Sex Crime Defense Lawyer in Dallas

Our Criminal Case Process

Listen & Understand

We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.

Open Communication

We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.

Fight for Justice

Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.

Types of Sexual Assault Offenses in Texas

Dallas sex crimes defense lawyer Mike Howard explains the most common sex crimes charges and what they require the prosecutor to prove.

Sexual Assault

A person commits sex assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.011) if they intentionally or knowingly penetrate, or cause to be penetrated, the mouth, sexual organs, or anus of another person without that person’s consent. Sexual assault is sometimes commonly referred to as rape or statutory rape, and heightened offenses are charged as aggravated sexual assault. For more information about sexual assault charges in Dallas, see our sexual assault page.

Indecent Assault

A person commits indecent assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.012) if, with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, they:

• touch the anus, breast, or the genitals of another person
• touch another person with the anus, breast or genitals of any person
• exposes or attempts to expose another person’s genitals, pubic area, anus, buttocks, or female areola, or
• causes another person to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of any person

For more information about indecent assault charges in Dallas, see our indecent assault page.

Invasive Visual Recording

A person commits invasive visual recording if, without the other person’s consent and with the intent to invade the privacy of the other person, they:

• photograph or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcast, or transmit a visual image of an intimate area of another person if the other person has a reasonable expectation that the intimate area is not subject to public view;
• photograph or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcast, or transmit a visual image of another in a bathroom or changing room; or
• knowing the character and content of the photograph, recording, broadcast, or transmission promotes a photograph, recording, broadcast, or transmission described in the above two descriptions.

These cases used to be called improper photography until that law was held unconstitutional. For more information about invasive visual recording charges in Dallas, see our invasive visual recording page.

Child Sexual Abuse Offenses

Dallas sex crimes lawyer Mike Howard explains the most common child abuse-related sex crimes charges and what the prosecutor most prove in each.

Sexual Assault of a Child

A person commits child sexual assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.011) if they commit sexual assault (above) against a child between the ages of 14-17. For more information about the sexual assault of a child charges in Dallas, see our sexual assault of a child page.

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

A person commits aggravated child sexual assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.021) if they commit sexual assault (above) against a child younger than 14 years old or if the commit sexual assault of a child 14-17 years of age plus one of the aggravating factors discussed above.

Indecency with a Child By Contact

A person commits indecency with a child by contact (Texas Penal Code § 21.11) if they engage in sexual contact with a child younger than 17 years old or cause a child younger than 17 years old to engage in sexual contact. For more information about indecency with a child by contact charges in Dallas, see our indecency with a child by contact page.

Indecency with a Child By Exposure

A person commits indecency with a child by exposure (Texas Penal Code § 21.11) if, with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, they expose their anus or any part of the person’s genitals knowing a child younger than 17 years old is present, or cause a child younger than 17 years old to expose the child’s anus or any part of the child’s genitals.

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child 

A person commits continuous sexual abuse of a child (Texas Penal Code § 21.02) if, during a period that is more than 30 days in duration, they commit two or more acts of sexual abuse against one or more victims.

Possession of Child Pornography

A person commits possession of child pornography (also commonly referred to as child porn) (Texas Penal Code § 43.26) if they intentionally or knowingly possess or intentionally accesses, with the intent to view, material that visually depicts a child under the age of 18 engaging in sexual conduct and the accused person knows the material depicts a child under the age of 18. For more information about possession of child pornography charges in Dallas, see our child pornography charges page.

Promotion of Child Pornography 

A person can be charged with the promotion of child pornography (Texas Penal Code § 43.26) if they promote or possess with the intent to promote child pornography and they know the person depicted in the material is a child. For more information about the promotion of child pornography charges in Dallas, see our child pornography charges page.

Sexual Performance of a Child

A person commits sexual performance of a child (Texas Penal Code § 43.25) if, knowing the character and content thereof, he employs, authorizes, or induces a child younger than 18 years of age to engage in sexual conduct or sexual performance. For more information about sexual performance of a child charges in Dallas, see our sexual performance of a child page.

Also, see our child abuse offenses page.

