Garland Sex Crime Lawyer

Garland Sex Crime Attorney

Being accused of a sex crime in Texas can affect your reputation, employment, relationships, and even freedom. An experienced Garland sex crime lawyer can help you understand the accusations you’re facing, protect your rights, and strategically respond to your case. At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we work to provide residents of Garland with tailored legal guidance and support through complex criminal cases.

About Our Firm

With more than 40 years of combined experience, our knowledgeable attorneys bring valuable insight to every case we take on. At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, our family-run law firm takes the time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and build a focused defense that prioritizes your future freedom.

Understanding Sex Crime Charges in Texas

Texas law recognizes several offenses under the umbrella term of “sex crimes.” The unique details of a defendant’s case will determine the type of charge they receive. Each charge varies in severity, legal requirements, and potential consequences, making it crucial that you work with a defense lawyer who can help you better understand the nuances of your specific case.

Common sex crimes defined under Texas law include:

• Sexual Assault: Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, sexual assault generally involves certain sexual contact or penetration without consent. The law also identifies circumstances that can make conduct nonconsensual, including force, violence, coercion, or certain threats.
• Indecent Exposure: As defined in Texas Penal Code § 21.08, this occurs when someone exposes themselves to an un-consenting individual with the intent to gratify themselves. This offense generally involves recklessness, as the defendant doesn’t care if others around them are alarmed.
• Indecent Assault: Indecent assault is different from indecent exposure. In Texas Penal Code § 22.012, indecent assault is defined as when someone touches someone else in a sexual manner with the intent to gratify themselves. It can also include someone forcing a victim to touch them.
• Prostitution-Related Offenses: Chapter 43 of the Texas Penal Code covers several offenses involving prostitution and related conduct, including solicitation of prostitution and promotion.

Prosecutors have to establish specific facts and satisfy the legal elements of the offense they are accusing you of. A skilled defense lawyer from our firm can examine the accusation, available evidence, and applicable sex crime laws in your case to build a strategic defense on your behalf.

How Sex Crime Laws in Texas Can Impact Your Defense

In 2024, there were 20,620 sexual assault offenses recorded in Texas alone. With the frequency of sex-related crimes across the state, law enforcement works tirelessly to prosecute offenders harshly and deter similar behavior.

Texas sex crime laws detail the specific elements that prosecutors have to prove to convict an individual of an alleged offense, such as proving the defendant committed a crime for sex-related reasons. Our Garland sex crime attorneys can examine the circumstances of your case to determine whether the prosecution’s evidence actually supports each element of the crime you’re being accused of.

A powerful defense finds errors within the prosecution’s evidence and arguments. Looking at each legal element and the evidence supporting it to uncover inconsistencies, missing information, or other weaknesses can strengthen your case. The following are elements that our attorneys can help demonstrate in your defense:

• Consent was involved in the alleged offense.
• Your rights were violated during your arrest or when your property was searched.
• Allegations are backed by false information.

Build a Defense With Help From Our Team

Getting accused of a sex offense in Garland, TX can impact your livelihood for years to come. The team at Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, can help protect your rights while taking a careful look at what happened and providing you with compassionate support.

We can examine all of the available evidence, challenge the reliability and authenticity of the prosecution’s witnesses and arguments, and build a powerful defense that advocates for your rights. With decades of experience, our attorneys share a deep understanding of state criminal laws and are prepared to use that knowledge to help you navigate your case with confidence. We can represent you during negotiations and, if needed, in the courtroom.

FAQs About Garland, TX Sex Crime Laws

What Are the Criminal Consequences of a Sex Crime in Texas?

The consequences an individual receives when they are convicted of a sex crime in Texas largely depend on the type of charges they receive. For example, a felony sex crime such as sexual assault may be punished with prison time and hefty fines, whereas a misdemeanor sex crime like indecent exposure may come with more minimal penalties, like brief jail time or community service.

Can a Sex Crime Conviction Affect Your Professional License in Texas?

Yes, even an accusation of a sex crime in Texas has the power to impact your professional license, depending on the profession, licensing authority, and details of the accusation. Some regulatory agencies have reporting requirements or disciplinary procedures that operate separately from the criminal court. If you are facing allegations of this nature while holding a professional license, it’s imperative that you secure legal representation early.

Can a Judge Impose a Protective Order While Your Case Is Still Pending in Garland?

Yes, a judge has the power to impose a variety of conditions and legal tools while a sex crime case is still pending in Garland. Depending on the situation, a judge could impose a protective order that prohibits the defendant from contacting the alleged victim or being in the same vicinity as them. They may also implement travel restrictions, employment restrictions, or other conduct restrictions. Violating a court order can create more legal problems, so it’s crucial to comply.

What Should You Do If You’re Arrested for a Sex Crime in Garland?

If you are arrested for a sex crime in Garland, it’s critical that you remain calm. After your initial arrest, you should contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. While you wait for your initial meeting with your lawyer, it’s important to refrain from speaking to law enforcement about your case. Anything you say can be used against you, and it’s smartest to wait for legal advice from an attorney who knows how to navigate cases like yours.

Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer in Garland: Contact Us Today

When you need to hire a sex crime lawyer, having a local firm on your side can make a real difference. At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, our firm has served clients across Texas for over a decade. We understand the Garland area and the local courts where criminal cases are handled, which helps us provide invaluable legal support to our clients as they navigate their cases.

If you’re facing accusations of a sex crime in Garland, don’t wait to see how our defense attorneys can protect your future. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.