Have you been arrested or accused of a sex crime in San Antonio, TX? Facing such allegations can have profound and lasting impacts on your life, including the possibility of a long prison sentence and mandatory sex offender registration. In these critical moments, it’s essential to have a seasoned San Antonio sex crimes attorney by your side. Contact Ernest Acevedo Law Group at 210-226-5656 for immediate legal assistance and to protect your rights and reputation.
At Ernest Acevedo Law Group, our founding attorney, along with a dedicated legal team, has extensive experience in handling complex sex crime cases in San Antonio. We understand the sensitive nature of these charges and are committed to providing discreet, compassionate, and vigorous defense for our clients. We have successfully helped numerous clients navigate these challenging circumstances, achieving charge reductions or dismissals.
If you’re facing sex crime charges, time is of the essence. Reach out to Ernest Acevedo Law Group in San Antonio, TX, to schedule a free consultation today. Let us bring our expertise and commitment to your defense, ensuring your rights are upheld throughout the legal process.
Why Hire Ernest Acevedo Law Group After a Sex Crime Charge in San Antonio?
Being accused of a sex crime, such as sexual assault, can have devastating consequences on your life, including:
- Loss of employment
- Loss of access to minors
- Possibility of a civil lawsuit
- Mandatory registration as a sexual offender
Not to mention, the social stigma attached to sexual offenses can be overwhelming. In such challenging circumstances, the presence of a San Antonio criminal defense attorney could be life changing.
Ernest Acevedo Law Group is a criminal defense law firm based in San Antonio, Texas, with a proven track record in sex crimes defense cases. Our services include:
- Assessing your case
- Identifying potential defenses
- Discussing plea bargains
- Striving for a reduction or dismissal of charges
Ernest Acevedo Law Group aids you in navigating the challenging terrain of a sex crime charge by protecting your rights and advocating for an optimal outcome with their aggressive San Antonio Criminal defense team.
What Are Considered Sex Crimes in Texas?
Sex crimes in Texas encompass a wide range of offenses, from violent sexual assaults to non-contact offenses such as possession of child pornography all of which can hold serious penalties, not to mention the negative stigma that comes with it. Aggravated sexual assault is a particularly heinous crime. It involves causing or threatening to cause harm to another person through a sexual attack without their consent, either intentionally, knowingly or recklessly. Aggravating factors include sexual acts with a person under the age of 14, causing bodily harm or fatal injuries to a victim, or using drugs to incapacitate the victim.
Grasping the specific laws of your jurisdiction is crucial, given the severe and life-altering penalties for sex crimes in Texas. Whether you’re facing a sexual assault charge or other sex crimes, knowledge of the law and the assistance of an experienced sexual assault defense team like those at Ernest Acevedo Law Group can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Examples of sex crimes in San Antonio, TX include:
In San Antonio, sex crimes can take many forms, such as San Antonio sexual assault, molestation, and failure to register as a sex offender. For example, sexual assault of a child under the age of 17 is considered a grave offense in Texas, with the accused presumed innocent until proven guilty. The minimum punishment for aggravated sexual assault against a child under 14 years of age is 25 years. This increases further when the victim is younger than six years of age, or the actor commits the offense in a manner that involves unlawful sexual conduct.
Furthermore, the criminal offense of sexual performance of a child is classified as a felony of the first degree if the victim is under 14 years of age. Mounting a robust defense against allegations of sex crimes is vital in order to evade harsh penalties like imprisonment and hefty fines. Ernest Acevedo Law Group’s San Antonio sex crimes lawyer has the experience and expertise to build a robust defense for those facing these serious charges.
Examples of Sex Crimes in TX
Texas law identifies various sexual offenses, including:
- Prostitution
- Aggravated promotion of prostitution
- Public lewdness
- Indecent exposure
- Possession or promotion of child pornography
These crimes can carry severe penalties, depending on the severity of the crime and the age of the victim. For example, individuals convicted of a sexual assault charge or other sex crimes in Texas are mandated to register on the Texas Sex Offender Registry.
Certain occupations and positions, such as:
- teachers
- coaches
- clergy members
- medical professionals
These occupations may elevate the risk of being accused of a sex crime. Facing sex crime allegations can lead to punishments ranging from probation to life in prison.
Being cognizant of the specific laws of your jurisdiction and securing experienced legal representation is pivotal in lessening the impact of a sex crime charge on your life.
