Aggravated Sexual Assault Attorney in Texas City, TX
State criminal laws impose enhanced penalties for defendants who are convicted of using weapons or harming vulnerable victims. These are known as aggravating factors, and they can be applied to anyone facing assault charges. If you are facing aggravated sexual assault charges, you can rely on the legal services of a Texas City aggravated sexual assault lawyer to represent you in court. The right representation can shield you from potential confinement in jail or prison.
Strong Legal Advocates Representing Defendants in Texas City
When defendants in Texas City face felony charges, they turn to The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates for unwavering legal advocacy and support. Our law firm was founded by a former state prosecutor who understands the burden of proof prosecutors must meet to prove their case. Our job is to cast doubt on the state’s case, so our clients are shielded from serious and potentially life-altering consequences.
When you partner with our firm, you gain support from a team of trial-ready attorneys who have decades of experience protecting the rights of clients. We take the same results-driven approach to every case we handle by scrutinizing the evidence and listening to our clients’ accounts of events. Then, we choose the right strategy that gives our clients the strongest chance at success.
Understanding Sexual Assault in Texas City
The violent crime rate in Texas City is 4.715 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, and rape remains one of the most serious offenses prosecuted in local courts. Statewide, Texas recorded the highest number of forcible rape cases in the nation in 2023, with 15,097 reported rapes.
On November 26, 2024, KPRC reported that Marshel James Settlemire, convicted a month earlier on three counts of aggravated child sexual assault, was wrongfully released from the Galveston County Jail due to a clerical error. Settlemire had been sentenced to 20 years in prison after a Galveston County jury trial.
Rape cases in Texas City are often investigated in neighborhoods such as Mainland Park, Chelsea Manor, and Northside. Defendants are typically processed at the Galveston County Jail, 5700 Ball St, Galveston, TX 77551.
Effective Defense Strategies for Fighting Aggravated Sexual Assault Charges
There are no predetermined outcomes in court, and the right defense strategy can chip away at the state’s case. For someone facing aggravated assault charges, one of the first places to look is the evidence. Any case that relies solely on testimony with no supporting physical evidence could be challenged by your attorney.
Another strong defense could argue that you were misidentified or falsely accused. Having an alibi witness to corroborate that you were elsewhere during the time of the incident could support your defense. If the victim had a personal relationship with you, that could complicate the prosecution’s efforts to paint you as a sexual predator.
Hire an Aggravated Sexual Assault Lawyer
Given the harsh penalties that could follow a conviction for aggravated sexual assault, your top priority should be to hire an aggravated sexual assault lawyer who understands how to beat your charges. Not all attorneys have experience with aggravated sexual assault laws, which is why you should work with a Texas City aggravated sexual assault attorney who has successfully handled many aggravated sexual assault cases.
With legal representation, you benefit from your attorney’s years of experience. A defense attorney in Texas City knows how to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can be leveraged to benefit your defense. Whether your case resolves through negotiations or aggressively chipping away at the state’s case, having strong representation can greatly influence the outcome of your case in your favor.
FAQs About Aggravated Sexual Assault
What Constitutes Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas City?
Aggravated assault in Texas City is outlined in Texas Penal Code §22.021 and occurs when sexual assault involves aggravating factors such as the use of a weapon, causing serious bodily injury, acting with another offender, or when the victim is under a certain age. These are all aggravating factors that may include enhanced penalties that go beyond the typical penalties for sexual assault.
What Penalties Can Result from a Conviction of Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas City?
The penalties for a conviction of aggravated assault in Texas City will vary based on the circumstances of your case. This is a first-degree felony, which would result in a convicted felon likely immediately losing their freedom. This serious offense comes with mandatory time in prison and a potential sentence of up to 99 years to life in prison. Beyond criminal penalties, a conviction could present barriers to securing employment and housing after the defendant is released.
How Can a Lawyer Defend Against Aggravated Sexual Assault Charges in Texas City?
A lawyer will defend against aggravated sexual assault charges in Texas City in a multitude of ways. Legal representation can make all the difference in your case. An attorney can challenge the credibility of witnesses, argue that you did not commit the offense, or demonstrate that you were falsely accused of committing a crime. Violations of your constitutional rights may also support your case. An attorney can work to reduce your charges or have your case dropped altogether.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Accused of Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas City?
The moment you are accused of aggravated sexual assault in Texas City, it’s important not to speak with law enforcement until you have legal representation. Avoid contacting the alleged victim. Take the time to find an attorney who has experience representing clients who are facing serious felony charges. Reaching out to a lawyer immediately gives you the strongest chance to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Texas City Aggravated Sexual Assault Lawyer
Aggravated sexual assault charges in Texas City can bring some of the most severe penalties under Texas law, including lengthy prison terms, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent harm to your reputation. With more than 30 years of experience in Galveston County courts, The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates understands what it takes to defend clients facing these life-altering accusations.
Our defense team knows how prosecutors pursue aggravated sexual assault cases and how to challenge their evidence with trial-tested strategies. Trust our attorneys to protect your rights and pursue the strongest possible defense. Contact us today to begin building your case.