What Constitutes Sexual Assault in Texas?
Sexual assault is a serious criminal offense in Texas, and the law defines it as any non-consensual sexual activity that occurs between individuals. The victim may not have agreed to the sexual act, or they may have been incapable of giving consent due to age, intoxication, or mental incapacity. Texas law punishes these actions severely, and the penalties can include lengthy prison sentences and steep fines. The important thing to understand is that a sexual assault charge does not automatically equate to guilt. There are various factors that can come into play when determining the validity of the charge, such as the evidence presented, witness testimonies, and the specific circumstances surrounding the event. Each case is unique, and it is crucial to understand your rights throughout this process.The Legal Process for Sexual Assault Charges
When facing sexual assault charges in Texas, there are several stages in the legal process that you will need to navigate. First, you will be arrested and charged by law enforcement. This can be a shocking and stressful moment, but it’s important to stay calm and focused. Once arrested, you will be arraigned before a judge who will explain the charges against you and ask how you plead. Depending on your plea, the case may proceed to trial, or you may be offered a plea deal, which could involve a reduced sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. Throughout the case, you will have opportunities to consult with your defense attorney, who will represent you and provide guidance on your legal options. Your attorney will help you understand the evidence against you, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a defense strategy aimed at achieving the best possible result.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS AND FUTURE
Criminal Defense Attorney
Douglas Wilder
Attorney Douglas Wilder has always stayed on the cutting edge of training and attending seminars to ensure he has the most knowledge he can to represent his clients. This has led him to be recognized as one of the Best Lawyers under 40 in Dallas by D magazine, and also recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023. .
Defenses Against Sexual Assault Charges
There are several potential defenses that can be used in a sexual assault case. One common defense is that the sexual activity was consensual. In some cases, the accused may argue that the alleged victim consented to the act but later changed their mind or fabricated the story. Another potential defense involves challenging the credibility of the victim. This could involve demonstrating inconsistencies in the victim’s account of events or questioning their motives for making a false accusation. However, it is important to remember that allegations of sexual assault are serious, and any defense must be handled with care and respect. Additionally, the defense might argue that there was a lack of evidence to support the claim of sexual assault. This could include challenging the physical evidence, such as DNA, or demonstrating that the evidence does not link the accused to the alleged crime.
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- Forrest Davis
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My advice– call Wilder Law Firm– they will help you! I had two cases in two different courts and they were able to get both dismissed! Facing these two charges put me in a really hard time for a few months but with the Wilder Law Firm’s help, I was able to put all this past me and move on with a clean record. This was a hard life lesson but I am thankful for the results."
- Rudy Castanon