Penalties Following Conviction of a Sex Crime
Convictions of sex crimes in Texas can lead to severe penalties, such as imprisonment, monetary penalties, and mandatory sex offender registration. The consequences of a sexual assault conviction, for example, can include lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. However, penalties for sexual offenses vary depending on the classification of the crime and other factors.
Having a proficient sex crimes defense lawyer to advocate for you when facing accusations is vital, as they can strive to lessen the fallout of a sex crime charge. By building a strong defense, a lawyer can potentially reduce the charges or sentence, leading to a more lenient punishment.
Penalties for Sexual Offenses
In Texas, penalties for sexual offenses can range from fines to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the classification of the crime. Here are the penalties for different degrees of felonies:
- First-degree felony: 5 to 99 years in prison or life, and a fine of up to $10,000
- Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000
- Third-degree felony: 2 to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000
Comprehending the specific penalties related to the sex crime you’re accused of is key in formulating a robust defense. An experienced sex crimes defense lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and work to minimize the impact of a sex crime charge on your life.
First Degree Sexual Assault/Abuse (Rape and Molestation):
First-degree sexual assault/abuse is a grave offense that comes with stringent punishments, such as extended prison terms and considerable fines. In Texas, aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 99 years. The minimum punishment for aggravated sexual assault against a child under 14 years of age is 25 years. This increases further when the victim is younger than six years of age, or the actor commits the offense in a manner that involves unlawful sexual conduct..
Facing a first-degree sexual assault/abuse charge can be overwhelming, but with the help of a skilled sex crimes defense lawyer, it is possible to build a strong defense and potentially mitigate the consequences of a conviction. Ernest Acevedo Law Group’s experienced attorney can provide the guidance and representation needed to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in cases involving sexual assault charges.
Second Degree Sexual Assault/Abuse (Rape):
Second-degree sexual assault/abuse is a felony offense that involves the use of threats of violence to compel sexual contact, which results in harm, disease, or psychological distress. The penalties associated with this crime can be significant, including imprisonment for up to 20 years and fines of up to $10,000.
If you are facing a second-degree sexual assault/abuse charge, it is crucial to seek experienced legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and minimize the impact of the charge on your life. Ernest Acevedo Law Group’s skilled sex crimes defense lawyer can build a robust defense, safeguarding your rights and working to achieve the most favorable outcome.
Third Degree Sexual Assault/Abuse (Rape):
Third-degree sexual assault/abuse is a criminal offense that involves non-consensual sexual contact. It is considered a felony in many jurisdictions and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years and substantial fines.
If accused of a third-degree sexual assault/abuse, consulting a legal professional to understand the relevant legal penalties in your jurisdiction is critical. Ernest Acevedo Law Group’s experienced sex crimes defense lawyer can help protect your rights and work to minimize the consequences of a sex crime charge.
Sexual Misconduct:
Sexual misconduct refers to any form of sexual behavior that is considered to be inappropriate or unlawful, such as:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault
- Rape
- Other forms of unwelcome sexual contact.
The penalties for sexual misconduct in Texas depend on the particular offense and the circumstances of the case. Consulting the specific laws of your jurisdiction for accurate information about sanctions for third-degree sexual assault/abuse is crucial.
A competent sex crimes defense lawyer, like our lawyer at Ernest Acevedo Law Group, can provide valuable guidance and representation when facing a sexual misconduct charge.
Sodomy and Statutory Rape:
Sodomy and statutory rape are two distinct types of sex offenses. Sodomy is defined as any sexual activity that is deemed to be unnatural or unlawful, whereas statutory rape is defined as sexual intercourse with an individual who is below the age of consent. These crimes can carry severe penalties, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific details of the case.
Being cognizant of the specific laws of your jurisdiction and securing experienced legal representation is pivotal in lessening the impact of a sex crime charge on your life. Ernest Acevedo Law Group’s skilled sex crimes defense lawyer can provide the necessary guidance and representation to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and work to minimize the consequences of a sodomy or statutory rape charge.
Who Needs to Register on the Texas Sex Offender Registry?
Individuals convicted of violent sex crimes, such as rape, and those accused of sexual assault against a minor are mandated to register on the Texas Sex Offender Registry. This registration requirement can have long-lasting consequences on a person’s life, as it may limit their ability to find housing, access certain areas, or even maintain employment. In this context, an accused sex offender report can play a crucial role in determining the course of action for law enforcement and the community.
