Houston Sexual Assault Attorney
Sexual Assault Attorney
Why Hire a Houston Sexual Assault Attorney
A sexual assault accusation in Houston is extremely difficult to defend yourself against. Not only can sexual assault damage your reputation and ruin your life, but the penalties for this offense are extremely extensive under Texas law. Hiring a Houston sexual assault attorney can help you defend your rights and prove your innocence.
Legally responsible parties
A Houston sexual assault attorney can help you seek justice for the harm you have suffered. Depending on the severity of your case, you may be able to bring criminal charges against the perpetrator or pursue civil liability against them. Regardless of the outcome of your case, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Using an attorney early in the process will help you determine if you have a case and will protect your rights.
If you believe that your partner was a victim of sexual assault, you may be able to hold the owner of the building or shopping mall partially responsible for the damages. Similarly, if you believe the attacker was unwelcome in the parking lot, the shopping mall may be partially liable. The legal responsibility of the parties involved in a sexual assault may be very extensive. If you are looking for a sexual assault attorney in Houston, contact a legal professional today.
Legally responsible parties in a sexual assault lawsuit
Depending on the nature of the sexual assault, victims of rape may be able to bring a lawsuit against the negligent party. These third parties may be businesses, nightclubs, or companies. It is vital to determine if you have the right to pursue a lawsuit. In some cases, victims are able to sue a landlord or business owner for failure to provide adequate security. However, this is not always the case. Depending on the circumstances, a landlord or business owner may be required to install extra security measures.
In Texas, victims of sexual assault can pursue compensation from the responsible parties under the premises liability law. These cases often involve negligent security at a nightclub or bar. Other common premises liability claims involve public property owners not providing adequate lighting or lock repairs. Another type of claim involves third-party negligence, including negligent hiring of the victim by a business. It is important to document all possible negligent parties in a sexual assault lawsuit so that you can prove that they are at fault in your case.
Legally responsible parties in a sex crime lawsuit
While the perpetrator of the sexual act can be sued for damages, other people may be held legally responsible, such as a landlord or innkeeper. Third parties may be liable, including schools, churches, and businesses that failed to properly screen adults. If the victim has sufficient proof of the perpetrator’s guilt, punitive damages may be warranted. Often, a civil suit is settled prior to a trial, depending on the strength of the case.
A sexual assault can take place anywhere, including in a hotel room or parking lot. However, many sexual assaults occur at a business or a landlord’s premises. These parties may be liable for the victim’s injuries or financial loss. A business can be held legally responsible for the sexual assault that results from negligent behavior on the property. For example, if a sexual assault occurs in a hotel parking lot, the hotel is liable because it failed to take necessary precautions to protect its guests.
Defendants in a sex crime lawsuit
Hiring a sex crime lawyer to defend you can be a crucial first step in the process. Texas law is tough on sex crimes, and convicted offenders must face harsh legal penalties. Not only will their records be listed on the public registry, but they will also be subject to oppressive restrictions on where they can live and work. A good sex crime lawyer will act as your trusted advisor to help you navigate these difficult waters.
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, hiring a sex crime attorney can help you prove your innocence and pursue damages against the perpetrator. Sometimes, sexual assault victims are able to name multiple defendants, including the assailant and any institutions that share liability. If this is the case, it is important to consult an experienced Houston sex crime attorney as soon as possible.
Cost of hiring a sex crime lawyer
Hiring the services of a Houston sex assault attorney is not cheap, but it is worth it when you are facing charges of sexual assault. Experience is essential, and you do not want to be represented by a lawyer who is just out of law school. While many criminal defense attorneys will charge a flat fee, others will break down the cost of your case into phases and charge you separately. Because no one can predict the outcome of a sexual assault case, it is best to hire an experienced Houston sex assault lawyer to represent you.
The first thing you need to do is meet with several attorneys to determine which one is right for you. Remember that attorneys only charge their fees if you win, so it’s imperative to hire a qualified lawyer right away. The first thing you should do is feel out each one and choose the one who has the best record for obtaining favorable results for their clients. A qualified attorney will be honest with you about their experience and whether or not your case is worthy of representation.
Benefits of Having A Sexual Assault Attorney In Houston
Sexual assault is a severe crime in society, and every state has stringent laws to protect its citizens against this vice. The Texas penal code is strict on sexual assault cases involving minors and adults. Being charged with such may require you to change certain aspects of your life socially, economically and emotionally.
