Sexual Assault Lawyer
Have you been accused of sexual assault in Texas? You could be facing decades in jail and forced registration as a sex offender.
Paul Doyle & Associates in Houston, TX, has successfully defended dozens of individuals charged with sex crimes. We can help you.
Learn more about the sexual assault laws in Texas, and discover how criminal defense attorney Paul Doyle can protect your rights.
How to Beat a Sexual Assault Charge Attorney Paul Doyle Explains How His Work as a Prosecutor Can Help
Before starting his criminal defense firm in Houston, TX, Paul Doyle worked as a prosecutor for Harris County. In that role, Paul learned what it takes for prosecutors to build compelling cases related to charges of rape, sexual abuse, or other sex crimes. Now, as a sexual assault defense attorney, Paul uses his knowledge to protect the rights of the wrongfully accused.
Sexual Assault Case Results
Facing Sexual Assault Charges?
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you are accused of sexual assault, you must hire knowledgeable and respected legal counsel to defend yourself against such a serious charge. Hiring a sexual assault attorney who will investigate your case and aggressively challenge any allegations made against you is crucial.
Paul Doyle & Associates of Houston, TX, is the criminal defense law firm you need when facing charges of a sex crime. Our excellent reputation and noteworthy record of success led the Houston Chronicle to name us "The Best of the Best in Criminal Defense" in 2021. Paul Doyle, Trevor Sharon, and the rest of the team will protect your rights and do everything possible to bring your situation to a swift and favorable conclusion.
We offer free consultations to prospective clients. You can set up a free case review with our attorneys right now by contacting us online or calling our Houston office.
Call Us: (713) 228-9200
Sound Counsel in Difficult Cases
Hear From Our Clients
"Excellent Service 10/10 Recommend. You will not be disappointed with the outcome of your case! Trevor Sharon Is THE BEST #1 ! Criminal Justice Lawyer In Houston Hands Down! Guaranteed 100%"
—Yander Noguera, 5-Star Review
Sexual Assault
Law in Texas
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Texas Penal Code Section 22.011 defines sexual assault in the state of Texas. The law describes both sexual assault and child sexual assault:
Sexual Assault
According to Texas State Law
"A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:
- Causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that person's consent;
- Causes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that person's consent; or
- Causes the sexual organ of another person, without that person's consent, to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor."
Child Sexual Assault
According to Texas State Law
"A person commits an offense if, regardless of whether the person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense, the person intentionally or knowingly:
- Causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of a child by any means;
- Causes the penetration of the mouth of a child by the sexual organ of the actor;
- Causes the sexual organ of a child to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor;
- Causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; or
- Causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of another person, including the actor."
You Know What's at Stake That's Why You Need a Sexual Abuse and Assault Attorney
People convicted of rape and sexual assault in Texas face years of incarceration, steep fines, and must spend the rest of their life labeled as sex offender. The defense attorneys at Paul Doyle & Associates can provide sound counsel and help fight the charges against you. Call for a free consultation at our Houston law office.
Life After a Sex Crime Conviction
A conviction for rape, sexual abuse, or any other sex crime in Houston will result in lifelong consequences.
Loss of Rights as a Felon
Even after you serve your prison time, you will forever be labeled a convicted felon, meaning you will lose your right to vote and your right to bear arms. A felony conviction also makes it difficult to secure employment or a place to live.
Effects on Reputation and Housing
In addition to being labeled as felons, perpetrators of sex crimes must also register as sex offenders. As a registered sex offender, your conviction will be easily discoverable by the public. Anyone will be able to look you up in the Texas Department of Public Safety's database, which will contain your physical address, a description of your appearance, and more personal information. Registered sex offenders must always maintain a certain distance from Houston schools, parks, and other areas that may contain children.
Impact on Your Family Life
Of course, a conviction for sexual assault can devastate your family life. Men and women who have been found guilty of sex crimes are highly unlikely to be awarded custody of children or any kind of spousal support in a divorce.
The stakes are extremely high when you are being investigated for a sex crime. That's why it's critical to work with a sexual assault lawyer like Paul Doyle.
A Former Client Shares His Experience
"Paul and his team went above and beyond in their representation of me. I applaud Paul for his professionalism and integrity. He was able to see through the lies and politics, and made sure the D.A understood the truth in regards to my case.
"Regardless of what he was doing, Paul was a phone call or text message away. A family man, with heavy case load/trials...it didn't matter. Paul was always prepared to answer any questions I had.
"I urge all of you to call Paul before hiring an attorney. You will not be disappointed. To this day I can text Paul and get a response within an hour. Truly a man of high character."
— KINCAIDE, 5-Star Review
Hope Is Not Lost
Let's Discuss Your Defense
When you are accused of sexual assault, the situation can feel hopeless. However, you must remember that you have rights and that it is possible to defeat these accusations with the right attorney on your side. Paul Doyle & Associates can review the details of your case, conduct a thorough investigation, interview parties on both sides, and negotiate with prosecutors to achieve reduced or dropped charges and protect your freedom.
The sooner you meet with our sexual assault attorneys for a free consultation, the sooner we can get to work on your defense. Request your free consultation right now by contacting us online or calling our Houston office.
Call Us: (713) 228-9200
What to Expect
After You're Accused of Sexual Assault
Typically, police do not catch people in the act of committing sexual assault, which often makes these offenses “he said, she said” cases. Because of this, investigators will want to collect evidence that corroborates the victim’s story before seeking charges. Typically this is done by having a rape kit done, interviewing the victim, collecting any cell phone evidence, such as text messages, and then the sex crime investigator will typically contact the defendant and attempt to get their side of the story.
