Austin TX Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you love is facing sexual assault charges in Texas, hope is not lost. While it is common for people in your shoes to feel alone, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future, hiring the right legal team can help. Whether you have been falsely accused of rape in South Austin or molestation in Tarrytown, an Austin, TX, sexual assault defense lawyer is here to come alongside you, review the facts of your case, and fight to protect your rights and freedom.

Why Choose Rountree Law Firm?

For over a decade, attorney Andrew Rountree worked as a prosecutor before turning his attention to the other side of the courtroom. He is passionate about helping men and women who find themselves accused and charged with criminal acts and has the experience and skill necessary to fight for his clients’ futures. He is familiar with working on cases inside the Travis County Criminal Court on West 11th Street in Austin and is ready to put his experience to use in your case.

Defining Sexual Assault in Austin

One American suffers sexual assault nearly every minute, and around 81% of women and 43% of men have been sexually harassed or assaulted at one point in their lifetime. Texas defines sexual assault as any act that takes place when one individual knowingly or intentionally commits an intimate sexual act, such as touching or penetration, to a victim without that victim’s consent. In Austin, the most common forms of sexual assault include the following:

• Rape. This is the act of forcing someone to have sexual intercourse without their consent and against their will.
• Statutory rape. This includes any kind of sexual activity with an individual under the age of 17, regardless of whether that individual consents to the activity, as they are not legally capable of giving their consent in the eyes of Texas law.
• Date rape. This can include any sexual assault that occurs between acquaintances or during a social engagement.
• Drug-facilitated sexual assault. This charge can arise if the defendant allegedly administered drugs or alcohol in order to impair the victim’s ability to offer their consent to the sexual activity.
• Incapacitated assault. This can include any act of sexual assault against an individual who is asleep, unconscious, or is otherwise unable to offer their consent or resist the sexual activity.
• Molestation. This charge can arise if the defendant is accused of any kind of unwanted or inappropriate touching that is sexual in nature.
• Sexual coercion. This involves the act of forcing someone to engage in sexual behavior through the use of manipulation, threats, or pressure.
• Marital rape. This charge arises when nonconsensual sex takes place between two married spouses.
• Sexual abuse perpetrated by authority figures. This charge includes any kind of sexual exploitation by individuals who hold positions of trust or power over others. The most common individuals involved in these cases are members of the clergy, athletic coaches, or teachers.

If you or someone you love has been accused of any of these forms of sexual assault, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney right away. Yes, facing sexual assault charges can be scary, but help is available. Help you can trust. Call attorney Andrew Rountree now.

Penalties for Texas Sexual Assault Charges

The unfortunate reality is that a successful sexual assault conviction will carry penalties that carry far beyond legal punishments. A simple accusation can see your personal and professional reputation damaged, and you could lose your job, your licenses or certifications, and become isolated from friends and family.

When convicted, the state will likely subject you to various harsh penalties that will affect your life in a permanent manner. These penalties include:

• Prison sentence. Convictions for certain sexual assault offenses could lead to mandatory prison time. Depending on the nature of the offense, this prison sentence could last decades.
• Sex offender registration. If you are convicted of sexual assault in Austin, you will be required to register as a sex offender, which can affect both your housing opportunities and your employability.
• License suspension. You may face the loss of certain professional licenses or face difficulty in seeking future employment, especially in the education system.
• Fines. In cases of sexual assault, when convicted, you may be required to pay significant monetary fines, which can place you and your loved ones in a precarious financial position.
• Mandatory alcohol classes. For certain sexual assault crimes, you may be required to attend alcohol education programs.

For individuals with a prior record or in cases of sexual assault involving a deadly weapon, the consequences you could face will be more severe, and it is essential that you hire an attorney.

How Your Attorney Can Defend You

When you are accused of sexual assault, the most important thing you can do is remain calm. Cooperate with the police, but exercise your rights to stay silent and request to contact an attorney before you agree to interview with the police. At Rountree Law Firm, we are here to review your case and help determine what defense strategy will correctly address your situation. The most common defense strategies for sexual assault charges include:

• Consent. In certain cases, we may be able to prove that you received the consent of the alleged victim in a free and voluntary manner.
• False accusations. One estimate is that from 2% to 10% of sexual assault accusations turn out to be false. If this is a fact of your case, the team at Rountree Law Firm can help uncover the truth.
• Lack of evidence. If the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove the sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt, then this can be used in your defense.

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Hire a Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been accused of sexual assault in Austin, help is available. At Rountree Law Firm, when you hire a sexual assault defense lawyer from our team, we are here to ensure you receive the defense you deserve and one that will seek the most favorable outcome possible. Whatever your sexual assault charge might involve, we are here to fight. Call our offices today at 512-262-8080 to learn more information and to schedule your initial consultation.