Dallas Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer  

Experienced Defense for Child Molestation Cases in Texas 

Sexual assault of a child and related cases carry some of the most severe penalties in the State of Texas. In some cases, a conviction related to sexual assault of a child, child pornography, or other child abuse-related offenses could lead to 99 years, or life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been charged with sexual assault of a child, you need to hire an experienced, board-certified attorney immediately. 

A lifetime of rights and freedom is certainly at stake. Call the Aulbaugh Law Firm now! James Aulbaugh is a former Chief Felony Prosecutor and is board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. James Aulbaugh, your sexual assault of a child defense lawyer, will aggressively defend you and formulate the best defense to secure the best result in your case.

Have you been charged with sexual assault of a child? Call (214) 380-3383 to schedule your consultation with our Dallas child molestation attorney.

Understanding Sexual Assault of a Minor Laws in Texas

In Texas, the conduct people commonly call “child molestation” is prosecuted under specific offenses in the Texas Penal Code, most often sexual assault of a child and aggravated sexual assault of a child. In the context of Sexual Assault, Texas law defines a minor as anyone under the age of 17. 

Sexual assault of a child means that a person intentionally or knowingly engages in certain sexual acts with a minor. It does not matter whether the person knew the child’s age at the time. 

The offense includes intentionally causing any of the following:

• Penetration of a child’s anus or sexual organ by any means.
• Penetration of a child’s mouth by the person’s sexual organ.
• A child’s sexual organ to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person (including the accused).
• A child’s anus to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person (including the accused).
• A child’s mouth comes into contact with the anus or sexual organ of another person (including the accused).

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a first-degree felony that applies if the victim is younger than 14, or if the act involved a deadly weapon, serious bodily injury, or threats of death.

There Is NO Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault of a Child in Texas

A statute of limitations is the timeframe in which a criminal case must be brought before it is permanently barred from prosecution. In Texas, there is no statute of limitations for pursuing charges for sexual assault of a child. This means that no matter how long ago an alleged offense occurred, you may still be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted for the offense.

These types of offenses can be classified as first, second, and third degree felonies and carry with them significant penalties.

You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you or a loved one is accused of sexual assault of a child, or another child molestation case, you need an experienced, board-certified attorney who will hold the State to its burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Penalties for a Sexual Assault of a Minor Conviction in Texas

Texas imposes some of the harshest penalties in the nation for child molestation and sex crimes involving minors. A conviction will fundamentally alter every aspect of your life.

• Prison Time:
  • 2nd Degree Felony (Sexual Assault): 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
  • 1st Degree Felony (Aggravated): 5 to 99 years or Life. If the victim was under 6, the minimum sentence is 25 years.
• Lifetime Sex Offender Registration: This is a mandatory, lifelong requirement for almost all child sexual assault convictions. You must report your address, employment, and vehicle information to law enforcement, and this information is made public on the Texas DPS website.
• Ineligibility for Parole: Under "Jessica's Law," many individuals convicted of aggravated sexual assault are ineligible for parole until they have served a massive portion of their sentence—sometimes the entire term.

Collateral Consequences:

• Housing Restrictions: You may be barred from living near schools, parks, or daycares.
• Employment: A conviction makes you ineligible for most professional licenses and excludes you from nearly all high-level employment.
• Parental Rights: A conviction often results in the permanent termination of your rights to see your own children or grandchildren.

Comprehensive Defense for Sexual Assault of a Minor Charge in Dallas

Our team focuses on defending clients accused of these sensitive offenses. From the moment you reach out, we will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case, evaluate the evidence, and identify weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution's claims. Whether through negotiating for reduced or dismissed charges or preparing an aggressive defense in court, we fight tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome.

In a typical sexual assault of a child case, we may:

• Review every piece of evidence including police reports, forensic interviews, medical records, and any digital communications collected by investigators.
• Identify legal issues such as unlawful searches, improper interview techniques, or violations of constitutional rights that can be raised through pretrial motions.
• Consult with qualified experts in fields like psychology, medicine, or digital forensics when their insight can help challenge or explain the State’s evidence.
• Prepare you for each stage of the process, from grand jury and arraignment through pretrial hearings, plea discussions, and a possible jury trial.

In many Dallas County and North Texas courts, these cases move quickly from investigation to indictment, so we focus early on preserving favorable evidence such as digital communications, alibi witnesses, and school or medical records. 

We also carefully examine how law enforcement and Child Protective Services conducted interviews, especially when a child forensic interview or recorded statement is involved, to determine whether suggestive questioning or procedural errors may have influenced the allegations. 

When appropriate, we consult with qualified experts in psychology, medicine, and digital forensics to challenge the State's narrative and present the judge or jury with a complete picture of what actually happened. By taking this structured, step-by-step approach, we help you make informed decisions at every stage of the case instead of reacting out of fear.

Trustworthy and Confidential Legal Representation

We know how delicate allegations of this nature are, which is why we handle every case with the utmost discretion. Our firm is committed to treating clients with respect, confidentiality, and understanding throughout the process. You deserve a lawyer who not only fights hard for you but also supports you during this incredibly challenging time.

To protect your privacy and peace of mind, we focus on:

• Strict confidentiality in all communications, whether you speak with us in person at our Dallas office or over the phone.
• Clear, honest updates about what has happened in your case, what comes next, and what choices you have at each step.
• Respectful treatment that recognizes the stress, fear, and uncertainty that accompany any accusation involving a child.
• Transparent discussions about fees and payment options so you understand the financial side of your defense from the outset.

When you work with us, we take time to explain each court setting, possible outcomes, and the collateral consequences that are unique to charges involving minors. We maintain regular contact by phone or email, so you are never left wondering what is happening in your case, and we encourage you to ask questions about any document, police report, or proposed plea offer you receive. 

Our fee structures and payment plans are discussed upfront so that financial concerns do not stop you from getting the representation you need. This combination of privacy, clear communication, and practical guidance is designed to reduce uncertainty and help you and your family plan for the road ahead.

Take Charge: Protect Your Future Against Child Molestation Allegations

The stakes couldn’t be higher when facing charges of this nature. Don’t leave your future to chance. We’re here to listen, defend, and protect your rights every step of the way.

If you are under investigation or have already been arrested, taking these steps can help protect you:

• Do not discuss the case with detectives, school officials, or CPS investigators before you have spoken with counsel.
• Avoid posting online about the situation, the complaining witness, or anyone involved in the case.
• Gather contact information for potential witnesses, work records, travel records, and any messages that may support your account.
• Reach out promptly to a qualified defense attorney so a strategy can be developed before key decisions are made by the State.

Early action can affect everything from bond conditions to how the case is presented to a grand jury in Dallas or surrounding counties. Reaching out to counsel before speaking with detectives, school administrators, or investigators helps you avoid statements that may later be taken out of context or misunderstood. 

We can guide you on how to handle social media, contact with the complaining witness, and other everyday situations that could impact your case. By working together from the outset, we can develop a plan tailored to your specific facts, background, and goals, rather than allowing the accusation alone to define your future.

When you hire James Aulbaugh, you are hiring a former Chief Felony Prosecutor and a board-certified criminal law attorney who will defend your name, clear your reputation, and pursue the best result on your case. Call our Dallas child molestation attorney today at (214) 380-3383 or reach out online now.