This is the first post in a series of articles which will address the topic of defending against sexual assault charges in Austin, Texas. I am writing on this topic as, for obvious reasons, many people do not know how to proceed when they have been accused of such an offense. It is important that you take immediate steps to protect your rights as prosecutors pursue such cases aggressively. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help a defendant know what to expect as their case moves forward. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of a criminal defense attorney. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing several topics over my coming articles. The issues which I will analyze include:
- Search and seizure issues in sexual assault cases
- How Fifth Amendment violations may impact such matters
- The possibility of excluding an eyewitness identification
- What to expect at trial
- Texas’ penalties for sexual assault
I feel these are important topics to address. First, violations of the Fourth or Fifth Amendments can result in situations in which evidence or statements, on which the prosecution is relying, can be rendered inadmissible. This can greatly aid the defense. Second, if a victim is asked to pick a defendant out of an overly suggestive lineup then it may result in that victim not being permitted to identify the individual in open court. Third, knowing what to expect from the trial process is crucial as the case moves forward. Finally, the penalties for sexual assault can vary depending on several factors. These factors include whether a weapon was involved and more.
An important point that I will be raising throughout this series is the importance of contacting an attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one have been charged. Prosecutors, for obvious reasons, pursue such charges aggressively and Judges are typically not lenient in such matters. I am an Austin criminal defense lawyer who devotes his practice to defending the rights of the accused. I have been practicing law since 1995, and Board Certified in Criminal Defense by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and I strive to provide a high level of service in every case I handle. Contact my office today to schedule an appointment. I also serve the cities of Rollingwood, Round Rock, Elgin, Jonestown, Manor, Bee Cave, Lago Vista, Sunset Valley, Lakeway, Creedmoor, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, and San Marcos, Texas.