Sex Crime Attorneys in Pflugerville, TX

Don’t Let Sex Offense Accusations Ruin Your Life

Facing a sex crime allegation in Pflugerville can be a life-altering event. If you’ve been charged or even questioned about a sex offense, you need immediate legal help from a firm that understands how high the stakes can get. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we draw on decades of combined experience—including former prosecutors and a former judge—to protect our clients’ rights, freedom, and reputations in the face of all levels of sex offenses.

For a free consultation, contact our sex crime defense attorneys in Pflugerville today.

Sex Crimes Under the Texas Penal Code

In Texas, sex crimes span a range of conduct, from misdemeanor-level offenses to first-degree felonies. Each carries severe penalties and the potential for mandatory sex offender registration. 

Common sex crime charges include:

• Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.011): Involves non-consensual sexual contact, often a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines.
• Aggravated Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.021): Escalates the offense if a deadly weapon is used, serious bodily injury occurs, or the victim is a minor or elderly. Frequently charged as a first-degree felony, with sentences up to life imprisonment.
• Indecency with a Child (Texas Penal Code § 21.11): Covers sexual contact or exposure involving a minor. Depending on the specific allegations, it can be a second- or third-degree felony, potentially leading to long prison terms.
• Online Solicitation of a Minor (Texas Penal Code § 33.021): Involves using the internet or electronic communication to solicit sexual conduct from someone under 17. Often charged as a third-degree or second-degree felony.
• Public Lewdness (Texas Penal Code § 21.07): Entails engaging in sexual acts in public or a place where others may witness it, generally a Class A misdemeanor, but can escalate in certain circumstances.

Because sex crimes are treated with heightened scrutiny, law enforcement and prosecutors in Travis County and across Texas will aggressively pursue convictions and maximum penalties in an attempt to uphold public safety. If you’re under investigation, involving a local criminal defense attorney in Pflugerville at the earliest opportunity will be crucial. Even allegations or accusations of any sex-related offense can threaten your career and your personal life; early counsel can make all the difference in minimizing the fallout.

Sex Offense Classifications & Penalties

Sex crime penalties escalate based on the severity of the offense, the ages of involved parties, the presence of aggravating factors (like the use of force or a deadly weapon), and whether the defendant has prior convictions. Punishments can include fines, ranging from a few thousand dollars for misdemeanors to tens of thousands for felonies. Lengthy incarceration is another possibility. First-degree felonies can lead to life imprisonment, while lesser sex offenses might still carry multiple years in state prison. Certain convictions may also require court-ordered sex offender treatment programs.

Even after completing a sentence, convicted individuals can face significant social stigma, restrictions on where they can live or work, and ongoing post-release monitoring.

The Impact of Sex Offender Registration

One of the most devastating aspects of a sex crime conviction is the possibility of sex offender registration. Once on the registry, you may be subject to numerous restrictions and requirements, which can have a tremendous impact on every aspect of your life. 

The following may apply to registered sex offenders in Pflugerville:

• Registration & Check-Ins: Sex offenders must check in with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, depending on their conviction.
• Sex Offender Registry: Your name, photo, address, and information about your offense may all become accessible to the public online, including neighbors and potential employers, on the Texas Sex Offender Registry.
• Housing Limitations: Many residential areas in and around Pflugerville have ordinances restricting where registered sex offenders can live—especially near schools or parks.
• Employment Restrictions: Certain professions may become off-limits, and background checks may disqualify you from many jobs.  This may include positions in fields such as teaching, social services, healthcare, sports coaching, and law enforcement.

Removing or reducing registration requirements can be extremely challenging, which makes early, aggressive legal representation critical in fighting your charges. Depending on the type of conviction, registration may be required for 10 years or life.

Early Representation Matters

Sex crime allegations often begin with an investigation before formal charges are filed. During this time, law enforcement may gather evidence, interview witnesses, and attempt to get a statement from you. Having a Pflugerville sex crime lawyer on your side from the outset can help ensure you aren’t pressured into self-incrimination or giving statements that could be twisted against you later.

When our team at Smith & Vinson Law Firm represents a client facing sex offense allegations, we work quickly to scrutinize police procedures, eyewitness accounts, and forensic reports for inconsistencies or errors. In some cases, early intervention can lead to dropped or reduced charges before a case ever reaches court. With your freedom and future on the line, an experienced attorney can help you avoid critical missteps.

How a Pflugerville Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Can Help

Bold, aggressive criminal defense is at the core of our firm’s philosophy. When you’re facing a sex crime allegation in Pflugerville, we bring decades of combined experience to mount a relentless defense. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former judge, giving us unique insight into how the State builds and prosecutes sex crime cases.

When you choose Smith & Vinson Law Firm, you will find:

• We’re here 24/7 to address emergencies and provide guidance when you need it most.
• We’ll dig into the specifics of your situation, analyze evidence, and develop a focused plan to challenge the allegations.
• You’ll never be left in the dark about your case’s progress or your legal options.
• Whether through negotiation or at trial, our goal is to secure the best possible result for you.

We proudly serve clients in Travis County, Williamson County, and Hays County, including Pflugerville, Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and beyond.

Start Your Defense Now

Sex crime charges in Pflugerville can carry severe penalties, ruin your reputation, and force you into lifelong sex offender registration. If you’ve been arrested or even suspect you’re under investigation, don’t wait to seek legal help. An early and powerful defense can make all the difference in preserving your rights and freedom.

Call Smith & Vinson Law Firm at (512) 359-3743 or reach out online for your free, confidential consultation.