Sex Crimes

Dallas Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

Board-Certified Defense from a Former Chief Felony Prosecutor

Facing a sex crime accusation in Texas can be devastating. Even before a trial begins, you may face job loss, damaged relationships, and public stigma that can follow you for years. A conviction carries severe consequences: lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, restrictive probation, and, in many cases, mandatory lifetime sex offender registration that affects where you can live, where you can work, and how you move through daily life.

Many Texas sex offenses also carry sentence enhancements that increase penalties significantly. Having experienced legal counsel from the moment an accusation surfaces isn’t just helpful. It can shape everything that follows.

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 evidence, protect your rights, and fight to protect your reputation and future.

If you’ve 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 your defense today.

Confidential Consultations: Protect Your Privacy from the Start

When facing a sex crime charge, discretion isn’t optional. It’s essential. We offer free, confidential consultations that give you a secure environment to discuss your case openly, ask questions, and explore your options without fear of exposure. Everything shared stays strictly between you and your attorney.

That first conversation is also where defense strategy begins. A candid discussion about the facts lets us assess your situation and identify a path forward. We work on a transparent fee schedule and offer payment plans, so cost concerns don’t stand between you and the representation you need.

Understanding Sex Crime Charges in Texas

Sex crime allegations are treated with urgency and intense scrutiny by Texas prosecutors. Retaining a defense attorney before charges are formally filed can influence how the case develops and, in some situations, what charges are ultimately brought.

At Aulbaugh Law, we provide aggressive, detail-oriented defense for clients accused of all types of sex offenses. Attorney James Aulbaugh draws on his experience as a former Chief Felony Prosecutor to challenge evidence, protect your rights, and work toward 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): Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011(e), the Romeo and Juliet Law provides an affirmative defense to certain sexual assault charges involving close-in-age relationships. This defense applies when:
  - The actor is not more than three years older than the other person;
  - The other person is at least 14 years old;
  - Both individuals consented to the conduct; and
  - The actor is not required to register as a sex offender for life and has no prior reportable conviction for an offense under this section.
- Example: If an 18-year-old has consensual sexual relations with a 16-year-old, the Romeo and Juliet law may protect 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 and 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, circumstances, 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 and up to $4,000 in fines

A felony sex offense conviction carries the following penalties:

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

Texas Sex Offender Registration

Many convictions trigger mandatory sex offender registration under Texas law. This public, online database includes your name, photo, address, and conviction details. In many cases, registration is required for life. The consequences ripple into every corner of daily life, from finding employment to securing housing to moving through the community without scrutiny. A strong, early defense can help protect your future.

Defense Strategies in Dallas Sex Crime Cases

No two sex crime cases are identical. The defense strategy depends on the specific facts, the charges, and how the investigation was conducted. What James Aulbaugh brings to that analysis is perspective from both sides of the courtroom. Years spent as a Chief Felony Prosecutor taught him how the State constructs its cases and where evidentiary and procedural weaknesses are most likely to appear.

Defense approaches we investigate include:

Challenging forensic evidence: Physical and forensic evidence isn’t infallible. We examine whether testing was conducted properly, whether the chain of custody was maintained, and whether results have been overstated.
Witness credibility and statement inconsistencies: Accounts that change over time, motives for false allegations, and contradictions between witnesses can all undermine the prosecution’s case.
Constitutional violations: Unlawful searches, improper interrogations, and other Fourth or Fifth Amendment violations can give rise to pretrial motions to suppress. This can remove key pieces of the State’s case before trial even begins.
Consent, mistaken identity, and alibi: These are recognized affirmative and factual defenses in Texas sex crime cases that require careful investigation and documentation.
Lack of corroborating evidence: When a charge rests entirely on accusation without physical or corroborating evidence, that absence can become a central part of the defense.

James has participated in more than 120 jury trials. When pretrial resolution isn’t possible, we’re prepared to take your case to a Dallas courtroom and defend you in front of a jury.

