Call

Sherman Sexual Assault Lawyer

Home » Sherman Sexual Assault Lawyer

Sherman Sexual Assault LawyerA sexual assault charge in Sherman can upend your life before a court has heard a single fact. You may be facing arrest, public scrutiny, prison time, and lifetime sex offender registration while the investigation is still ongoing.

If you are under investigation or have already been charged, the most important step you can take right now is to stop speaking with law enforcement and contact our team. Pelley Law Office has been defending people in Sherman and Grayson County since 1974. Call (214) 560-1919 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Why Sherman Residents Trust Pelley Law Office

Why Sherman Residents Trust Pelley Law OfficeOur managing partner, Quinton G. Pelley, was born in Sherman and has spent his entire career in the Grayson County courts. Before entering criminal defense, he served as a special assistant to the district attorney, which means our team understands exactly how prosecutors build sexual assault cases and where those cases have vulnerabilities. He has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association and a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters.

Our services in sexual assault defense include:

  • Evaluating the investigation for constitutional violations during the arrest, search, or interrogation
  • Reviewing forensic and DNA evidence for errors or gaps in the chain of custody
  • Identifying credibility issues in witness statements and the accuser’s account
  • Presenting mitigating evidence to the district attorney before indictment
  • Preparing cases for trial before the Grayson County district courts
  • Pursuing charge reductions or dismissals when the evidence supports those arguments

Potential Penalties for Sexual Assault in Texas

Potential Penalties for Sexual Assault in TexasSexual assault is defined under Texas Penal Code § 22.011 and carries severe consequences at every level:

  • Sexual assault (second-degree felony): 2 to 20 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and mandatory sex offender registration.
  • Aggravated sexual assault (first-degree felony): 5 to 99 years or life in prison, fines up to $10,000, and lifetime registration.
  • Aggravated sexual assault of a child under 10 (for offenses on or after September 1, 2025): Mandatory minimum 25-year sentence with no parole eligibility under the amendments enacted during the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

Beyond prison time, a conviction triggers sex offender registration under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Registration restricts where you can live and work and can result in loss of custody rights, professional licenses, and firearm ownership. Even an accusation that does not lead to a conviction can cause serious damage to your career and relationships.

Defenses Against Sexual Assault Charges in Sherman

Defenses Against Sexual Assault Charges in ShermanEvery case depends on its specific facts, but several defenses may apply depending on the circumstances:

  • Consent: If the sexual contact was consensual and both parties were of legal age, this may be a complete defense to the charge.
  • Misidentification: Forensic evidence, alibi witnesses, or DNA analysis may establish that the accused was not the person involved.
  • Constitutional violations: If law enforcement obtained evidence through an illegal search, a coerced confession, or a violation of your Miranda rights, that evidence may be excluded at trial.
  • Romeo and Juliet defense: In cases involving a minor who is at least 14 years old, this affirmative defense may apply if the actor is not more than three years older than the victim and the other conditions under Texas Penal Code § 22.011(e) are met.

The earlier our team gets involved, the more options are available to challenge the prosecution’s case before formal charges are filed.

What Happens After a Sexual Assault Arrest in Grayson County?

What Happens After a Sexual Assault Arrest in Grayson County?If you are arrested for sexual assault in Sherman, your case moves through the Grayson County court system. After booking, you appear before a judge for a bond hearing. The prosecution begins collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing digital communications.

This early stage is where our team has the most impact. Before formal charges are filed through indictment, our team may be able to:

  • Present evidence that weakens the prosecution’s case
  • Challenge the credibility of the allegations
  • Negotiate directly with the district attorney’s office

Once an indictment is returned by a Grayson County grand jury, the case moves toward trial, and the available options narrow. The decisions made in the first days and weeks after an accusation often determine how the case ultimately resolves.

What Is the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault?

What Is the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault?Texas law draws a clear distinction between sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault. Sexual assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.011 involves non-consensual sexual contact or sexual contact with a minor. Aggravated sexual assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.021 adds at least one aggravating factor: the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, threatening death or kidnapping, or the victim being younger than 14.

The difference in sentencing is significant. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years or life. For offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, aggravated sexual assault of a child under 10 carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years with no parole eligibility. The charge level affects bond amounts, plea negotiations, and the defense strategy, which is why early legal involvement gives our team the most opportunity to work toward a reduction or dismissal.

FAQ: What to Know After a Sexual Assault Charge

What Should I Do If I Am Accused?

Do not make any statements to law enforcement without legal counsel present. Beyond that immediate step, avoid posting anything on social media, do not contact the accuser or any potential witnesses, and preserve any communications or records that may be relevant to your defense. The actions you take in the first 24 to 48 hours can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

What Happens If the Accuser Recants?

Recantation does not automatically result in dismissed charges. In Texas, the decision to prosecute belongs to the district attorney, not the alleged victim, and prosecutors may continue pursuing a case even if the accuser withdraws their statement.

A recantation can support a credibility challenge as part of the defense strategy, but it is not a guaranteed path to dismissal. Early legal involvement gives our team the best opportunity to present the full picture before formal charges are filed.

Talk to a Sherman Sexual Assault Lawyer Today

A charge is not a conviction, but the time available to build the most effective defense is limited. The prosecution begins collecting evidence and securing witness statements immediately after an arrest, and early intervention by our team gives you the strongest position going into any proceeding. Call Pelley Law Office at (214) 560-1919 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Testimonials

Locations

Dallas office

400 Crescent Court, Suite 700
Dallas, Texas 75201

Map & Directions

Get Started With
A Free Consultation

Fields Marked With An * Are Required
Disclaimer: The use of the internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
Disclaimer(Required)