Sex Crimes

Dallas Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

Defending Clients Facing Sex Crime Charges in Texas

Facing a sex crime accusation in Texas can be devastating. Even before a trial begins, you may face job loss, damaged relationships, and social stigma that can follow you for life. If convicted, the consequences are severe — lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, restrictive probation, and in many cases, mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. These penalties can affect every aspect of your future, from employment to housing to your standing in the community.

Many Texas sex offenses also carry sentence enhancements, making the stakes even higher. That is why having a skilled defense attorney from the very beginning is critical.

As a former Chief Felony Prosecutor, James Aulbaugh has handled every type of sex crime case — from indecency with a child to sexual assault and internet-based offenses. At Aulbaugh Law, James uses his prosecutorial insight to challenge the State’s case, protect your rights, and work to safeguard your reputation and future.

If you have been accused or charged with a sex crime in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, call board-certified criminal defense attorney James Aulbaugh at (214) 380-3383 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation and begin building a strategic defense today.

Confidential Consultations: Protect Your Privacy

When facing a sex crime charge, safeguarding your privacy is critical. At Aulbaugh Law, we offer free, confidential consultations that provide you with a secure environment to discuss your case in detail. This consultation allows you to speak freely about the charges, ask important questions, and explore your legal options without fear of your information being exposed. We understand the importance of discretion in these sensitive situations, ensuring that everything shared remains strictly between you and your attorney.

In addition to protecting your privacy, a confidential consultation is also an opportunity to begin crafting a tailored defense strategy. By having a candid discussion about the specifics of your case, we can better assess the best approach to take in your defense. This initial step is crucial in laying the foundation for a strong and effective legal response, giving you the confidence to move forward with your case, knowing that your rights and privacy are fully protected.

Understanding Sex Crime Charges in Texas

Sex crime allegations in Texas carry life-altering consequences. In addition to the possibility of incarceration, fines, and probation, a conviction can result in mandatory registration as a sex offender — a penalty that can follow you for life. These cases are often treated with urgency and intense scrutiny by prosecutors, making it essential to have an experienced defense attorney on your side from the very beginning.

At Aulbaugh Law, we provide aggressive, detail-oriented defense for clients accused of all types of sex offenses. Attorney James Aulbaugh uses his experience as a former Chief Felony Prosecutor to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Types of Texas Sex Crime Cases We Defend

We represent clients facing a wide range of felony and misdemeanor sex crime charges, including:

Sexual Assault & Rape – including date rape, statutory rape, acquaintance rape, and child molestation
- Texas’ Age of Consent: 17 years old
- Romeo and Juliet Law (Romeo y Julieta): The Romeo and Juliet Law protects young adults over 17 from being prosecuted for a sex crime if four conditions are met:
  - Both parties consent to the sexual relations;
  - Neither individual is a registered sex offender;
  - The other party is at least 14 years old; and
  - There is not more than a three-year age gap between the two individuals
- Example: if an 18-year-old has consensual sexual relations with a 16-year-old, the Romeo and Juliet law protects the 18-year-old from prosecution. But a 20-year-old who has sex with a 16-year-old could be prosecuted because they are more than three years apart in age.
Internet Sex Crimes – including online solicitation of a minor, online promotion of prostitution
Prostitution & Related Offenses – including charges related to online escort services
Indecent Exposure/Public Lewdness – Intentional public sexual conduct or exposure
Child Pornography – including downloading or distributing child pornography

What Are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas?

In Texas, sex crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts and circumstances of the case and the individual charged.

A misdemeanor sex crime conviction could result in the following:

Class C misdemeanor: Up to $500 in fines
Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines
Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail & up to $4,000 in fines

A felony sex offense conviction will incur penalties as follows:

State jail felony: 180 days – 2 years in state jail & up to $10,000 in fines
Third-degree felony: 2 – 10 years in prison & up to $10,000 in fines
Second-degree felony: 2 – 20 years in prison & up to $10,000 in fines
First-degree felony: 5 – 99 years or life in prison & up to $10,000 in fines

Texas Sex Offender Registration

For many convictions, Texas law requires mandatory sex offender registration. This public, online database includes your name, photo, address, and conviction details. Registration can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, and live without ongoing public scrutiny. In some cases, registration may be required for life.