Get a Lawyer Before Speaking to Investigators
It is important to not talk to the investigator without first contacting an attorney. Many times the investigator has already made up his mind by the time he calls to interview the accused.
Sometimes the best choice is to not speak with an investigator and try and beat the case before a grand jury or to contact the prosecutor and ask that they not accept charges. In order to do this, an aggressive investigation is necessary.
Hire a Lawyer Who Knows the Process
Houston sexual assault lawyer Paul Doyle understands law enforcement’s techniques and the gaps created in their investigations. Paul has had much success by gathering this information, presenting the accused’s case to the grand jury, and getting the grand jury to no bill the case. A no bill means that the case cannot proceed and the accused is free.
Professionalism in the Face of Adversity
Another Former Client Shares His Experience
"Paul Doyle & Associates are very professional and know how to get favorable results. Despite the obstacles, Paul Doyle worked arduously and diligently resulting in my case being dismissed. Special thanks to Paul, Trevor and Maria for your courtesy and professionalism.
"I highly recommend Paul Doyle & Associates if you find yourself in need of an awesome Criminal Defense Attorney. Thanks again!"
—Robby E. Alsbrooks, 5-Star Review
Consent Laws in Texas
If you are accused of sexual assault of an adult, the prosecution will have to prove that any sexual interaction was non-consensual in order to secure a conviction. If you are accused of sexually assaulting someone younger than 17 (the legal age of consent in Texas), consent is irrelevant.
Texas Penal Code Section 22.011(b) describes several scenarios in which a sexual interaction is non-consensual, such as if:
"The actor compels the other person to submit or participate by the use of physical force, violence, or coercion."
"The other person has not consented and the actor knows the other person is unconscious or physically unable to resist."
"The other person has not consented and the actor knows the other person is unaware that the sexual assault is occurring."
The perpetrator is a health care provider, mental health services provider, clergy member, coach, tutor, or caregiver who uses their position of authority to cause the other person to submit or participate.
Free Consultations Available Book Your Case Review Now
Your first meeting with Paul Doyle & Associates costs nothing. Our lawyers will collect information about your case and advise you on the best path forward. You can request your free consultation with our Houston law firm by contacting us online or by phone.
Another Experience
Working with Paul Doyle
Distinguished Among Houston Defense Lawyers
“I only associate with the best and in my opinion Paul is one of the best in the criminal arena. That is why I hired him, and my firm uses him for criminal matters.” Tony Buzbee
The Law Firm You Need When You Face Criminal Charges
Paul Doyle & Associates is one of the premier criminal defense law firms in Houston, TX. When your freedom is on the line, trust our attorneys. Our lawyers pride themselves on getting charges dropped and helping clients restore their reputations after facing allegations of sexual abuse, assault, and misconduct.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
According to Texas State Law
Certain factors can elevate charges of sexual assault to charges of aggravated sexual assault. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony, meaning it involves harsher penalties than just sexual assault. A person may be charged with aggravated sexual assault if:
- An actor sexually assaults a victim while threatening the victim with a weapon
- An actor incapacitates a victim with the use of a date rape drug before committing sexual assault
- An actor sexually assaults a victim who is elderly, disabled, or younger than 14 years old
Statutory Rape
According to Texas State Law
Other states use the term "statutory rape" to describe scenarios in which an adult has consensual sexual interactions with an underage person.
The term "statutory rape" does not appear in the Texas penal codes, but the state very clearly defines when consensual sex with a person younger than 17 (the legal age of consent) is lawful under certain circumstances. For example, if two people who are not more than three years apart in age (such as a 19-year old and a 16-year old) have sex, then child sexual assault has not occurred.
Texas takes the sexual abuse of children very seriously, and perpetrators of sexual assault against children face harsh penalties. If you are facing these or similar charges, you should contact our Houston law firm as soon as possible.
Sexual Assault FAQ
Can there be legal consent if both parties are intoxicated?
The use of drugs, alcohol, and other controlled substances can impair one's ability to give consent or withdraw consent. Matters are further complicated when both parties are intoxicated at the time of sexual contact. This is why it's important to discuss your side of the story with a defense lawyer.
What can I do if I'm facing false sexual assault allegations?
False accusations of sexual violence may be levied against you as a form of revenge or a means of ruining your reputation. Before attempting to clear your name through social media or any other public platforms, it's important that you seek advice from a qualified defense lawyer.
What happens to minors charged with sexual assault in Texas?
If a minor is charged with sexual assault and between 10-16 years old, the minor could be processed through either the juvenile system or adult criminal courts. This depends on the nature of the charges. Keep in mind that the "Romeo and Juliet" defense clause could apply to the case depending on the ages of the individuals involved and the details of what happened.
What penalties will I face if I've been charged with spousal rape?
The state of Texas does not make distinctions about sexual assault when it involves a married couple. Like any sexual assault, marital rape is a second-degree felony that can result in up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and registration as a sex offender.
Get Legal Counsel from a Former Texas Prosecutor
Speak with a Seasoned Houston Defense Lawyer About What Happened
You likely have additional questions about Texas laws that pertain to your sexual assault charges. You need a sexual assault attorney who can give you the unvarnished truth and help you understand how the prosecution looks at your case. As a former prosecutor, attorney Paul Doyle can give you just that.
Set up a free consultation to speak with a lawyer and learn what steps you need to take next. Contact our Houston criminal defense law firm to arrange a visit.
Call Us: (713) 228-9200
The Lawyer You Need
When the Stakes Are High
"Paul went above and beyond proving my innocence. He made the impossible a reality when the stakes were at their highest. He will be one of the greatest criminal defense attorneys in Houston, TX in time."
— Christopher Groves, 5-Star Review
