the best possible outcome.
The legal team at Mandy Miller Legal can offer personalized guidance on your case and determine the right steps to ensure you make informed decisions. You can entrust us to build a strong defense for you and aim for the best possible outcome for your case.
Sexual assault encompasses non-consensual sexual contact or behavior, including but not limited to
unwanted touching, coercion, and penetration. It's a violation of an individual's bodily autonomy and can have severe psychological, emotional, and physical consequences.
Types of sexual assaults include:
An individual can file for sexual assault charges within 10 years from the date of the offense. However, there are exceptions to this timeline, such as cases involving DNA evidence or if the accused leaves the state after the offense.
In Texas, the penalties for sexual assault convictions are severe. They vary based on the specific circumstances of the case and can range from many years in prison to lifetime registration as a sex offender. The
severity of the penalties often depends on factors such as the age of the victim, the use of force, and the relationship between the accused and the victim.
The penalties for sexual assault convictions may be as follows depending on the individual case:
First-Degree Felony: In cases involving rape or assault resulting in severe bodily injury, the penalty can be 5 to 99 years in prison with fines up to $10,000.
Second-Degree Felony: Sexual assaults involving threats, use of force, or when the victim is incapacitated can result in 2 to 20 years imprisonment with fines up to $10,000.
Third-Degree Felony: Cases involving non-consensual sexual contact may result in 2 to 10 years in prison with fines up to $10,000.
A criminal defense lawyer employs various
defense strategies to build a strong case. Each case is unique, and a defense strategy is tailored to the specifics of the situation. Some effective approaches might include:
Challenging Evidence: Scrutinizing the evidence against the accused and raising doubts about its validity or reliability.
Consent and Circumstances: Asserting that the sexual encounter was consensual or disputing the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
Witness Credibility: Questioning the credibility or reliability of witness statements to cast doubt on the prosecution's case.
Alibi Evidence: Presenting alibi evidence to demonstrate the accused's absence from the scene or inability to commit the alleged offense.
Mental State or Intoxication: Exploring the mental state of the accused or any intoxication that could affect their ability to understand or engage in the alleged act.
Questioning Chain of Custody: Challenging the chain of custody of evidence to question its integrity or authenticity.
Our team stands by you while helping you navigate the legal system, ensuring your voice is heard. We can craft a defense that aims for the most favorable resolution possible.
Getting immediate legal support is crucial in sexual assault cases. Building a strong defense from the outset can assist in securing the best possible outcome. Our skilled criminal defense lawyer in Katy, TX, guides individuals through the legal process, ensuring their rights are protected and vigorously advocating for their defense.
Our team specializes in defending individuals against sexual assault charges. We understand the emotional turmoil and complexities that accompany such accusations. Our goal is to provide not just legal counsel but a shield against the grave implications these charges carry. Get in touch to discuss your case.
