A sex crime charge can change the course of your life in a matter of hours. You may be facing the possibility of prison time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and damage to your reputation that follows you for years. If you or someone you love has been accused, the decisions you make right now matter more than almost anything else.
At Sanchez & Farrar PLLC, our New Braunfels sex crimes lawyer team handles these cases with the seriousness and discretion they demand. We know how isolating and frightening it feels to face allegations like these, and we are here to walk you through what comes next, step by step.
A charge is not a conviction, and there are real options available to you even when things feel hopeless. Call us at (512) 535-0807 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with our New Braunfels sex crimes lawyers. The sooner we can look at the facts, the more effectively we can begin building your defense.
With decades of criminal defense experience, our firm has built strong defenses for clients facing serious charges. We believe everyone deserves compassionate, judgment-free representation and a defense strategy built around their specific circumstances. Our approach includes:
Texas law covers a broad range of offenses under the umbrella of sex crimes. Each charge carries its own elements, penalties, and long-term consequences, and the differences between them can significantly affect how a case is handled in Comal County courts.
Sexual assault charges in Texas involve allegations of non-consensual sexual contact or penetration. The circumstances surrounding the alleged offense determine whether the charge is filed as a second-degree felony or elevated to a first-degree felony under aggravated sexual assault:
Texas law treats prostitution as a criminal offense for both the person offering sexual services and the person paying for them. Depending on the circumstances and any prior convictions, charges can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony.
Offenses involving children are among the most heavily prosecuted charges in the Comal County District Court system. Even an accusation can trigger a New Braunfels Police Department investigation and involvement from Child Protective Services. Texas law treats these cases with heightened severity, and a conviction often results in lengthy prison sentences:
Texas law makes it a felony to possess, promote, or distribute visual material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct. Charges can range from a third-degree felony for possession to a first-degree felony for production or distribution, and federal charges may also apply if the material crossed state lines.
When a school employee engages in sexual contact with a student, Texas law treats it as a second-degree felony regardless of whether the student is over the age of consent. Cases involving educators from New Braunfels Independent School District or nearby districts in Comal County are prosecuted under a specific statute that removes consent as a defense.
Public lewdness involves engaging in sexual acts in a public place or in a location where another person could be present and offended. It is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, but repeat offenses or circumstances involving minors can increase the severity of the charge.
Indecent exposure occurs when a person exposes themselves with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire, knowing that others are present who may be offended. A first offense is usually a Class B misdemeanor, but prior convictions or involvement of a child can elevate it to a felony.
Texas classifies sex crimes across a wide range of offense levels, and each level carries its own set of penalties. The specific charge, the facts of the case, and your criminal history all affect what sentence the prosecution may seek:
A conviction for most sex crimes in Texas triggers mandatory registration on the state’s sex offender registry. Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.051, registered sex offenders must verify their information with local law enforcement on a regular schedule. The registration requirements vary depending on the offense and affect where you can live, work, and spend time in the Guadalupe County area and beyond:
The right criminal defense strategy depends entirely on what happened, what evidence exists, and how law enforcement handled the investigation. The facts of your specific case determine which approach gives you the strongest position in a 274th District Court proceeding or any other Comal County courtroom. A strong defense often starts by challenging the prosecution’s version of events at its weakest points:
Failing to register as a sex offender or failing to update your registration information is a separate criminal offense in Texas. Depending on the underlying conviction, a failure-to-register charge can range from a state jail felony to a third-degree felony, carrying additional prison time and fines.
If you move to Texas or spend time in the state for work or school, and you are required to register as a sex offender in another state, Texas law requires you to register here as well. You must report to local law enforcement within seven days of arriving in the state.
In Texas, survivors of childhood sexual abuse generally have until 30 years after they turn 18 to file a civil lawsuit against the person who harmed them. For adult survivors, the statute of limitations for civil claims is typically five years from the date of the assault.
A sex crime accusation demands immediate and focused legal attention. The prosecution is already building a case, and waiting to respond only narrows your options. At Sanchez & Farrar PLLC, we have the knowledge and preparation to take on even the most serious charges, and we are ready to put that to work for you. Call us at (512) 535-0807 or through our online form to schedule a free consultation with a New Braunfels criminal defense lawyer. Your future is worth protecting, and we are here to help you do exactly that.
To learn more about the services offered by Sanchez & Farrar, PLLC, call our firm or send us an email. We have offices in New Braunfels and Austin.
