Kerrville Sex Crime Lawyer
Let Our Firm Fight for You
At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we understand the serious and life-altering consequences of being charged with a sex crime. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to providing aggressive and effective defense strategies for individuals facing sex crime charges in Kerrville, TX. If you or a loved one has been accused of a sex crime, it is critical to seek skilled legal representation immediately. A conviction can have lasting consequences that affect your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities.
Our Kerrville sex crime lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and build a strong defense. Below, we’ll outline the common types of sex crimes, the consequences of a conviction, and potential legal defenses available to those accused.
Contact us today at (512) 991-0576 to schedule an initial case evaluation.
Common Types of Sex Crimes
Sex crimes encompass a wide range of offenses, each carrying its own set of penalties and legal challenges. In Kerrville, TX, and across Texas, some of the most common types of sex crimes include:
- Sexual Assault: Sexual assault, commonly referred to as rape, involves engaging in sexual activity without the consent of the other party. This can involve force, coercion, or the victim’s inability to consent due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or age. Texas law treats sexual assault as a serious felony with severe penalties.
- Aggravated Sexual Assault: Aggravated sexual assault occurs when a sexual assault involves aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon, infliction of serious bodily injury, or if the victim is a child, elderly, or disabled. This offense carries even harsher penalties than sexual assault, often leading to decades in prison if convicted.
- Indecency with a Child
- Indecency with a child is a serious offense that involves engaging in sexual contact or exposing oneself to a child under the age of 17. This crime can include both physical contact and non-contact behavior, such as inappropriate communication or exposure. Indecency with a child is a second-degree felony, which can result in significant prison time and mandatory sex offender registration.
- Online Solicitation of a Minor: This crime involves the use of the internet or electronic communication to solicit a minor for sexual conduct. It includes conversations, messages, or images sent with the intention of committing a sexual act. The penalties for online solicitation of a minor can be severe, especially if the accused believed the minor was under 14 years old.
- Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography: Possessing or distributing child pornography is a serious federal and state crime that can lead to long-term imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration. Even a small amount of digital material can result in significant criminal charges.
- Prostitution and Solicitation: While prostitution itself is often considered a misdemeanor, solicitation of a prostitute can lead to more serious charges, especially if the case involves minors or occurs in certain protected zones. Multiple offenses can escalate the severity of the charges.
Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
A conviction for a sex crime in Texas can have far-reaching consequences, impacting many areas of your life. These consequences are not limited to legal penalties but also include personal, professional, and social ramifications. Here are some of the most significant consequences:
Prison Time
Sex crimes carry some of the harshest penalties in the Texas legal system. Depending on the nature and severity of the offense, a conviction could result in years or even decades behind bars. Aggravated offenses, such as aggravated sexual assault, can lead to life sentences.
Sex Offender Registration
One of the most devastating aspects of a sex crime conviction is the requirement to register as a sex offender. This registry is public and accessible by employers, neighbors, and landlords. Sex offender registration can restrict where you live, work, and even travel. In many cases, it is a lifetime obligation.
Loss of Employment and Housing Opportunities
Having a sex crime conviction on your record can severely limit your job prospects. Many employers are unwilling to hire individuals with such convictions, especially for positions that involve working with children or vulnerable populations. Additionally, finding housing can become incredibly difficult, as landlords may refuse to rent to individuals listed on the sex offender registry.
Damage to Reputation and Relationships
The stigma associated with being accused or convicted of a sex crime can damage your reputation and personal relationships. You may face social isolation, difficulty maintaining relationships with friends and family, and damage to your standing in the community.
Loss of Parental Rights
In cases where the victim is a minor, a conviction for a sex crime could result in the loss of parental rights or limitations on child visitation. This can be particularly devastating for those with children or those involved in custody disputes.
Legal Defenses to Sex Crimes
Facing sex crime charges is an overwhelming experience, but a skilled Kerrville sex crime lawyer can explore various legal defenses to protect your rights. Every case is unique, and the right defense strategy depends on the specifics of your situation. Some of the most common defenses in sex crime cases include:
- Consent: In cases of sexual assault, one of the most common defenses is that the sexual activity was consensual. Establishing consent can be complex, especially when there is little physical evidence or conflicting testimonies, but it can be a powerful defense when properly demonstrated.
- False Accusation: Unfortunately, false accusations of sex crimes do occur, often out of revenge, jealousy, or misunderstanding. Your attorney can work to expose inconsistencies in the accuser’s story, lack of evidence, or ulterior motives, helping to demonstrate that the accusation is baseless.
- Lack of Evidence: In many sex crime cases, the prosecution’s case relies heavily on witness testimony, which can be unreliable or incomplete. A strong defense may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses or demonstrating that there is insufficient evidence to support a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Mistaken Identity: In cases involving strangers or online activity, mistaken identity is a possible defense. Your lawyer may present evidence that someone else committed the crime, or that you were wrongfully identified as the perpetrator.
- Entrapment: In cases involving online solicitation or prostitution, entrapment may be a viable defense if law enforcement induced the defendant to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed. If entrapment is proven, charges could be dismissed.
Why Choose Cofer & Connelly, PLLC?
At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling sex crime cases in Kerrville and throughout Texas. Our dedicated legal team understands the sensitivity and complexity of these charges, and we are committed to providing the highest level of defense for our clients. We know how to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and present compelling arguments in court.
Get a proven team fighting for you. Call
(512) 991-0576 or contact us online today.
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