San Antonio Sex Crimes Attorney

At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, our San Antonio sex crimes lawyer has over 26 years of experience navigating the challenges of the Texas legal system. Our firm is prepared to guide you through the complexities of your case and help you fight the challenges of a sex crime accusation. Even though criminal charges come with a presumption of innocence, those accused of sex crimes in Texas can face severe consequences and harsh public judgment. Conviction often requires lifelong registration as a sex offender, complicating job prospects and homeownership. False allegations are not uncommon, highlighting the necessity of effective legal representation. To improve your chances in court, it's crucial to hire an experienced sex crime attorney immediately so you can start building your defense. 

Call (210) 592-4181 to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable and experienced sex crimes lawyer. You can also message our team online now. 

Understanding Sexual Assault and Rape Laws in Texas

Recognizing the severe impact such allegations can have on an individual’s life, our San Antonio sex crimes lawyer is committed to providing comprehensive legal support. Sexually related crimes carry serious repercussions that can significantly alter one's future. 

Common sex crime charges handled by our San Antonio sex crimes lawyer include:

• Sexual assault/rape: This serious offense involves non-consensual sexual conduct and is aggressively prosecuted in Texas. Consent cannot be given by individuals who are physically helpless, mentally incapacitated, or under duress.
• Date rape: Often occurring in social settings, date rape involves sexual assault by someone the victim knows, such as a friend or acquaintance. It can include the use of drugs or alcohol to incapacitate the victim, making consent impossible.
• Statutory rape: This charge applies when an adult engages in sexual activities with a minor, who is legally unable to consent due to their age, regardless of whether the minor agrees to the act.
• Child pornography: Possession, distribution, or creation of material involving sexual exploitation of children leads to severe penalties, including imprisonment and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
• Prostitution/solicitation: Engaging in or agreeing to engage in a sexual act in exchange for money or goods is illegal. Both the solicitation and provision of such services are punishable offenses.
• Solicitation of a minor: This involves an adult attempting to persuade, induce, or entice a minor to engage in sexual activities and is a grave offense with significant legal repercussions.
• Child molestation: This refers to any inappropriate sexual contact or behavior with a minor and is met with harsh penalties, including prison time and lifetime sex offender registration.
• Sexual abuse: This encompasses a range of non-consensual actions involving coercion, force, or threat of force, and can be charged independently or in conjunction with other crimes.
• Failure to register as a sex offender: Convicted individuals must register their information with local authorities. Failure to do so can result in additional legal penalties, including incarceration.
• Indecent exposure: Intentionally exposing one's genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify oneself or others in the presence of another who may be offended constitutes a criminal act.
• Public lewdness: This offense consists of engaging in sexual activities in public view or in locations where others could reasonably observe, leading to criminal charges and social condemnation.

At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we perform independent investigations to gather crucial evidence for your defense. With almost thirty years of experience, our San Antonio sex crimes lawyer understands Texas legal systems and courtroom dynamics, aiming to reduce charges or pursue dismissal on your behalf when possible. 

Penalties for Sexual Assault in Texas

Texas law defines sexual assault, or rape, as non-consensual sexual contact or penetration involving physical force or threats. Typically, a second-degree felony can lead to 2 to 25 years in prison. Certain circumstances may elevate the charge to aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony punishable by life, or a five to 99-year sentence.

In cases of sexual assault, aggravated circumstances include:

• Inflicting serious harm or trying to kill the victim
• Instilling fear of death, severe injury, or kidnapping in the victim
• Collaborating with another individual to commit the offense
• Employing a deadly weapon during the assault
• Administering a "date rape drug"
• Victims under the age of 14
• Victims who are elderly or disabled

These enhanced penalties underscore the severity with which Texas treats such offenses, emphasizing the importance of robust legal representation for those accused.

Legal Defenses Against Sex Crimes

In Texas, several legal defenses may be used to fight criminal sex charges, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some of the most common defenses:

• Consent: Many sex crimes, such as sexual assault, require a lack of consent from the alleged victim. If the defendant can prove that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity, this could be a valid defense.
• False Allegations: False accusations can arise due to personal vendettas, misunderstandings, or manipulation. The defense may focus on inconsistencies in the accuser’s story, lack of physical evidence, or ulterior motives.
• Lack of Evidence: Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient evidence—such as DNA, witness testimony, or medical reports—this could weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Mistaken Identity: In some cases, the accused may not have been the perpetrator, and the defense may argue that the alleged victim or witnesses misidentified the defendant.
• Alibi: If the defendant can provide proof that they were elsewhere at the time of the alleged crime, this can serve as a strong defense.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement coerced or induced the defendant into committing a crime they otherwise would not have committed, this may be a viable defense.
• Insanity or Mental Incapacity: If the defendant was legally insane or mentally incapable of understanding their actions at the time of the alleged crime, this could be used as a defense.
• Romeo and Juliet Defense: Texas law provides an affirmative defense for certain cases of statutory rape where the accused is no more than three years older than the minor and the sexual activity was consensual.
• Insufficient Intent – Some sex offenses require specific intent. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant had the required intent to commit the crime, the charges may not hold.
• Police Misconduct: If evidence was obtained unlawfully (e.g., illegal searches, forced confessions, or Miranda rights violations), it may be suppressed in court.

Each case is unique, and the success of a defense depends on the specifics of the allegations and the available evidence. Consulting with a criminal defense attorney experienced in Texas law is crucial for building a strong defense.

Your Trusted San Antonio Sex Crimes Lawyer

 Our San Antonio sex crimes lawyer is committed to standing by you throughout the entire process, fighting diligently to protect your interests. 

A message from Attorney Ruben Ortiz: When you face criminal charges, you need an attorney who will fight for you every step of the way. My name is Ruben Ortiz, and since May 1998, I have dedicated my career to defending my clients’ rights with unwavering determination. My philosophy is simple: find a way to win every case for every client.

From my very first criminal defense case—where I secured a dismissal for my client—I’ve believed that every case has a weakness, a technicality, or an opportunity for success. My job is to uncover it. I approach every client as innocent because, under the United States Constitution, anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. To me, that means every person who walks into my office deserves the same fierce advocacy and respect for their rights.

With over 26 years of experience in criminal defense, I understand the stress and fear of facing criminal charges. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, I am here to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Call (210) 592-4181 or contact our firm online to schedule a free consultation with our San Antonio sex crimes lawyer.