Checking a Dallas Sex Charge Attorney’s Trial Record and Experience

Checking a Dallas Sex Charge Attorney’s Trial Record and Experience

Being charged with a sex crime in Dallas can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. Your reputation, freedom, and future may feel like they are hanging in the balance. That is why it is critical to find an experienced Dallas sex crimes defense attorney that you can trust to fight for your rights. But with so many attorneys to choose from, how can you identify the best one for your case?

One of the most important factors to research is an attorney’s trial record and history with similar sex offense cases. Their courtroom experience and ability to take cases to trial can make all the difference in the outcome. Here are some tips on how to check a Dallas sex charge attorney’s background so you can make the best decision when choosing legal representation:

Ask About Their Specific Experience

When meeting with a prospective attorney for a consultation, don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about their background and qualifications. How many total sex crime cases have they handled in their career? How many of those cases went to trial? What types of sex offenses have they defended, such as child sex abuse, rape, solicitation of a minor, indecent exposure, etc.? What is their success rate in getting charges reduced or dismissed? The more experience they have with your particular charges, the better.

Research Their Trial Record

A strong trial record is a good indicator of an attorney’s skills and effectiveness in the courtroom. Ask the lawyer how many jury trials they have done as lead counsel for sex offenses. Were they bench trials or full jury trials? What was the outcome of those trials? Did they win an acquittal or hung jury for their client? An attorney who has successfully defended these complex cases at trial likely has the litigation skills you want on your side.

Look Up Their Credentials

What are the attorney’s overall credentials? Are they board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization? This is only achieved by meeting extensive requirements in experience, continuing education, peer review and more. Being board certified demonstrates an enhanced level of expertise. Also look up when they were licensed to practice law and which law school they attended.

Research Disciplinary History

You can look up any Texas attorney on the State Bar of Texas website to see if they have faced disciplinary sanctions, been suspended or disbarred. Ethical and competency issues that led to discipline could be a red flag. Ideally, your attorney will have a clean disciplinary record.

Ask For Case Results

Don’t just take an attorney’s word when they say they have successfully defended sex crime cases. Ask for specific examples of cases they have handled and the results achieved. Were they able to get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial? Did they win an acquittal at trial? Reputable attorneys will be able to provide these examples.

Look For Client Reviews

While client reviews should not be your only criteria, they can provide some insight into people’s experiences with the attorney. Look for consistent themes in the reviews of their communication skills, trial expertise, compassion and results achieved. No attorney wins every case, so look for ones who appear to regularly earn positive reviews.

Research Their Publicity

News stories about an attorney’s high profile sex offense cases can give you a sense of their experience and trial skills. Look for any awards or accolades they have received from legal associations recognizing their criminal defense work. Favorable media coverage and peer recognition are good signs.

Ask For Referrals

Speaking to other Dallas criminal defense attorneys can provide useful perspective on who the top sex crimes lawyers are in the area. Well-respected attorneys in the field will know who has the skills and track record to take on complex sex offense cases. Their insights can assist your search.

Compare Multiple Attorneys

Interview several qualified attorneys before deciding who to hire. Comparing their experience, track records, credentials, costs and overall rapport with you is key. Don’t rush into a decision based on a single consultation. Evaluate multiple attorneys to find the best fit.

Doing comprehensive research on a Dallas sex charge attorney’s background takes effort but is time well spent. Thoroughly vetting their specific experience, trial record, credentials, reviews and publicity will help you make an informed decision so you can have the strongest defense. With your freedom on the line, it pays to be diligent.

Common Sex Crimes Charged in Dallas

When facing sex offense charges, it helps to understand some of the common allegations filed in Dallas courts. While penalties vary based on the circumstances, these charges must be taken very seriously. An experienced sex crimes defense attorney can carefully examine the evidence and identify any potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you.

Indecency with a Child

This charge involves engaging in sexual contact with a child under age 17. It is a second or third degree felony with penalties ranging from 2-10 years in prison. Simply being accused of this offense can destroy your reputation, even if you are not convicted.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault in Texas includes charges like rape, date rape, and sexual abuse. Penalties range from 2-20 years in prison. These cases often boil down to “he said/she said” arguments that require an aggressive defense.

Improper Relationship Between Student and Teacher

It is against Texas law for a primary or secondary teacher to engage in a sexual relationship with a current student, even if that student is over 17. The legal punishments for this improper relationship charge can be severe.

Possession of Child Pornography

Anyone charged with knowingly possessing, promoting or distributing child pornography material faces very serious consequences in Texas. First time offenses for child pornography possession can result in 2-10 years in prison.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

Using the internet or electronic communications to solicit sexual contact or photos from a minor under 17 is illegal. Penalties for online solicitation of a minor range from 2-10 years imprisonment.

Sexual Performance by a Child

This charge involves inducing a child under 18 to engage in sexual conduct or performance. It often applies to the production of child pornography. Convictions can lead to confinement up to life in prison in Texas.

Facing any of these allegations can be terrifying. An experienced Dallas sex crimes lawyer thoroughly examines the evidence and works to get charges reduced or dismissed, while aggressively defending your rights if the case goes to trial.