Considering the grave implications of sex offender registration, securing the assistance of an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer, like those at Ernest Acevedo Law Group, is essential. Their expertise can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, fight against false accusations, and work to minimize the impact of a sex crime charge on your life.
Risk Factors for Sex Crime Accusations
Certain occupations and positions increase the likelihood of sex crime accusations, as they involve working in positions of trust or authority over vulnerable individuals. Examples of such positions include:
- Teachers
- Coaches
- Childcare workers
- Religious leaders
These individuals may find themselves at a higher risk of being accused of a sex crime, even if the sex crimes allegations are baseless.
When confronted with a sex crime accusation, having a competent sex crimes defense lawyer by your side to safeguard your rights and reputation is vital. Our experienced attorney can provide the guidance and representation needed to fight against false accusations and minimize the impact of a sex crime charge on your life.
Occupations and positions that are risk factors in increasing the likelihood of sex accusations include:
Teachers, coaches, childcare workers, volunteers in youth organizations, and positions of authority or trust in which individuals have access to vulnerable populations are at an increased risk of being accused of sexual misconduct. These occupations and positions often involve close contact with vulnerable individuals, making it easier for false accusations to arise.
For those engaged in these high-risk occupations, the services of a seasoned sex crimes defense lawyer can be priceless in guarding their rights, reputation, and career. A skilled attorney can help build a robust defense against sex crime allegations, working to minimize the impact of a charge on their client’s life.
Negotiating Plea Bargains and Reductions
Plea bargains and reductions are agreements between the prosecutor and the defendant in which the defendant consents to plead guilty to a less serious charge or to a reduced sentence in exchange for a more merciful punishment. These agreements can help minimize the consequences of a sex crime charge, such as avoiding a lengthy trial, a long-term prison sentence, or a large fine or restitution.
A competent sex crimes defense lawyer, like ours at Ernest Acevedo Law Group, can:
- Work with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or sentence in exchange for a more lenient punishment
- Provide expertise in negotiating plea bargains and reductions
- Help clients navigate the complexities of the legal system
- Achieve the most favorable outcome possible
Our expertise can be invaluable in achieving the best possible outcome for clients facing sex crimes charges.
Can a Sex Crime be Expunged in Texas?
In Texas, sex crime convictions are generally not able to be expunged. These convictions remain on your record for the foreseeable future. However, there are some limited cases in which it may be possible to remove one’s name from the sex offender registry or expunge a sex crime from a criminal record. These cases typically involve no plea or conviction and require meeting certain conditions for a successful expungement.
Consulting a seasoned sex crimes defense lawyer is vital to ascertain if your case qualifies for expunction. Our expertise in navigating the complexities of the legal system can help you explore your options and potentially minimize the long-term consequences of a sex crime charge.
Protecting Your Future with a Skilled Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
Confronting a sex crime charge can be a daunting and life-changing event. Given the high stakes, having a proficient and seasoned sex crimes defense lawyer advocating for you is essential. Our expertise in handling sex crime cases includes:
- Investigating the evidence against you
- Building a strong defense strategy
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties
- Representing you in court and fighting for your rights
Our unmatched dedication to protecting your rights can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Acevedo Law Group can assist you in traversing the intricate legal system and safeguarding your future by constructing a robust defense and striving to lessen the consequences of a sex crime charge.
Don’t let a sex crime charge define your life – contact an experienced attorney at Ernest Acevedo Law Group today to begin building your defense.
Our San Antonio Sex Crimes Lawyer at Ernest Acevedo Law Group Can Help
We have over 30 years of experience practicing law, Ernest Acevedo Law Group has a proven track record in sex crimes defense cases in San Antonio. Our experienced law firm team, including Ernest Acevedo III, provides expert legal representation and guidance to help individuals facing sex crime charges navigate the complexities of the legal system.
From sexual assault and internet sex crimes to child pornography charges, Ernest Acevedo Law Group has the expertise you need to build a robust defense and fight for the best possible outcome for you and your family.
If you or a loved one is facing a sex crime charge in San Antonio, don’t hesitate to contact Ernest Acevedo Law Group at (210) 226-5656 to discuss your case and begin building your defense.
