Aggravated sexual assault is more serious than a typical sexual assault offense. It carries heightened punishments, social stigma, and a crime that can remain on your criminal record forever. Special sex crime prosecutors normally handle such cases, and you are likely to face some of the best prosecuting attorneys and investigators in the state. This does not mean you do not have a chance at winning, but it will be extremely difficult without an experienced defense team.
If you are being investigated for aggravated sexual assault you will need an experienced defense team on your side to prove you are innocent. By choosing The Gonzalez Law Group, you can rest assured that our attorneys will fight to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Call us today at (832) 530-4070 or submit your information in our online form for a free case evaluation. We proudly defend clients in the greater Harris County area including Pearland, Baytown, Seabrook, La Porte, Pasadena, Galena Park, Friendswood, and numerous others.
Overview of Aggravated Sexual Assault in Houston, TX
- What is Aggravated Sexual Assault?
- Possible Penalties for Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Additional Resources
What is Aggravated Sexual Assault?
Aggravated sexual assault is similar to sexual assault in that both involve intentionally or knowingly causing the penetration of the anus, sexual organ or mouth or causing another’s sexual organ to come in contact with or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ.
What sets aggravated sexual assault apart from sexual assault is that aggravated sexual assault involves aggravating factors that include the following:
- The victim was under 13 years old
- The victim is 13 but under 16 years old and
- The defendant is related to the victim by blood or affinity to the third degree.
- The defendant has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim
- The defendant is a foster parent, guardian or stands in place of a parent within the household
- The act was committed during an attempted robbery, kidnapping, homicide or aggravated assault on another.
- The defendant was armed with a weapon or any object used to lead the victim or believe it to be a weapon and threatened by gestures or words to use the weapon
- The defendant is aided or encouraged by one or more persons and the defendant used physical force or coercion
- The defendant used physical force or coercion and severe physical injury was caused to the victim
- The victim is someone the defendant knew or should have known was physically helpless, mentally defective or mentally incapacitated.
Possible Penalties for Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault is the second most serious crime in Texas. The state classifies it as a first-degree felony that entails a minimum prison sentence of 25 years if the victim was six years old at the time of the offense or younger than 14. If convicted, you could also face the following penalties:
- A maximum prison sentence of 99 years
- Fines up to $10,000
- Register for life as a sex offender
Those convicted of aggravated sexual assault also face consequences long after their prison sentence has been served. Some of the lifelong restrictions can include:
- Residency Restrictions: Under Texas law, registered sex offenders are prohibited from living or visiting a residence that is within 500 feet of a child safety zone. Such zones include schools, parks, daycare centers, youth centers and athletic fields.
- Employment Location Restrictions: Registered sex offenders are prohibited from working in areas that are within a certain distance of child safety zones.
- Voting Privileges: Registered offenders are prohibited from voting while on parole or probation.
There may be other restrictions registered sex offenders can face, such as limited internet access, regular drug and alcohol screening, losing the right to own or purchase firearms and restricted contact with minors or victims.
Additional Resources for Aggravated Sexual Assault in Houston, TX
Aggravated Sexual Assault – Texas Penal Code Section 22.021- View the full text of the Texas Penal Code that establishes laws regarding aggravated sexual assault in the state. The section defines what aggravated sexual assault is and the possible penalties if convicted. The code can be read on the Texas Constitution and Statutes site.
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault– The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault is a non-profit organization that is committed to ending sexual violence through advocacy, public awareness, and prevention. TAASA considers itself the voice of the sexual assault movement in Texas.
Contact an Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense Attorney in Houston, TX
The sooner you speak with an experienced aggravated sexual assault defense attorney, the better chance you have at building a reputable defense strategy. The Gonzalez Law Group is experienced with aggravated sexual assault cases in Texas and our attorneys will fight to protect your rights.
Call us today at (832) 530-4070 or submit your information in our online form and one of our attorneys will evaluate your case. We defend clients in the greater Harris County area including Pearland, Baytown, Seabrook, La Porte, Pasadena, Galena Park, Friendswood, and numerous others.