Why Choose Aulbaugh Law for Sex Crime Defense in Dallas

James Aulbaugh is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. It’s a credential held by only approximately 800 attorneys across the entire state. Board Certification isn’t a membership or a self-designation; it requires demonstrated experience, peer evaluation, and a rigorous written examination. For clients facing a sex crime charge, it’s a meaningful indicator of depth in exactly this area of law.

Prosecutorial Background & Case Experience

James is a former Chief Felony Prosecutor, and that background shapes how we build every defense. We know what prosecutors look for, how they weigh evidence, and where their cases are most vulnerable. Over his career, James has handled more than 10,000 cases and participated in more than 120 jury trials in both state court and federal court, including the Northern District of Texas.

Sex crime charges can arise at the state or federal level, and we handle both. That matters when an investigation crosses jurisdictional lines or when federal prosecutors get involved. We serve clients throughout Dallas and the DFW metroplex from our office in the Oak Lawn neighborhood.

Our Commitments to Every Client

From the first consultation through trial, clients can count on:

Free initial consultations
Transparent fee schedules with no hidden costs
Payment plans to make representation accessible
Timely updates when new developments arise on your case

Contact Our Dallas Sex Crime Defense Attorney Today

James Aulbaugh is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a former Chief Felony Prosecutor who handles sex crime cases in both state and federal court. If you’re facing a charge or an accusation that could lead to one, the time to act is now.

Contact us online or call (214) 380-3383 to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a Board Certified Dallas sex crime defense attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Are Sex Crimes Defended in Dallas, TX?

Defending a sex crime charge requires a strategic, evidence-based approach built around the specific facts of the case. While Texas rules of evidence apply statewide, each courtroom has its own dynamics: judge, prosecutor, and jury pool. An experienced Dallas defense attorney accounts for these dynamics in strategy. Common approaches include challenging forensic evidence, exposing inconsistencies in witness statements, identifying constitutional violations, and raising recognized defenses such as consent, mistaken identity, or alibi. For a detailed breakdown, see the Defense Strategies section above.

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

The process typically begins with an arrest and a magistration hearing, where you’re 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’ll be arraigned and enter a plea.

The pretrial phase that follows may include motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence, negotiations with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissal, and trial preparation if no acceptable resolution is reached. At each stage, a skilled attorney can work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and pursue the best available 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 the strength of the prosecution’s evidence. Charges may be dismissed if key evidence is ruled inadmissible, if the accuser recants and the State can’t prove its case without their testimony, or if significant procedural violations occurred during the investigation or arrest. An experienced Dallas sex crime defense attorney 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 central 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 without physical evidence. The prosecution must still prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, however. A strong defense will examine the credibility of the accuser, identify inconsistencies in their statements, evaluate the presence or absence of corroborating evidence, and investigate any possible motives for false accusations.

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

Don’t 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 attorney with experience in Texas sex crime cases.

How Does the Romeo and Juliet Law Apply in Texas?

Texas Penal Code § 22.011(e), commonly called the “Romeo and Juliet” law, provides an affirmative defense to certain sexual assault charges involving close-in-age relationships. The defense applies when:

The actor is not more than three years older than the other person
The other person is at least 14 years old
Both individuals consented to the conduct
The actor isn’t required to register as a sex offender for life and has no prior reportable conviction under this section

This provision helps prevent older teenagers and young adults from being labeled sex offenders for consensual relationships with peers close to their own age. It doesn’t apply in every situation, so having an attorney review the facts is essential to determine whether the defense is available.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes in Texas?

The limitations period varies significantly depending on the offense. For sexual assault under Texas Penal Code Section 22.011, there is no statute of limitations. Charges can be filed regardless of how much time has passed. For offenses committed against a minor, many charges carry no limitations period at all, and others don’t begin to run until the victim turns 18. Because the applicable period depends on the specific charge and circumstances, speaking with a defense attorney as early as possible matters regardless of when the alleged offense occurred.

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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.