Houston Sexual Assault Lawyer
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Defense Lawyer for Sexual Assault in Houston, TX
Being accused of sexual assault in Houston can feel like your whole life is at risk. You may be unsure of what to do next, who to trust, or how to protect your future. A Houston sexual assault lawyer at B. Keith Jackson, Attorney and Counselor at Law, PLLC, can help.
The consequences of a sexual assault conviction go beyond the courtroom; your job, reputation, relationships, and emotional well-being can all suffer. That’s why you need a criminal defense attorney you can trust. Our law firm represents clients accused of sexual assault and other serious sex crimes in Houston, TX, and throughout Harris County. We work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a defense strategy that protects your legal rights.
If you’re looking for a trusted sex crime lawyer in Houston, call (281) 545-5020 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation today.
What is Sexual Assault in Texas?
Sexual assault is a serious offense that involves unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact or sexual activity. These cases can result in first-degree felony or second-degree felony charges depending on the circumstances. A person accused of sexual assault in Houston, TX, may face sex crime charges related to child molestation, date rape, or other acts of a sexual nature.
A sexual assault conviction can lead to a long prison sentence, sex offender registration, and serious damage to your reputation. If you’re facing a sexual assault claim or sexual assault lawsuit, it’s important to contact an experienced Houston sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible.
Sexual Assault Texas Penal Code
Texas Penal Code § 22.011 defines sexual assault in the state of Texas. In simple terms, this law makes it illegal for a person to intentionally or knowingly cause another person to engage in sexual activity without that person’s consent.
Under this statute, sexual assault includes situations where:
- The other person did not or could not agree to the sexual conduct.
- The accused used physical force, threats, or coercion.
- The alleged victim was unconscious, intoxicated, or mentally unable to understand or resist what was happening.
- The accused is a public servant, healthcare provider, or someone in a position of power over the alleged victim.
- The victim is a child (under 17), and the sexual contact qualifies as statutory rape under Texas law.
A sexual assault conviction can result in severe penalties and long-term damage to your reputation. A Houston sexual assault attorney can represent you in court and fight the criminal charges against you.
Sexual Assault vs. Aggravated Sexual Assault
The difference between sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault comes down to the level of harm, use of threats, or involvement of certain factors that make the crime more serious.
While sexual assault generally refers to unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact or sexual activity, aggravated sexual assault in Texas is a more serious charge. It usually involves situations where a weapon was used, the victim suffered serious bodily injury, or the victim was under a certain age, elderly, or disabled. These cases can carry harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration.
Punishments for Sexual Assault in Texas
Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault are serious felony offenses under Texas law, and the penalties can change your life permanently. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you could be facing if convicted:
- Sexual Assault (Second-Degree Felony)
- 2 to 20 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- mandatory sex offender registration
- Aggravated Sexual Assault (First-Degree Felony)
- 5 to 99 years or life in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- mandatory sex offender registration
- Minimum 25 years in prison in enhanced cases
Because the punishment for these sex crimes is so severe, it’s important to work with a Houston sexual assault attorney like Keith Jackson who can review the evidence, challenge the accusations, and build a strong defense for your sexual assault case. Having the right legal representation can make all the difference in protecting your freedom.
Is Sexual Assault a Felony in Texas?
Yes, sexual assault is a felony under Texas law. In most cases, it is charged as a second-degree felony. However, if certain aggravating factors are present, the charge can be elevated to a first-degree felony.
Sex Offender Registration Requirements for Sexual Assault
Under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a person convicted of sexual assault or a similar sex offense must register as a sex offender within seven days of being released from custody or moving to a new residence. You are required to report personal details, including your name, address, birthdate, race, and vehicle information. The law also requires this information to be verified annually. Most sexual assault convictions lead to lifelong registration, although some non-contact offenses may carry a ten-year requirement.
How a Houston Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you are at risk of being convicted in a sexual assault case, a skilled Houston criminal lawyer can help. In many sex crime cases, the facts are complicated, and mistakes can happen, especially when the accusation is false.
Even without a conviction, false accusations can cause emotional distress, damage your reputation, and put your future at risk. That’s why it’s crucial to have a strong legal team that understands how the criminal justice system works. A Houston sex crimes lawyer can review medical evidence, identify issues in the legal process, and work to get the charges reduced, the conviction appealed, or the entire case dismissed.
With the right criminal lawyer in Houston, TX, you have a real chance to defend yourself and move forward.
Defenses to Sexual Assault in Texas
When it comes to sexual assault charges in Texas, several possible defenses may apply. Some of the most common defenses include:
- Consent: Arguing that the sexual activity was consensual and agreed to by both parties.
- Mistaken Identity: Showing that the wrong person was accused of the sexual offense.
- False Accusation: Presenting evidence that the alleged victim made up the claim out of anger, jealousy, or another motive.
- Lack of Evidence: Arguing that there is not enough medical evidence or reliable witness statements to support the charge.
- Alibi: Proving that you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged act.
- Improper Police Conduct: Challenging how the investigation was handled or whether your rights were violated during the legal process.
Every sexual assault case is different, and the proper defense depends on the facts and evidence involved. An experienced lawyer will examine the details of the case and craft a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
What is the Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault in Texas?
There are time limits for when someone can come forward with a sexual assault claim in Texas, but those limits depend on the details of the case. In sexual assault cases that involve children or untested/unmatched DNA evidence, there is no time limit. Charges can be filed at any time. If the case doesn’t include those factors, the time limit is usually 10 years from the date the alleged assault happened.
Defense attorneys also review allegations involving sexual assault victims to confirm whether the claim fits within the statute of limitations and whether the State has met the requirements needed to move forward with the case.
Why Trust B. Keith Jackson As Your Houston Sexual Assault Lawyer?
Sexual assault charges carry serious consequences, and you need a defense strategy that focuses on raising reasonable doubt and protecting your rights at every step. B. Keith Jackson represents individuals throughout the Houston area who have been accused of sexually assaulting another person, and his law offices approach these cases with careful analysis and strong advocacy.
He examines the evidence, challenges inconsistencies, and focuses on the issues that matter most in securing an acquittal or pushing for dropped or dismissed charges when the facts support it. Sexual assault investigations can involve credibility disputes, flawed procedures, and misunderstandings. An experienced defense lawyer recognizes these issues early and acts quickly to build a position of strength.
You can trust B. Keith Jackson to review every option available to you, whether that means defending your case in court, negotiating a plea bargain that avoids the harshest penalties, or fighting for an outright acquittal when the evidence fails to support the accusation. His approach centers on protecting your future and giving you a clear path forward during an overwhelming process.
Contact a Houston, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer to Discuss your Sexual Assault Case Right Away
If you’ve been accused of sexual abuse or sexual assault in Houston, Texas, the time to act is now. The legal consequences of a sex crime conviction are serious, and the impact on your personal life can be just as damaging. At B. Keith Jackson, Attorney and Counselor at Law, PLLC, our legal team understands what’s at stake and will fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
Don’t try to handle the legal process on your own. Call (281) 545-5020 or contact us online to speak with a Houston sexual assault lawyer today.
Contact a Reliable Houston Attorney for Assistance with Your Civil or Criminal Case
Whether you are facing criminal prosecution or embroiled in a complicated civil dispute, a diligent lawyer can help you reach the best possible solution to your case. You can be confident I will not back down in standing up for your rights against tough opposition.