Because the consequences are so severe, a strong and early defense is the best way to protect your future.

Contact Our Sex Crime Attorney in Dallas Today

James Aulbaugh is a former Chief Felony Prosecutor and is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. James has the experience and skills to resolve your sex crime case in your favor. As your Dallas sex crime lawyer, James is ready to fight your case and answer your criminal law questions.

Contact us today to get started on your defense with our Dallas sex crime lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Are Sex Crimes Defended in Dallas, TX?

Defending against a sex crime charge in Texas requires a strategic, evidence-based approach. A strong defense will carefully examine the prosecution’s case, including the reliability of physical evidence, the credibility of witnesses, and whether law enforcement followed proper investigative procedures. Common defense strategies may include challenging flawed forensic testing, exposing inconsistencies in witness statements, and identifying constitutional violations such as unlawful searches or improper interrogation tactics.

While Texas rules of evidence apply statewide, each courtroom has its own dynamics based on the judge, prosecutor, and jury pool. An experienced Dallas sex crime defense attorney understands these nuances and can adapt the defense strategy accordingly to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.

What Happens After Being Accused of a Sex Crime in Dallas?

The process typically begins with an arrest and a magistration hearing, where you are informed of the charges and a judge sets bail. In felony cases, prosecutors must present the case to a grand jury for indictment before it can proceed to trial.

Once indicted, you will be arraigned and enter a plea. The pre-trial phase follows, which may include:
Filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence
Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissal

Preparing for trial if no acceptable resolution is reached

At each stage, a skilled attorney can work to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome — whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal.

Can a Sex Crime Charge Be Dismissed in Texas?

Yes — but dismissal depends on the specific facts and strength of the prosecution’s evidence. Charges may be dismissed if crucial evidence is ruled inadmissible, if the accuser recants and the State cannot prove its case without their testimony, or if there are significant procedural violations during the investigation or arrest. An experienced Dallas sex crime defense lawyer can identify dismissal opportunities early in the process.

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender if Convicted?

In Texas, many sex crime convictions require mandatory sex offender registration, sometimes for life. The specific registration period depends on the offense, the age of the alleged victim, and other factors. Even some deferred adjudication plea agreements can trigger registration requirements. Avoiding a conviction that mandates registration is often a key priority in defending these cases.

Can I Be Charged Based Only on an Accusation?

Yes. In Texas, a person can be charged with a sex crime based solely on an allegation, even if there is no physical evidence. However, the prosecution must still prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A strong defense will carefully examine the credibility of the accuser, look for inconsistencies in their statements, evaluate the presence or absence of corroborating evidence, and explore any possible motives for false accusations.

What Should I Do If I’m Contacted by Police About a Sex Crime?

Do not answer questions or make statements without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you, and even a casual conversation with law enforcement can harm your defense. Politely decline to answer and immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer experienced in Texas sex crime cases.

How Does the Romeo and Juliet Law Apply in Texas?

Texas Penal Code § 22.011(e) — often called the “Romeo and Juliet” law — provides an affirmative defense to certain sexual assault charges involving consensual conduct between teenagers close in age. This defense applies when:

The younger person is at least 14 years old
The older person is no more than three years older
Both individuals consented to the conduct
Neither person is a registered sex offender

This provision helps prevent older teenagers and young adults from being labeled as sex offenders for consensual relationships with peers close to their own age. It does not apply in every case, so having an attorney review the facts is essential to determine if this defense is available.

Contact Us Today

At Aulbaugh Law, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (214) 380-3383 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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Why Choose Aulbaugh Law?

Quality
We dedicate ourselves daily to our mission of providing the best possible result while providing the highest-caliber experience.
Client Experience

You'll get James and an entire team behind you, with personal calls, frequent meetings, and constantly-updated communication.
Accredited
Board Certification in Criminal Law gives him the expertise to utilize every legal option and defense applicable to your case.
Experience
James’ extensive experience as a former Chief Felony Prosecutor gives him unique insight into the charges you face and how to beat them.