Investigating Sexual Assault Claims

When someone is accused of sexual assault, the story told by the accuser may be the only evidence. In many cases, an experienced sex crimes defense attorney can uncover inconsistencies, credibility issues, ulterior motives and other weaknesses that create reasonable doubt of the defendant’s guilt.

Thoroughly investigating sexual assault allegations and the accuser’s background is a key part of building an effective defense. A skilled lawyer will explore questions like:

• Does the accuser have a history of making false claims or allegations?
• What was the nature of any prior relationship between the accuser and defendant? Could there have been consent?
• Are there witnesses who dispute the accuser’s version of events?
• Is there electronic evidence that contradicts the accusations, such as texts, emails or social media?
• Does the accuser have financial, custody, mental health or other issues that could motivate false allegations?
• Were drugs or alcohol involved by either party to impair judgment or memory?

By digging into the background and surrounding circumstances, an experienced attorney can often find inconsistencies that cast doubt on accusations and build a strong defense. They may also be able to identify any procedural errors or constitutional violations by police that could lead to evidence being suppressed or the case dismissed.

People accused of sexual assault have rights that must be protected. An aggressive defense lawyer will leave no stone unturned in investigating the allegations and accuser’s credibility to protect their client.

Common Defenses in Sexual Assault Cases

When facing sexual assault charges, there are several lines of defense that an experienced attorney may pursue, depending on the circumstances. Here are some of the most common defenses used:

Consent

In acquaintance rape or date rape cases, the defense will argue that the accuser consented to the sexual contact. While the accuser may claim the consent was not valid for reasons like intoxication, the defense can argue consent was given at the time.

Mistaken Identity

Eyewitness misidentification is a common contributor to wrongful convictions. If the accuser’s identification of the perpetrator is questionable, mistaken identity can be claimed.

False Accusations

The defense may be able to show the accuser made up the allegations out of malice, for financial gain, to gain leverage in a custody dispute, or for other ulterior motives. Evidence proving dishonesty can defeat the charges.

Lack of Evidence

Many sexual assault cases lack physical evidence like DNA and come down to “he said/she said.” The defense can argue there is insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Diminished Capacity

If the defendant’s ability to form intent was diminished by a mental defect or intoxication, they may not have been able to willfully commit the alleged acts. This can defeat criminal intent requirements.

An attorney experienced in “he said/she said” sexual assault cases understands how to build a defense around these and other strategies. Raising reasonable doubt about the accusations or the defendant’s intent and mental state can lead to dismissal of charges or acquittal.

Sex Offender Registration in Texas

Being convicted of a sex crime in Texas brings additional long-term consequences beyond time in prison. You may be required to register as a sex offender with local law enforcement and have this information publicly disclosed.

The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program (Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure) establishes three tiers of registered sex offenders:

• Tier 1 – Lowest risk offenders who must register for 10 years minimum
• Tier 2 – Moderate risk offenders who must register for 25 years minimum
• Tier 3 – Highest risk offenders who must register for life

The specific charges determine which tier an offender is placed in. Requirements include:

• Registering with local law enforcement where you live
• Notifying law enforcement of any change of address, employment, or student status
• Renewing registration annually or every 90 days depending on tier
• Providing DNA sample, fingerprints, photographs and other identification

Registered sex offenders also face numerous restrictions in Texas on where they can live, work and go in the community. Violating registration requirements leads to felony prosecution.

The public sex offender registry allows anyone to look up a person’s status, charges, tier level, and personal details. This understandably deters many employers, landlords and social connections. The consequences extend long after any time served.

That is why fighting the charges is critical. An experienced sex crimes defense attorney can often negotiate a plea deal to lesser charges that avoid sex offender registration requirements. In some cases, they may be able to get charges dismissed entirely and preserve the defendant’s future.

Finding the Right Dallas Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one are facing sex offense charges in Dallas, having the right legal defense can make all the difference. Here are key tips for finding the best attorney:

• Choose a lawyer focused specifically on sex crimes defense, not a general practice attorney
• Find someone experienced in cases similar to yours that have gone to trial
• Select an attorney you feel comfortable with and who is responsive to your needs
• Be sure they have the resources to thoroughly investigate the allegations
• Ask about their experience handling cases similar to yours that have gone to trial
• Look for someone who is board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Choose an attorney who is compassionate and will fight aggressively for you
• Be sure they have a team of experienced investigators and experts to assist in your defense
• Select someone highly responsive who will keep you informed throughout the process
• Find an attorney with a record of getting favorable outcomes, whether through dismissals, acquittals or plea bargains
• Ask about their relationships with prosecutors and judges which could help resolve the case
• Choose someone you feel comfortable confiding in and who will protect your rights
• Pick an attorney with payment plans available if needed to afford representation
• Look for client testimonials and awards recognizing their sex crimes defense work
• When your freedom and reputation are at stake, having the right attorney by your side can make all the difference. Do your research to pick the best Dallas sex crimes lawyer to fight for you.