Public Nudity Offenses in Texas

Often public nudity offenses turn out to be innocent, accidental, or police harassment, but public nudity offenses can carry serious consequences and even require the accused to register as a sex offender.

Indecent Exposure

A person can be charged with indecent exposure (Texas Penal Code § 21.08) if they exposes their anus or any part of their genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person and is reckless about whether another person who is present who will be offended or alarmed. Indecent exposure offenses are Class B misdemeanors exposing the person to up to 180 days in the county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. For more information about indecent exposure charges in Dallas, see our indecent exposure page.

Public Lewdness

A person can be charged with public lewdness (Texas Penal Code § 21.07) if they knowingly engage in sexual acts in a public place or, if not in a public place, is reckless about whether another person who is present will be offended or alarmed. Public lewdness offenses are Class A misdemeanors exposing the person to up to 365 days in the county jail and a fine of up to $4,000. For more information about public lewdness charges in Dallas, see our public lewdness page.

Prostitution Offenses in Texas

Prostitution

A person can be charged with prostitution (Texas Penal Code § 43.02) if they knowingly:

• offers or agrees to receive a fee from another to engage in sexual conduct
• offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for engaging in sexual conduct

Prostitution offenses can be classified as anything from a Class B misdemeanor up to a second-degree felony, depending on the facts of the case and to what extent the accused person has a history of prostitution convictions.

Acting as what is commonly referred to as a pimp could get a person charged with promotion of prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution, online promotion of prostitution, aggravated online promotion of prostitution, or compelling prostitution. These offenses range from third-degree up to first-degree felonies. Our Dallas prostitution lawyers have experience dealing with these charges and are here to help.

Can I Defend Against Sex Crimes in Dallas?

Being accused of a sex crime can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that accusations are not convictions. There are legal strategies available to challenge the prosecution’s case, highlight weaknesses in the evidence, and protect your rights. The right defense depends on the specifics of your case, but here are some of the most effective defenses used in sex crime cases:

Consent

One of the most common defenses in sexual assault cases is that the alleged encounter was consensual. If the accuser willingly participated in the act and there is evidence to support that claim—such as messages, witness testimony, or prior history—it can serve as a powerful defense.

False Accusations

Sex crime allegations can sometimes be motivated by personal vendettas, divorce disputes, custody battles, or attempts to gain leverage in legal matters. If there are inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements, a history of dishonesty, or a motive to lie, this can be a critical aspect of your defense.

Mistaken Identity

Eyewitness misidentification is a frequent issue in sex crime cases. If the alleged crime took place in a poorly lit area, under stressful circumstances, or involved an assailant wearing a mask, mistaken identity is a real possibility. Alibi evidence, surveillance footage, or expert testimony can help establish that you were not the person responsible.

Lack of Evidence

The burden of proof is on the prosecution, meaning they must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient physical evidence, no reliable witness testimony, or conflicting accounts, the case may be too weak to justify a conviction.

Tainted Testimony

In cases involving minors, investigators, therapists, or family members may unintentionally lead the child into making false statements. Suggestive questioning or external influence can distort a child’s perception of events, leading to unreliable testimony. A skilled defense attorney can highlight these flaws and challenge the prosecution’s reliance on such evidence.

Unlawful Police Conduct

Law enforcement officers must follow strict procedures when investigating a sex crime. If they violated your constitutional rights—such as conducting an illegal search, forcing a confession, or withholding evidence—the charges against you could be dismissed.

Alibi Defense

If you can provide proof that you were elsewhere at the time of the alleged offense, it can completely invalidate the charges. Witness statements, receipts, phone records, and GPS data are all tools that can be used to build a strong alibi.

If you have been accused of a sex crime, do not face the legal system alone. Contact Dallas sex crimes lawyer Mike Howard to discuss your defense options and fight for your future.

The Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Texas

A sex crime conviction can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Texas has some of the toughest penalties for these offenses, and even a first-time conviction can carry life-altering consequences.

Lengthy Prison Sentences

Many sex crimes in Texas come with mandatory prison time. Depending on the charge, a conviction can result in anywhere from two years to life in prison. Aggravating factors—such as the involvement of a minor, use of force, or prior convictions—can significantly increase the sentence.

