When it comes to allegations of a sexual assault involving a child, no one, including law enforcement and the court overseeing the case, wants to see the guilty walk free. If you’re in this situation the stakes are higher than if you killed someone.
The Law Office of Emily Detoto has unique experience with complex cases of this nature. If you’ve been charged or accused of the sexual assault of a child, we encourage you to call our office immediately. Our phone number is 713-227-2244.
Sexual Assault of a Child & Texas Law
In most cases, sexual assault of a child doesn’t involve small children, but teens moving into adulthood. If charged, the offense is classified as a Second Degree Felony which can result in a 20 year prison sentence, a lifetime sex offender registration requirement, and a fine of up to $10,000.00.
Sexual Assault of a Child could be enhanced to a first degree felony, if the victim was a person whom the accused was prohibited from marrying or purporting to marry or with who the actor was prohibited from living under the appearance of being married under Tex. Pen. Code § 25.01. If enhanced, the defendant may face a 99 year prison sentence if convicted.
In the State of Texas the District Attorney must prove that the victim was 14-16 years of age at the time of the alleged incident and that some form of sexual penetration or contact occurred.
Special Note: In Texas the age of consent is 17.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is commonly referred to as child molestation or the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
The State of Texas classifies this offense as a 1st Degree Felony which has sentencing guidelines that include a potential prison sentence of up to 99 years with a fine of up to $10,000.00. If released from prison, the defendant will be required to register as a sex offender, for life.
In order to be convicted of a Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child the District Attorney’s Office must prove that the victim was 13 years of age or under, and that some form of bodily penetration or sexual contact occurred.
Defense & Prosecution
Potential defenses may include motive of part of the accuser, lack of evidence, or an age difference of 3 years or less, which could hint at statutory rape. If any of the aforementioned are proven, the offense may not be convictable.
The Law Office of Emily Detoto is ready to defend you if you were accused of any sex crime involving a child. Texas law or her prosecutors are harsh, so you’ll need a strong defense from a proven attorney in order to keep your life from being ruined by false allegations if you’re innocent, or from being maximally sentenced if you’re guilty.
A Proven Lawyer for Tough Cases
Emily Detoto, Board Certified® in Criminal Law
When your life is on the line due to the accusation of a criminal act you need to fight back.
Even if you’re guilty of the offense, who is to say that you deserve 99 years in prison when a 5 year sentence can be attained? If you’re innocent, the stakes are much higher because the damages inflicted to your reputation may affect your ability to earn income – on the basis of a lie.
Attorney Emily Detoto has successfully litigated criminal cases like this for over 20 years, resulting in her earning a reputation as an effective defense lawyer. Commonly referred to as the Texas Warrior Lawyer, Attorney Emily Detoto is one the best experienced Houston attorneys to engage in a consultation about your case with. To reach our office, call us at 713-227-2277.