In Houston, sexual assault charges can be overwhelming for you as the accused. If you find yourself in this predicament, you need to get a competent Houston sexual assault defense attorney to help you navigate the murky waters of the charge. Hiring a sexual assault attorney helps you to:
- Interpret the penal code on sexual assault
- Interpret your rights as an accused person
- Understand the charges laid against you in court
- Defend yourself in court
- Interpret the court’s verdict in your case
- Assist you in court registration processes before and after trial.
How does the law interpret sexual assault in Houston?
The Texas penal code interprets sexual assault as the unlawful, non-consensual and intentional touching, threatening or penetration of another person for sexual arousal or gratification.
Hiring a Houston sexual assault defense attorney helps you understand what the Texas penal code considers sexual assault, why you have a claim against you, or the laws regarding these acts. Some of the actions that are regarded as sexual assault include:
- Rape
Rape is a form of sexual assault in which the perpetrator uses physical force to achieve penetration. This penetration may be by a body part or object forcing an individual to penetrate themselves against their will.
- Indecency on a child by exposure or by contact.
Sex with a minor, also known as child sexual abuse, occurs when an adult engages in sexual acts with a child younger than 17. According to the Texas penal code, minors cannot consent to a sexual act, and any sexual indecency with a child by contact or exposure is sexual assault that is punishable by law.
- Non-physical sexual assault crimes
Non-physical sexual assault acts like exhibitionism, voyeurism, sexual threats, coercion or manipulation into pornography and sexting.
What are the rights of an accused person in a sexual assault charge in Houston?
As an accused person in a sexual assault case in Houston, you have rights under the law, and these rights should be respected even as the case proceeds, regardless of whether the claims against you are true or false.
Having a Houston sexual assault defense attorney will help you understand and access the following rights when you or someone close to you stand accused of sexual assault.
- Right to legal representation
- Right to receive a speedy trial
- Right to trial without double jeopardy
- Right to question witnesses
- Right to a reasonable bail
- Right to a humane punishment
Understanding the charges against you in a sexual assault case
An experienced sexual assault attorney in Houston has had multiple such cases and can take you through the charge sheet and help you understand why you are receiving sexual assault charges.
In Houston, Texas, there are three tiers of sexual assault charges: first-degree felony, second-degree felony and misdemeanor. Each level carries different penalties depending on the age and mental state of the victim at the time of the alleged assault.
Understanding the specifics of the sexual assault claim against you is essential as it allows you and your attorney to prepare better for trial. Your lawyer will advise you on the weight of the charge against you. In addition, they may advise whether to proceed to trial or opt for an out-of-court agreement.
Defending yourself in court
If the sexual assault claim against you proceeds to trial, it helps you get a speedy hearing to return to your everyday life. A duly registered and competent sexual assault attorney in Houston can advocate on your behalf during all stages of the process so that no one takes advantage of your situation or makes it worse than it needs to be, especially in cases involving minors.
Sexual assault trials include intensive investigations that include the defendant and the victim. When dealing with a sexual assault case, there are many different things that your lawyer must consider:
- The type of evidence against you
- Whether or not you have witnesses available to defend you
- The strength of your alibi, if any
Having a skilled Houston sexual assault defense attorney on your side who will be able to evaluate the evidence against you, examine the witnesses against you and ensure that the charges are dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense.
A competent Houston sexual assault defense attorney will fight for your rights and protect your privacy during the investigation process.
Help with interpreting the court verdict
An excellent sexual assault attorney in Houston can help you predict the trial’s outcome so you can mentally prepare yourself and your family for the verdict. Court processes are confusing, and a competent lawyer will ensure you’re ready for the worst-case scenario.
Whether your case is dismissed or the charge is upheld, it helps to understand the verdict in its totality so that you can prepare for your next move. Your attorney will help you interpret the legal jargon in judgments so that you can schedule an appeal or understand the punishment or jail time the court may hand you.
Registration
Court processes require a lot of paperwork that helps to speed up your trial. These registrations may include new evidence during the trial, witness registrations, and other necessary paperwork. A worthy sexual assault attorney in Houston will know the court systems well and help you speed up these registrations to benefit your defense.
Depending on the outcome of your trial, you might be required to register yourself as a sex offender in Houston. If you have a caring sexual assault attorney in Houston, they can help you navigate the sex offender registration process and what is required of you once you are registered on this list.
Conclusion
While no court case has a definite or predictable outcome, having a knowledgeable attorney makes your defense manageable for you, in and out of court. So start your defense on a solid footing by hiring a reputable sexual assault attorney in Houston today. The Tripodi Law Firm, P.C is an established law firm that will handle your case with utmost professionalism for the best outcome.
The attorney you hire matters. A subpar attorney could derail your case, while a good one will help you.