Sexual Assault Lawyer Dallas
» Print This PageFacing Sexual Assault Charges in Dallas? Your Freedom, Your Reputation, and Your Future Are All on the Line.
A sexual assault charge in Dallas County can destroy your life before you ever step foot in a courtroom.
The moment an accusation is made, you might find yourself facing arrest, public exposure, and the very real possibility of spending years or decades behind bars.
Texas law treats sexual assault as a second-degree felony under Penal Code Section 22.011, carrying 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
If the charges are elevated to aggravated sexual assault under Section 22.021, you could be looking at a first-degree felony with 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
A conviction also means mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, restricting where you can live, work, and exist in your own community.
Prosecutors in Dallas County will move fast, building a case with forensic evidence, witness testimony, and digital records while you’re still trying to process what happened.
Talking to police without legal counsel, consenting to searches, or assuming the truth will sort itself out can all result in evidence being used against you in ways you didn’t expect.
What you do in the first hours and days after a sexual assault accusation will shape the outcome of your entire case.
How Michael Lowe Can Help You Fight Sexual Assault Charges
When you’re facing sexual assault charges, you need more than a criminal defense attorney who handles general cases.
You need a Dallas sexual assault lawyer with deep experience in sex crimes, someone who understands forensic evidence, the psychology behind false accusations, and the strategies prosecutors use to secure convictions.
Sexual Assault Defense
Sexual assault charges under Texas Penal Code Section 22.011 involve allegations of non-consensual sexual contact.
Michael Lowe investigates every aspect of the accusation, challenges witness credibility, and examines whether the allegation stems from a false claim or ulterior motive.
Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense
Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony with a potential sentence of 5 to 99 years or life.
This charge applies when the prosecution alleges use of a deadly weapon, serious bodily injury, or that the alleged victim was under 14, elderly, or disabled.
Michael Lowe scrutinizes every piece of evidence and builds a defense strategy to challenge the aggravating factors directly.
Defense Against False Accusations
False sexual assault accusations happen more often than most people realize, driven by custody disputes, relationship conflicts, or personal grudges.
Michael Lowe conducts thorough investigations into the accuser’s motives, prior statements, and any inconsistencies that could establish reasonable doubt.
Sex Offender Registration Defense
A sexual assault conviction triggers mandatory sex offender registration that can last a lifetime, affecting your employment opportunities, housing, and daily life.
Michael Lowe fights to prevent convictions that carry registration requirements and explores every legal avenue for clients already on the registry.
Federal Sex Crime Defense
When sexual assault allegations involve federal property or cross state lines, the case may be prosecuted as a federal crime with even harsher penalties.
Michael Lowe handles federal sex crime cases in Texas.
Defense in Cases Involving Minors
Sexual offense charges involving minors carry some of the most severe penalties in Texas, including a 25-year minimum sentence for aggravated sexual assault when the alleged victim is under 10 years of age.
Michael Lowe develops defense strategies that address the unique evidentiary challenges these cases present.
A Former Prosecutor Who Knows How Dallas County Builds Sexual Assault Cases Against You
As a former felony prosecutor in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, Michael Lowe spent years building the exact kind of cases he now fights against.
He knows how prosecutors select evidence, prepare witnesses, and structure arguments to maximize the chance of conviction.
His Board Certification in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, earned in 2007, signals to prosecutors that your case will be scrutinized at the highest level and that every piece of evidence will be challenged.
With over 150 jury trials and a practice focused 100% on criminal defense since 2003, every resource and every strategy is dedicated to protecting your freedom and keeping you off the sex offender registry.
Your Future Is at Stake. Speak to the Dallas Sexual Assault Attorney You Need Today.
Sexual assault charges in Dallas County carry some of the most severe penalties in Texas criminal law, including decades in prison and permanent sex offender registration.
Michael Lowe offers a free, confidential consultation where he will review your case and outline a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
The earlier you act, the more options you have.
Call (214) 526-1900 now to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Assault Charges in Dallas
What is the difference between sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in Texas?
Sexual assault under Texas Penal Code Section 22.011 is a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in prison. Aggravated sexual assault under Section 22.021 is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life. The charge is elevated when the prosecution alleges use of a deadly weapon, serious bodily injury, or that the alleged victim was under 14, elderly, or disabled.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A conviction for sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault requires lifetime registration under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Registration restricts where you can live, work, and limits employment opportunities. Even deferred adjudication for a registrable sexual offense triggers the registration requirement.
What are common defense strategies in sexual assault cases?
Defense strategies often include challenging whether consent existed, investigating false accusations, questioning forensic evidence reliability, identifying constitutional violations in evidence collection, and presenting alibi evidence. An experienced attorney examines every detail of the prosecution’s criminal case to establish reasonable doubt.
Can sexual assault be charged as both a state and federal crime?
Yes. Sexual assault can be prosecuted as a state or federal crime depending on the circumstances. Federal charges may apply when the offense occurred on federal property, involved crossing state lines, or connects to other federal offenses. Federal cases carry harsher penalties and require experienced legal representation.
What should I do if I’m falsely accused of sexual assault?
Don’t speak to police or investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you regardless of your innocence. False accusations are more common than many people think. Contact a Dallas sexual assault lawyer immediately to begin an independent investigation and protect your legal rights.
Can I face a civil lawsuit on top of criminal sexual assault charges?
Yes. Sexual assault cases can be pursued in both criminal court and civil court. Even if a criminal case results in an acquittal, the alleged victim can still file a civil claim seeking compensation. The standard of proof in civil court is “more likely than not,” which is lower than the criminal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” An experienced defense attorney can help you understand your exposure on both fronts.
Do sexual assault charges differ based on whether the alleged victim is an adult or a minor?
Yes. When the alleged victim is under 14, the charge can be elevated to aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years or life. If the alleged victim is under 10, the offense carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years without parole eligibility. These cases carry heightened scrutiny, making experienced legal representation critical.
How much does a sexual assault defense lawyer cost?
Legal fees vary depending on case complexity and the severity of the charges. Michael Lowe offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. The consequences of a conviction, including lengthy prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration, make experienced legal counsel a critical investment.
