Texas residents charged with sexual assault or rape face serious consequences. In addition to significant jail time, individuals may suffer permanent harm to their reputation, be required to register as a sex offender, and may be stripped of professional licenses. Rape and sexual assault charges are aggressively prosecuted by the state and defendants do not often receive leniency from the criminal justice system. It is imperative, therefore, when charged with sexual assault or rape, that the defendant retains experienced criminal counsel as soon as possible to represent their interests. Joey Tellez is a Laredo criminal defense lawyer who represents those facing charges for sex-related crimes. He has been aggressively defending south Texas residents since 2002 and is ready to assist you. Contact our office to speak with an attorney today.
Laredo lawyer vigorously defending those charged with sexual assault
Under Texas law, if a person touches someone else without their consent in a prohibited manner intending to cause arousal, they have committed sexual assault. The crime of sexual assault is typically treated as a second-degree felony. Those convicted face between two and twenty years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine. In addition, guilty parties may be required to formally register as a sex offender. Under certain circumstances, the charge may be elevated to “aggravated sexual assault,” which is a first-degree felony. This occurs when a weapon was used in the incident, the victim was threatened with death or serious bodily harm, was kidnapped, drugged, or was under the age of 14. If convicted of aggravated sexual assault, the defendant will receive between five and 99 years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. It is not uncommon for defendants in aggravated sexual assault cases to face additional criminal charges, such as burglary, illegal possession of a firearm, or trespassing. If so, additional penalties may apply.
There are often defenses available to residents charged with sexual assault. For instance, unfortunately, allegations of sexual assault are sometimes fabricated. If a defendant has been falsely accused, it is imperative to gather as much evidence as possible quickly to preserve one’s legal rights. An experienced criminal defense attorney will thoroughly investigate the incident by interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and evaluating victim statements. Evidence must be located and presented to the prosecution promptly to avoid an indictment by a grand jury. It is also not uncommon for law enforcement to use practices that violate the defendant’s constitutional rights when apprehending a suspect. For example, using statements made by the accused before delivering their Miranda warnings or illegally seizing evidence during an unwarranted search is not permitted. Defense counsel will evaluate whether any illegally obtained evidence may be excluded from the case. If the grand jury indicts the accused, the case will proceed to trial by jury. The prosecution and the defense will have the opportunity to present their cases to the jury, who will ultimately render the verdict. The grand jury and trial phases of the process are extremely complicated. It is imperative, therefore, to retain a lawyer who has experience with each and understands how to present an effective defense on his clients’ behalf.
Joey Tellez is a Laredo attorney who defends individuals charged with sexual assault. He has been representing clients in the Texas criminal justice system since 2002. After reviewing the publicly available records pertaining to your case, he will consult with you to get a full picture of the incident. He will quickly identify any potential defenses, looking for discrepancies in witness statements and other evidence cited by law enforcement. Joey will conduct his own investigation of the matter, including interviewing witnesses, evaluating alibis, and reviewing potential police misconduct. He will prepare and file all necessary motions to exclude evidence gathered in violation of your constitutional rights. Joey will answer your questions and explain what you can expect during the indictment and trial process every step of the way. We understand that this is a serious matter and will treat your case with the respect it deserves. Contact our office today.
Quality defense representation for Laredo residents charged with rape
Rape or sexual assault charges can destroy one’s life. Joey understands what is at stake for his clients and believes in aggressively defending their rights. He realizes that his clients are under significant stress and do not need the added frustration of an unresponsive attorney. For that reason, he is dedicated to providing high-quality service to his clients and quickly answers phone calls and emails to keep them updated throughout the case. Our Laredo office is ready to assist you. In addition to Laredo, we serve clients throughout South Texas.