Fort Worth & Tarrant County Aggravated Sexual Assault Criminal Defense Attorney

Cost-Effective Criminal Defense Protecting Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex

Sloane Law Firm provides aggressive, results-driven representation for individuals accused of sexual offenses across Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. 

Led by experienced and award-winning trial attorneys, we have successfully helped thousands of clients fight criminal charges and protect their futures. 

When facing allegations as serious as Aggravated Sexual Assault, you need a proven defense team that knows how to dismantle the State’s case, safeguard your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome—inside and outside the courtroom.

Are you facing an aggravated sexual assault charge in Texas? Call the Sloane Law Firm today at (817) 349-7118 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our sex crime attorney in Fort Worth!

Sloane Law Firm - Fort Worth Aggravated Sexual Assault Criminal Defense

Aggravated Sexual Assault Overview

Aggravated Sexual Assault occurs when an individual commits a sexual assault and aggravating factors are present—such as the use of a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, threatening the victim’s life, or when the victim is under 14 years old, elderly, or disabled. 

Aggravated Sexual Assault Punishment Range

Aggravated Sexual Assault is generally a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. 

A conviction may also result in mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. 

Sloane Law Firm Aggravated Sexual Assault Criminal Defense Representation 

Sloane Law Firm provides comprehensive criminal defense representation to individuals facing all types of criminal charges throughout Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the greater Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. 

Our team handles everything from misdemeanors to the most serious felony offenses, offering skilled advocacy at every stage—from investigation and arrest to trial and appeal.

1. Investigation Representation

Sloane Law Firm provides investigation representation to ensure law enforcement conducts a fair, thorough, and lawful investigation from the start. We proactively advocate for our clients’ interests during the investigative phase, working to correct misinformation, protect constitutional rights, and in many cases, prevent formal criminal charges from ever being filed.

2. Pre-Trial Representation

Our pre-trial representation focuses on a meticulous analysis of the evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and opportunities for dismissal or reduction of charges. We then leverage our findings to negotiate aggressively with the prosecutor, pursuing the most favorable resolution possible before trial.

3. Trial Representation

Our trial representation is built on strategic, aggressive advocacy aimed at exposing flaws in the prosecution’s case and protecting your constitutional rights. We present compelling evidence, challenge unreliable witnesses, and fight relentlessly before the judge and jury in pursuit of a not guilty verdict and complete exoneration.

4. Appeal Representation 

Our appeal representation is dedicated to uncovering legal errors, constitutional violations, or injustices that led to a wrongful conviction. We fight tirelessly to overturn convictions, restore our clients’ reputations, and clear the good name of those who were unjustly found guilty.

5. Probation Modification and Revocation Representation 

Our probation modification and revocation representation focuses on helping clients succeed on supervision by addressing alleged violations and advocating for fair, constructive outcomes. We fight aggressively against attempts to revoke probation, working to preserve our clients’ freedom and keep them on the path toward successful completion.

6. Expunction Representation 

Our expunction representation is designed to permanently erase all records of false accusations, arrests, and prosecutions after a case is dismissed. We help clients clear their names and restore their reputations by ensuring every trace of the charge is legally destroyed from public and government databases.

Fort Worth Criminal Defense FAQs

• Do I need to hire a lawyer for criminal charges?

YES! – A criminal accusation has lifelong consequences. The government has professionals to prosecute you, and you need your own professional to fight for your interests, rights, and freedom. 

• How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?

Criminal defense representation costs vary depending on several factors. At Sloane Law Firm, we construct our representation fee to each case to ensure we offer award-winning representation at competitive costs. 

• How to afford a criminal defense attorney?

Most criminal defense attorneys in Fort Worth offer flat-fee representation and payment plans. At Sloane Law Firm, we offer both in-house and third-party payment plans to fit into everyone’s budget. 

Why Choose Sloane Law Firm for Aggravated Sexual Assault Criminal Defense?

• Our Values:
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  • 150+ 5-Star Reviews
  • Award Winning Attorneys
  • Modern Law Firm with Holistic Client First Approach
  • Serving Clients Throughout the DFW Metroplex
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• Meet Our Award-Winning Team

Aggravated Sexual Assault – Explained by Top-Rated Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney 

Aggravated Sexual Assault Explained

What is Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas?

In Texas, Aggravated Sexual Assault is defined under Texas Penal Code § 22.021 as a sexual assault that involves aggravating circumstances. 

What is Sexual Assault in Texas?

Sexual assault occurs when a person causes the penetration of the anus, sexual organ, or mouth of another person without their consent. 

What are the Aggravating Factors that enhance Sexual Assault to Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas?

Aggravating circumstances that increase sexual assault to aggravated sexual assault include: the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, threatening the victim with death or violence, acting with another person, or when the victim is a child under 14, elderly, or disabled.

Aggravated Sexual Assault Punishment Range & Enhancements

What is the Punishment Range for Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas?

Aggravated Sexual Assault is classified as a First-Degree Felony under the Texas Penal Code, carrying a potential punishment of 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000. 

