Cedar Park Sex Crime Attorneys
Aggressive Defense in the Face of Serious Charges
Whether it’s sexual assault, statutory rape, or indecent exposure, a sex crime allegation can have an immediate, detrimental impact on your life. If you are charged, you face conviction and possible penalties ranging from a years-long prison sentence to mandatory sex offender registration for the remainder of your life. Your best chance at beating these charges and clearing your name is working with a knowledge defense attorney who has the experience, resources, and skills to protect your rights.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we are prepared to go to bat for you, aggressively defending your case and safeguarding your future. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand the ways in which the state handles these cases. We know what you’re up against—and we know how to protect you.
Discuss your situation with a Cedar Park sex crime lawyer at our firm today; call (512) 359-3743 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
What Counts as a Sex Crime in Texas?
Generally speaking, a sex crime is any criminal offense that is sexual in nature. Texas law clearly defines sexual offenses and classifies them according to degree and severity. The more severe an offense is, the harsher the charges and the more severe the penalties.
Some examples of sex crimes include:
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Aggravated promotion of prostitution
- Aggravated sexual assault (rape)
- Compelling prostitution
- Criminal solicitation of a minor (under 17)
- Indecency with a child (under 17 years of age)
- Indecent exposure
- Obscene display or distribution
- Obscenity
- Possession or promotion of child pornography
- Prohibited sexual conduct
- Promotion of prostitution
- Prostitution
- Sale, distribution, or display of harmful material to a minor (under 18)
- Sexual assault
- Sexual performance by a child
How a Sex Crime Conviction Can Change Your Life
Sexual offense allegations should never be taken lightly. An investigation can upend your life, and a criminal conviction could alter it forever. Texas takes these types of crimes extremely seriously, often seeking the maximum penalties allowed under the law.
The exact penalties you face depend on the charges levied against you, but may include:
- Anywhere from 180 days to 2 years in state jail
- A prison sentence ranging from 2 years to life imprisonment
- Fines up to $10,000
- Sex offender registration for 10 years to life
You could also lose certain rights if you are convicted of a sex crime, including your voting rights or your right to own a firearm. You could face restrictions on where you can live or travel, how you use the internet, and your ability to be around or communicate with minors. Being convicted of a sex crime will result in a permanent criminal record that can be accessed by current employers, potential future employers, educational institutions, as well as your neighbors, your family, and your friends.
To put it simply, a sex crime conviction in Texas can completely change your life. That is why it’s so important that you entrust your case to a skilled defense team, like the one at Smith & Vinson Law Firm. We have a long track record of getting our clients’ charges dropped, their cases dismissed, and their penalties reduced. We have achieved many acquittals and have handled highly complex cases involving potentially challenging evidence, often with great success. No matter how complicated your situation may be, we can fight for you.
Sex Offender Registration in Texas
Registration with a public sex offender list is one of the consequences of being convicted of many types of sex crimes. In Texas, sex offender registration is compulsory, meaning you do not have a choice; if this penalty applies to your case, and you are convicted, you must register and abide by strict rules that come with being a registered sex offender.
In most cases, the registration period is at least 10 years, though this can be enhanced to lifetime sex offender registration in certain circumstances.
Currently, the following sexual offenses carry the penalty of mandatory sex offender registration in the state of Texas, if committed after September 1, 1970:
- Aggravated kidnapping with intent to sexually abuse the victim
- Aggravated sexual assault (rape)
- Burglary involving sexual assault and/or aggravated kidnapping
- Compelling prostitution
- Indecency with a child
- Indecent exposure – second offense
- Prohibited sexual contact
- Promotion or possession of child pornography
- Sexual assault (rape)
- Sexual performance by a child
- Unlawful restraint, kidnapping, or aggravated kidnapping
If someone is required to register as a sex offender but fails to do so, they can be charged with a state jail, second-, or third-degree felony. The penalties for these charges include 180 days to 2 years in state prison, 2 to 10 or 20 years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.
Put a Powerful Defense on Your Side
If you have been accused of a sexual offense, are currently under investigation for a sex crime, or have already been charged, we don’t need to tell you how serious your situation is. Before you do anything else, you need to put an experienced advocate on your side, one who knows the law and can fight to protect you and your rights.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our Cedar Park sex crime attorneys know how the state prosecutes these cases, because we’ve been on the other side of the courtroom. Our former prosecutors work tirelessly to develop defense strategies that anticipate the state’s next move, helping our clients stay one step ahead. We take a personalized approach to every case so that we can seek the best possible outcome for you, whether that’s working to have your charges dropped, pursuing a plea deal, or fighting for an acquittal.
When you have our team on your side, you have a team you can trust.
Contact us online or call (512) 359-3743 to schedule a completely free and confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7.
Awards & Associations
Respected by Peers, Clients and Legal Organizations
Our Client Reviews
Earning Our Reputation by Protecting Yours
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Smith and Vinson are absolutely incredible! They go above and beyond to help their clients and have a track record of success in getting cases dismissed. Their aggressive approach and unwavering dedication make them stand out from the rest.- Linda W.
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What sets this firm apart is their unwavering dedication to their clients. They listen attentively, provide clear guidance, and approach every case with the utmost diligence. Their attention to detail is truly impressive, and they leave no stone unturned.- Former Client
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When in battle you need people by your side who are fierce enough to face the opposition with you. Brad and Jarod far exceeded my expectations with their passion for winning and attention to detail.- Nikki C.
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After the Jury was selected, the first witness was called to the stand, and Brad and Jarrod imploded the State's case. Moments later, the case was dismissed. I couldn't be any more thankful for Smith & Vinson.- Former Client
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
911 caller reported a major rollover, single car accident. EMS and fire arrived on scene. They had to break the window to get our client out of the car. He said he had swerved to miss a deer and had been up close to 18 hours before the crash. Police later arrived on scene, spoke to our client and he admitted to coming from a bar and drinking 2 martinis.
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
Our client was pulled over for a traffic violation. Officer smelled alcohol, client admitted to consuming a few drinks. Officer also noted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Client performed the SFST’s (roadside tests). Officer said he failed all 3, eye test, walk and turn and one-leg stand. Officer placed client under arrest and asked him for a sample of breath and/or blood. Client refused. Officer did not get a blood warrant.
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Case Dismissed 2nd DWI
Our client was involved in a vehicle accident in La Grange where she was ejected from the vehicle and had to stay in the hospital. There was alcohol in the car, and she had prior DWIs. The ethanol levels in her blood came back at a .13 so she was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. This client was unaware that she was charged after she left the hospital which resulted in the charge of Bail Jumping. However she maintained that she had only an 8% functioning liver due and upon researching her medical hist
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault & Tampering with Evidence
Our client was involved in a verbal dispute that turned into an altercation where a firearm was discharged into the ground. The round ricocheted and grazed a party to the dispute. Our client was facing multiple felony convictions and a prison sentence.
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault Family Violence w/ Serious Bodily Injury
Our client was involved in a domestic altercation that resulted in one of the parties sustaining a very serious life -altering injury that required serious medical intervention. We took the case and approached our defense with heavy strong willed negotiations with the State.
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Rejected Pre-Indictment Aggravated Assault Strangulation/Impeding Airway Investigation