Sex Offender Registration

A conviction for most sex offenses requires mandatory registration as a sex offender. Depending on the charge, this can be a lifetime requirement. Being a registered sex offender severely limits where you can live, work, and travel. It can also affect child custody rights and require compliance with strict reporting rules.

Employment & Housing Restrictions

Most employers conduct background checks, and a sex crime conviction can prevent you from securing stable employment. Many landlords also refuse to rent to convicted sex offenders, making it difficult to find housing.

Social & Family Consequences

A sex crime conviction can damage relationships with family, friends, and your community. If you have children, you could lose custody or visitation rights. You may also be restricted from being around minors, including your own family members.

Loss of Professional Licenses

Doctors, teachers, nurses, and other licensed professionals can lose their credentials if convicted of a sex crime. This can permanently end careers and make it nearly impossible to work in the same field again.

Permanent Criminal Record

A sex crime conviction will remain on your record for life, making it nearly impossible to move forward without constant reminders of your past. Unlike other offenses, most sex crimes cannot be expunged or sealed in Texas.

Immigration Consequences

For non-citizens, a sex crime conviction can lead to deportation or denial of naturalization. Even legal permanent residents (green card holders) can face removal proceedings.

If you’re facing sex crime charges in Dallas, you need an aggressive defense strategy. Attorney Mike Howard understands the stakes and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future. Call today for a confidential case evaluation.

Resources and Information

See our criminal defense resource center for more information on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more.

Visit our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.

Visit our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.

Sex Offender Registration in Texas

Convictions or even deferred probation for many sex crimes will require a person to register as a sex offender. This forces the person to register with their local law enforcement agency. Further, they must update that registration yearly and notify law enforcement before they move their residence. Moreover, sex offenders are also restricted from living in certain places, such as close to schools and other places children go. Make sure to consult a knowledgeable Dallas sex crimes attorney to fully understand your case and situation.

Some offenses, like any sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child by contact, require sex offender registration for life. Other offenses require registration for the period of the sentence (of jail or probation) plus 10 years. It is vitally important to consult an experienced Dallas sex crimes attorney to determine what you or your loved one may face in terms of sex offender registration requirements.

Dallas Sex Crimes Lawyer Mike Howard

Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas, innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas sex crimes lawyer fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.

Client-Centered

The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals.  I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.

Willing to Fight

Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court.  I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas sex crimes attorney has a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it can make all the difference in the world.

In addition to fighting your case in court, I will also explore whether your sex crime charge can be expunged. While Texas law is particularly strict about expunging sex crime offenses, there may still be opportunities if the charges were dismissed, you were acquitted, or your case involved certain procedural issues. I will thoroughly review your case to determine if expunction or other post-conviction remedies are available to help clear your name and protect your future.

A Proven Track Record

Dallas Sex Crimes Lawyer

R.S. – Indecency with a Child

Our client, who suffered from serious mental health issues, was accused of touching his sister. We were able to convince the grand jury to dismiss the case.

M.J. – Continuous Sexual Abuse

Our client was accused by the daughter of an ex-girlfriend of repeatedly abusing her. We were able to show the jury that all sorts of motive existed to make this story up and that no proof existed. The jury found M.J. Not Guilty.

L.M. – Sexual Assault

Our client was a teenage boy who had consensual sex with a girl at a party. When her parents found out she claimed rape. We were able to fully investigate and convince the detective to reject the case.

E.I. – Aggravated Sexual Assault

Our client was a college athlete who was accused by two underage family members of sexually assaulting them years prior. We were able to convince the prosecutor to dismiss all charges.

C.L. – Sexual Assault

Our client was a college student who was wrongly accused of holding a girl against her will and repeatedly raping her. We fully investigated and were able to completely blow her false story out of the water. The grand jury dismissed all charges.

M.T. – Indecency with a Child By Contact

Our client was accused of repeatedly a child family member. He denied any wrongdoing all the way to trial. We were able to convince the jury that the prosecution just didn’t have enough evidence. Not Guilty.

F.S. – Sexual Assault

Our client was accused by his ex-wife of raping her. He denied it and maintained it was consensual. We fought for F.S. in court and the jury found him Not Guilty.