Sexual Offenses

Being accused of any criminal offense that is sexual in nature can have a dramatic impact on the life of any alleged offender. Despite the presumption of innocence that every person is entitled to, individuals accused of sex crimes can often feel as though they have lost the support of friends, family, and co-workers.

A conviction for a sex crime can lead to a devastating period of hardships in matters concerning employment or housing if a person is forced to register as a sex offender. When allegations in these cases are false or exaggerated, it is critical for the people accused of the crimes to make sure that all options are explored for minimizing or eliminating criminal penalties.

Attorney for Sexual Offenses in Plano, TX

If you think that you might be under investigation or you have already been arrested for any kind of alleged sex crime in Collin County, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal counsel. Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy aggressively defends clients in Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and many surrounding areas of Collin County.

Plano criminal defense lawyers Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton understand the profound impact that sexual offense accusations can have on the lives of alleged offenders and fight to get criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Call (972) 805-8855 right now to have our attorneys review your case and discuss all of your legal options during a free initial consultation.

Overview of Sexual Offenses in Collin County

• Which crimes are considered sex offenses in Texas?
• Who is required to register as a sex offender?
• Where can I find more information about sexual offenses in Collin County?

Types of Sexual Offenses in Texas

Many sex crimes in Texas are established under Chapter 21 of the Texas Penal Code. Other criminal offenses that are sexual in nature can be found under other chapters, and Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy represents people accused of many different kinds of sexual offenses.

Some of the most common types of sex crimes our lawyers handle include, but are not limited to:

• Sexual Assault

• Aggravated Sexual Assault

• Child Pornography

• Child Sexual Abuse

• Indecency with a Child

• Indecent Exposure

• Invasive Visual Recording

• Online Solicitation of a Minor

• Prostitution / Solicitation

• Public Lewdness

• Voyeurism

Sex Offender Registration in Collin County

The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program, established under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, requires adult and juvenile sex offenders to register with the local law enforcement authority of the city they reside in or, if the sex offender does not reside in a city, with the local law enforcement authority of the county they reside in. Sex offenders must provide the local law enforcement authority with certain information and periodically report to verify the accuracy of the registration information. They also need to promptly report any changes in the information or face possible felony prosecution.

Sex offenders are assigned a numeric risk level that indicates the level of risk a sex offender poses to the community when he or she is released from a penal institution or placed on community supervision or juvenile probation. The three different risk levels are as follows:

• Level One (Low) — Person poses a low danger to the community and will not likely engage in criminal sexual conduct;

• Level Two (Moderate) — Person poses a moderate danger to the community and may continue to engage in criminal sexual conduct; and

• Level Three (High) — Person poses a serious danger to the community and will continue to engage in criminal sexual conduct.

Adult sex offenders register either for life or 10 years following discharge from state supervision. Lifetime registration is required if an alleged offender is convicted of one of the following offenses:

• Any sexually violent offense committed by a person 17 years of age or older (continuous sexual abuse of young child or children, indecency with a child by contact, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual performance by a child, aggravated kidnapping (if committed with the intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually), burglary (if the premises burglarized was a habitation and the offense was committed with the intent to commit continuous sexual abuse of young child or children, indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, prohibited sexual conduct, or aggravated kidnapping committed with the intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually), or an offense under the laws of another state, federal law, the laws of a foreign country, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice if the offense contains elements that are substantially similar to the elements of one of the above Texas offenses;

• Trafficking of persons;

• Prohibited sexual conduct;

• Compelling prostitution of a minor;

• Possession or promotion of child pornography;

• Indecency with a child by exposure, if before or after being convicted or adjudicated for this offense, the person receives or has received another reportable conviction or adjudication, other than an adjudication of delinquent conduct, for an offense or conduct that requires registration;

• Unlawful restraint, or aggravated kidnapping and the judgment in the case contains an affirmative finding that the victim or intended victim was younger than 17 years of age and, if before or after the person is convicted or adjudicated for one of these offenses, the person receives or has received another reportable conviction or adjudication, other than an adjudication of delinquent conduct, for an offense or conduct that requires registration; and

• Obscenity, if the punishment is increased due to the obscene material visually depicts a “child” engaging in sexually explicit activities.

Texas Resources for Sexual Offenses

The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center — The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission “to provide counseling, education, and advocacy for those impacted by sexual assault.” On this website, you can learn more about what Turning Point does, including its counseling, education, and advocacy efforts. You can also download applications and find various publications.

Sex Offenders Database | Collin County — The Collin County Sheriff's Office only registers Sex Offender that live in the unincorporated areas or in cities without police departments, but all other sex offenders register with the law enforcement agency where they live. You can find a link to Collin County’s OffenderWatch® website that allows you to search for sex offenders in your area. You can also find a link to the Texas Department of Public Safety Public Sex Offender Registry webpage that allows people to search a statewide database.

Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy | Plano Sexual Offenses Defense Lawyer

Were you arrested or do you believe that you could be under investigation in Collin County for an alleged sex crime? No matter how confident you are in your innocence, do not say anything to authorities without legal representation. Contact Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today.

Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton are experienced criminal defense attorneys in Plano who represent individuals in communities all over Collin County, including Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and many others. They can provide a complete evaluation of your case when you call (972) 805-8855 or submit an online contact form to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.