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Plano Sexual Assault Lawyer

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A man in handcuffs talking to a lawyer.Facing sexual assault charges in Plano can be scary and overwhelming. It’s wise to secure legal representation as soon as possible, so you can begin building your defense and working toward a reduced sentence. 

At Pelley Law Office, our goal is to have your charges dropped completely. When that’s not possible, you can count on us to work diligently to get you through your case with as little damage done as possible.

Call Pelley Law Office at 972-608-0335 to schedule a free consultation with a Plano sexual assault lawyer today.

What Is Considered a Sex Crime in Plano?

Sex crimes encompass a broad range of sexual offenses that are typically illegal under both state and federal laws. Certain acts can be considered sexual assault even if the perpetrator didn’t make any physical contact with the victim. Here’s a closer look at what counts as a sex crime in Texas:

  • Aggravated sexual assault
  • Child pornography
  • Failure to register as a sex offender
  • Indecent exposure
  • Public lewdness
  • Sexual assault or rape
  • Solicitation of a minor
  • Statutory rape

Common Types of Sexual Assault Charges in Plano

At its core, sexual assault refers to any non-consensual and unwanted contact with another person. Standard sexual assault cases often involve more straightforward situations where one person engages in sexual contact with another without that person’s consent. 

Sexual assault charges can also involve other factors, which can affect how your case is handled, such as:

  • Aggravated sexual assault. A sexual assault charge can be considered an aggravated offense under the following circumstances — the defendant acts with an accomplice; the defendant threatens to harm, kidnap, or kill the victim or uses a drug to facilitate the assault; the defendant uses a deadly weapon; or if the victim suffered serious injuries, is under 14 years old, is elderly, or has a mental disability.
  • Sexual assault of a child. This is one of the most aggressively prosecuted types of cases in Texas. The state has specific penalties for sexual acts with a minor, as well as additional ones for sexual assault against very young children. It’s important to note that the age of consent in Texas is 17.
  • Aggravated sexual assault of a child. In addition to the standard sexual assault of a child charges, you can be charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, which involves inflicting bodily harm to the victim. 
  • Ongoing sexual assault of a child. You can also be charged with ongoing sexual assault of a child, which is characterized by repeated abuse over a period of time.

Typical Charges and Sentencing for Sexual Assault in Plano

Under Texas law, sexual assault is considered to be any non-consensual and unwanted sexual contact with another person. It’s a serious crime that is pursued aggressively, which is why it’s important to secure legal representation with a trusted Plano sexual assault lawyer from Pelley Law.

The burden of proof in sexual assault cases is on the prosecution, which means they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. Even so, it’s still critical that you stay focused and build as strong a case as possible. 

This involves establishing an alibi and gathering key pieces of evidence that prove your innocence. A sexual assault attorney can be invaluable during this process because they can use their knowledge of the law and access to legal resources to build your case.

Felony Charges for Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can be charged as a first-degree or second-degree felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. A judge or jury typically looks at all the details of a crime and the perpetrator. To determine your sentencing, they look at things like:

  • Damages caused by the criminal act
  • Medical expenses and related costs for the victim
  • Perpetrator’s criminal history and overall demeanor
  • Severity of the offense  

In cases where an offender had a prior felony conviction for a sex crime, they can expect to receive an automatic life sentence. That said, it’s possible to avoid this automatic life sentence with the right defense.

Solid legal representation can impact the outcome of your case and can give you peace of mind knowing your rights are being protected throughout the legal process. An experienced sexual assault attorney at Pelley Law Office can use our skills and resources to build a strong case and build a strong defense on your behalf.

Handling False Allegations of Sexual Assault in Plano

Unfortunately, there’s a real chance you can be charged and convicted of sexual assault even if you’re innocent. The outcome of your case ultimately comes down to the prosecution’s ability to prove your wrongdoing and the strength of your defense to refute their claims.

This is why it can be so advantageous to work with a Plano sexual assault lawyer as you navigate the legal process. An attorney can use their skills and resources to conduct their own investigations, gather evidence, and build a defense that proves you didn’t commit the crime. False allegations can arise from any number of issues, including:

  • False memories
  • Intentionally inaccurate allegations
  • Miscommunications with consent 
  • Mistaken identity
  • Peer pressure
  • Regret following a consensual encounter

Whether you’ve been falsely accused of sexual assault due to a misunderstanding or due to the malicious intent of another, it’s critical to understand your rights and know how to navigate the legal process to protect yourself. A Plano sexual assault attorney can take some of the heavy lifting off your shoulders and help you with this.

Talk to a Plano Sexual Assault Attorney

If you are facing sexual assault charges in Plano, it’s important to remain calm and seek legal representation as soon as you can. Sexual assault is taken very seriously under Texas law, and a conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. 

By working with a skilled attorney, you can build a strong defense based on their investigations and knowledge of the law. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, get in touch with the team at Pelley Law Office by calling 972-608-0335 to set up a complimentary appointment today.

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