Can the Punishment Range for Aggravated Sexual Assault be Enhanced? 

The punishment range for Aggravated Sexual Assault may be enhanced to 25 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000, if the offense is committed against a child in certain circumstances. 

Top 3 Defenses to Aggravated Sexual Assault

1. Consent 

For sexual activity between adults, consent may be a defense to sexual assault. This is a complex affirmative defense that hinges on the alleged victim freely and willingly giving consent without coercion, force, or threats. 

2. False Accusation 

False allegations arise from various motivations. Skilled criminal defense attorneys can investigate false allegations and uncover exonerating evidence to protect their clients. 

3. Lack of Evidence

The prosecution must prove each element of an offense beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest legal burden in our system, to obtain a guilty verdict. An aggressive trial attorney can identify shortcomings in the prosecution’s case and advocate for a dismissal in appropriate circumstances. 

Aggravated Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

What is the Statute of Limitations for Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas?

The statute of limitations for aggravated sexual assault is generally 10 years for adult victims. However, the statute of limitations can increase to 20 years or have no limit if the victim was under 17 years old at the time of the assault, a deadly weapon was used, or DNA evidence was collected. 

Aggravated Sexual Assault Sex Offender Registration

Do I have to register as a Sex Offender if convicted of Aggravated Sexual Assault? 

A conviction for aggravated sexual assault also requires mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. 

Aggravated Sexual Assault FAQs

• What is the best defense for aggravated sexual assault?

There is no one-size-fits-all defense to aggravated sexual assault. A skilled criminal defense attorney is needed to analyze the individual facts of your case to develop a personalized defense.

• What happens if you plead guilty to aggravated sexual assault? 

If convicted of aggravated sexual assault, a person faces up to 99 years or life in prison, a fine up to $10,000, and lifetime sex offender registration. 

• How long do you go to jail for aggravated sexual assault in Texas? 

Although aggravated sexual assault is punishable up to 99 years or life in prison, a criminal defense attorney may be able to advocate for probation, reduction to other charges, or complete dismissal to possibly avoid jail or prison. 

Aggravated Sexual Assault Statute – Texas Penal Code § 22.021

(a) A person commits an offense:

(1) if the person:

(A) intentionally or knowingly:

(i) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that person's consent;

(ii) causes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that person's consent; or

(iii) 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; or

(B) regardless of whether the person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense, intentionally or knowingly:

(i) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of a child by any means;

(ii) causes the penetration of the mouth of a child by the sexual organ of the actor;

(iii) causes the sexual organ of a child to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor;

(iv) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; or

(v) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; and

(2) if:

(A) the person:

(i) causes serious bodily injury or attempts to cause the death of the victim or another person in the course of the same criminal episode;

(ii) by acts or words places the victim in fear that any person will become the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8) or that death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping will be imminently inflicted on any person;

(iii) by acts or words occurring in the presence of the victim threatens to cause any person to become the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8) or to cause the death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping of any person;

(iv) uses or exhibits a deadly weapon in the course of the same criminal episode;

(v) acts in concert with another who engages in conduct described by Subdivision (1) directed toward the same victim and occurring during the course of the same criminal episode; or

(vi) with the intent of facilitating the commission of the offense, administers or provides to the victim of the offense any substance capable of impairing the victim's ability to appraise the nature of the act or to resist the act;

(B) the victim is younger than 14 years of age, regardless of whether the person knows the age of the victim at the time of the offense; or

(C) The victim is an elderly individual or a disabled individual.

(b) In this section:

(1) “Child” has the meaning assigned by Section 22.011(c).

(2) “Elderly individual” has the meaning assigned by Section 22.04(c).

(3) “Disabled individual” means a person older than 13 years of age who, by reason of age or physical or mental disease, defect, or injury, is substantially unable to protect the person's self from harm or to provide food, shelter, or medical care for the person's self.

(c) An aggravated sexual assault under this section is without the consent of the other person if the aggravated sexual assault occurs under the same circumstances listed in Section 22.011(b).

(d) The defense provided by Section 22.011(d) applies to this section.

(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree.

(f) The minimum term of imprisonment for an offense under this section is increased to 25 years if:

(1) the victim of the offense is younger than six years of age at the time the offense is committed; or

(2) the victim of the offense is younger than 14 years of age at the time the offense is committed and the actor commits the offense in a manner described by Subsection (a)(2)(A).

Don’t Delay – Contact Sloane Law Firm Today to Start Your Defense

If you or someone you love has been accused of Aggravated Sexual Assault in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, or anywhere in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, the time to act is now. 

The prosecution is already building its case—and you deserve an experienced, relentless defense team doing the same. At the Sloane Law Firm, we know what it takes to challenge these serious allegations and protect your future. 

Don’t face these charges alone. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to start preparing your defense and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.

Contact the Sloane Law Firm today to schedule a FREE consultation with our sex crime lawyer in Fort Worth!