Aggravated Sexual Assault Attorney in West University Place, TX
When prosecutors pile aggravated factors onto a criminal charge, the potential penalties following a conviction can become life-altering. If you are accused of drugging or using a weapon during the commission of a serious offense, you can rely on the services of a West University Place aggravated sexual assault lawyer to protect you from the consequences of a conviction.
A West University Place criminal defense lawyer can explore viable defense strategies to find the right approach to your case, whether that requires aggressively challenging the state’s case or exploring the possibility of going to trial.
Strong Legal Advocates Representing Defendants in West University Place
When defendants in West University Place need unwavering legal advocacy from a firm that delivers results, they trust The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates. We understand that our clients come to us during the most challenging and stressful moments of their lives. Our job is to find solutions to complex legal challenges so the men and women we represent do not face the harsh consequences of a felony conviction.
Setting our law firm apart is our years of experience and unique approach to handling cases. We never take a cookie-cutter approach to finding the right legal defense strategy for our clients. Rather, we take the time to learn about our client’s account of events and examine what evidence the prosecution has to find weaknesses in the state’s case that can support your defense.
Understanding Aggravated Sexual Assault Charges in West University Place
In West University Place, the crime rate averages 30.04 per 1,000 residents each year, which is below Houston’s overall average of 37.88 per 1,000 residents. Texas currently has 75,710 registered sex offenders who were formerly convicted of aggravated sexual assault.
In 2024, former Houston police captain Daryn Blake Edwards was taken into custody after investigators discovered recordings of repeated assaults involving a minor. He now faces felony counts tied to child exploitation and possession of illicit material.
West University Place falls within Harris County, part of the Houston Independent School District, and the Bellaire area. Offenders are generally detained at the Harris County Jail, 1200 Baker Street, Houston.
Defense Strategies for Beating Sexual Assault Charges
Any strategy that casts doubt on the prosecution’s narrative of events can position you for a positive outcome in your case. Your attorney can start by examining the evidence to see how strong the state’s case is and how reliable or credible the victim or any witnesses are.
One approach could argue that you were misidentified or intentionally falsely accused. If the victim had a past relationship with you, that could complicate the prosecution’s efforts to say their statements are objective and not motivated by personal feelings. Another approach could focus on questioning the aggravating factors tied to your case so you do not face the possibility of enhanced penalties.
Why You Should Hire an Aggravated Sexual Assault Lawyer in West University Place, TX?
If you are facing sexual assault charges, your top priority should be to hire an aggravated sexual assault lawyer who has experience managing complex aggravated sexual assault cases. A West University Place aggravated sexual assault attorney can rely on their knowledge of aggravated sexual assault laws to protect you from the consequences of a criminal conviction.
Attorneys play a critical role in balancing the scales of justice in favor of clients. They can manage the complexities of your case with a focus on securing the most favorable outcome possible. Whether your charges are reduced, dropped, or negotiated through plea bargaining, you can greatly improve your chances of protecting your freedom by having strong legal representation.
FAQs
Do Most Aggravated Sexual Assault Cases Go to Trial in Texas?
Most criminal cases never go to trial in Texas, including aggravated sexual assault cases. Defendants have the right to have a trial, and those decisions should be made in consultation with a defense attorney. There are inherent risks associated with going to trial, although some cases may benefit from taking the case before a judge or jury. Most criminal cases are resolved through plea bargaining.
What Are the Most Common Defenses to Aggravated Sexual Assault Charges?
The most common defenses to aggravated sexual assault charges include arguing that the defendant was misidentified or that there is insufficient evidence to prove that the defendant committed the crime. If the victim knows the defendant, another viable defense strategy could be to argue that the defendant was falsely accused or that the acts were consensual.
How Much Evidence Is Needed to Charge Someone With Aggravated Sexual Assault?
Police need what is known as probable cause to arrest someone for a crime. This could include victim statements or forensic evidence. If prosecutors believe that the suspect likely committed a crime, they can take the matter before a grand jury seeking an indictment. Other forms of credible evidence could include medical reports and witness statements. The burden of proof in criminal court is considerably higher.
Aggravated sexual assault is classified as a first-degree felony in Texas. A conviction can lead to 5 to 99 years or life in prison, along with substantial fines and mandatory sex offender registration. In cases involving a child victim, the minimum sentence increases to 25 years with no possibility of parole. Beyond incarceration, a conviction can also permanently affect employment, housing, and personal relationships.
Let The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Work to Protect Your Freedom and Future
Aggravated sexual assault charges carry some of the harshest penalties under Texas law, including the potential for decades in prison and lifelong registration as a sex offender. When your future and reputation are on the line, you need a defense team with the skill and experience to beat your charges. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we bring over 30 years of courtroom experience to every case we defend.
Our attorneys understand how prosecutors build aggravated sexual assault cases and how to expose weaknesses in their cases that can be used to secure reduced or dropped charges. Trust our team to provide the focused, strategic defense needed to protect your freedom and secure a favorable outcome. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.