Aggravated Sexual Assault Attorney in Tanglewood, TX
When defendants are accused of using a deadly weapon or threat of violence when committing sexual assault, they can face enhanced penalties. Other aggravating factors include the targeting of a vulnerable victim or the use of drugs to impair the victim. Anyone accused of this serious crime can rely on the legal services of a Tanglewood aggravated sexual assault lawyer to defend them in court.
A Tanglewood criminal defense lawyer can scrutinize the evidence before developing a strategy that works to systematically chip away at the state’s case.
Strong Legal Advocates Representing Defendants in Tanglewood
If you are facing accusations that you committed aggravated sexual assault, you need representation from an experienced team of defense attorneys. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our criminal defense team brings over 30 years of courtroom experience and a deep understanding of Texas sexual assault laws. We know how prosecutors build their cases and what it takes to cast doubt on their narrative of events.
Our founding attorney is Board-Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and our team includes a former JAG officer with extensive trial experience. Together, we approach every case with determination, attention to detail, and a commitment to safeguarding your future.
Understanding Aggravated Sexual Assault in Tanglewood
Texas reports 75,710 registered sex offenders, and many of them were convicted of sexual assault. The overall crime rate in Houston is about 37.88 per 1,000 residents per year, while the violent crime rate in Tanglewood (and neighborhoods like Briargrove, Uptown, and Piney Point Village) averages 2.387 per 1,000 residents annually.
In 2024, Houston police captain Daryn Blake Edwards was accused of sexually assaulting an underage girl between 85 and 100 times. Investigators allege he used hidden cameras to record the acts. He now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated sexual assault and possession of child pornography.
Defense Strategies for Beating Sexual Assault Charges
Given the severe penalties that can follow an aggravated sexual assault charge, your top priority should be to find the right defense strategy for beating your charges. If your attorney finds that the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, those shortcomings in the state’s case can be leveraged to support your defense. Your attorney can call for your charges to be dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Your attorney can also focus on the criminality of the incident. If you know the victim, you may have reasonably believed the sexual acts were consensual. Contesting the admissibility of evidence, if it was collected in violation of your constitutional rights, can also support your defense.
Finding the right legal defense strategy should begin with a thorough examination of the evidence. Whether your strategy ultimately focuses on the credibility of the victim or witness or another approach, any steps that cast doubt on the prosecution’s case can position you for a favorable outcome in your case that protects your freedom.
Why You Should Hire an Aggravated Sexual Assault Lawyer in Tanglewood, TX?
If you stand charged with sexually assaulting someone and your case involves aggravating factors, your top priority should be to hire an aggravated sexual assault lawyer who understands aggravated sexual assault laws and how to protect you from the consequences of a conviction.
A Tanglewood aggravated sexual assault attorney brings years or decades of experience managing aggravated sexual assault cases with a focus on finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can be leveraged to secure reduced or dropped charges.
Whether your case resolves through negotiations, aggressively fighting the charges, or going to trial, legal representation greatly improves your chances of avoiding the most serious consequences of a felony conviction.
FAQs
What Are the Legal Defenses Against an Aggravated Sexual Assault Charge?
Legal defenses against an aggravated sexual assault charge often focus on discrediting the prosecution’s evidence. Common strategies include exposing false accusations or proving mistaken identity. A defense attorney may also question the validity of forensic evidence or witness testimony. The goal is to raise a reasonable doubt about whether an assault occurred or whether aggravating factors can be proven.
How Long Does an Aggravated Sexual Assault Conviction Stay on a Criminal Record?
An aggravated sexual assault conviction stays on your criminal record permanently in Texas. Because this is a violent felony, it cannot be sealed or expunged. Even after completing a sentence, the conviction can affect your employment, housing options, and civil rights. That’s why it’s critical to have a defense strategy that works to shield you from a conviction altogether.
What Penalties Can Someone Face for Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas?
A conviction for aggravated sexual assault carries severe penalties, including a prison sentence of five to 99 years or life in prison. Judges can also impose substantial fines. You will also have to undergo mandatory sex offender registration. If aggravating factors like using a weapon or targeting a minor are proven, the punishment can increase significantly, which can leave you with little chance for parole.
Can Aggravated Sexual Assault Charges Ever Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes. Aggravated sexual assault charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed if the prosecution’s case has significant flaws. A defense attorney can challenge weak evidence, question the reliability of witnesses, or reveal procedural errors that occurred during the investigation. When the state fails to meet its burden of proof, your attorney can seek to have your charges reduced or dropped entirely.
Let The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Work to Protect Your Freedom and Future
Aggravated sexual assault charges bring life-altering consequences that demand immediate and skilled legal action. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we draw on more than three decades of courtroom experience defending clients accused of serious sex crimes.
Our attorneys know how to challenge questionable evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and fight for an outcome that protects your rights and future. Trust our firm to take a strategic, aggressive approach focused on protecting your freedom. Contact our office today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.