Sex Crimes Lawyer El Paso, Texas
Obtain Legal Counsel from Our El Paso Criminal Defense Attorney
Defend Against Sex Crime Charges in El Paso
Although criminal accusations are often associated with a presumption of innocence, individuals who are charged with a sex crime in Texas face harsh criminal penalties and malicious public scrutiny. In addition, you must also register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life, which can make obtaining employment and purchasing a home very difficult.
In order to obtain a successful outcome in your case, it is imperative to enlist the services of an experienced and qualified sex offense attorney. At the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, our El Paso sex crimes lawyer has a thorough understanding of the Texas legal system and court proceedings in order to help you navigate through the possible complexities of your case. If you have been accused of sexual assault or another sex crime, you will be aggressively prosecuted in court and perhaps viewed as guilty in the eyes of the media and your peers. Nevertheless, false accusations are made often, which is why it is imperative to seek legal representation from an experienced and skilled sex crimes attorney.
When you are searching for an El Paso Sex Crime Attorney, you are often looking for more than just legal knowledge; you need someone who understands how local prosecutors, judges, and juries tend to handle these sensitive cases. We regularly appear in courts such as the El Paso County Courthouse and federal courts serving West Texas, so we are familiar with local procedures and the expectations that can influence how your case moves through the system.
If you've been accused of a sex crime, do not hesitate to contact our firm and request your free consultation for your criminal defense case today.
Understanding Sexual Assault and Rape Laws in Texas
Attorney Ortiz, who is experienced in defending the rights of the falsely accused, is capable of clearing your name. He understands that sexually motivated crimes are associated with devastating consequences that can ruin your chances of having a normal life again.
The common types of sex crimes include the following:
- Sexual assault/Rape
- Date rape
- Statutory rape
- Child pornography
- Prostitution/Solicitation
- Solicitation of a minor
- Child molestation
- Sexual abuse
- Failure to register as a sex offender
- Indecent exposure
- Public lewdness
At the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we can conduct our own investigation and gather crucial evidence necessary to develop a relentless and solid defense strategy for you. Fighting for clients since 1998, our El Paso criminal defense attorney has extensive knowledge of Texas laws and court proceedings in order to get your charges reduced or your case dismissed altogether.
As we build your defense, we carefully examine every report, statement, and piece of physical evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and potential violations of your constitutional rights. We also take time to explain Texas Penal Code provisions and possible consequences so that you understand each step and can make informed decisions about plea options, trial, or alternative resolutions. Our goal as a sex crime defense attorney that El Paso residents can turn to is to protect your future while helping you navigate an unfamiliar and overwhelming legal process.
Penalties for Sexual Assault in Texas
Sexual assault, also known as rape, is defined by Texas law as any non-consensual, unwanted sexual contact or penetration against another individual with the threat or use of physical force or violence. The offense is typically considered a second-degree felony, which is punishable by a prison sentence between two and 20 years under current law and may also include a fine.
However, there are some circumstances that may elevate the sexual assault charge to an aggravated sexual assault charge. This type of sexual assault offense is a first-degree felony, punishable by a life imprisonment sentence or a prison sentence between five and 99 years, along with potential fines and other serious consequences.
Aggravated circumstances include the following:
- The offender caused serious injury or attempted to cause the death of the victim
- The offender placed the victim in fear of death, serious injury, or kidnapping the victim
- The offender acted with another person in committing the crime
- The offender used a deadly weapon in committing the crime
- The offender used the “date rape drug”
- The victim is younger than 14 years old
- The victim is an elderly or disabled person
Beyond imprisonment, a conviction for sexual assault can bring additional long-term consequences such as mandatory registration as a sex offender, strict supervision conditions, and limits on where you can live or work. These collateral penalties can be especially harsh in communities like El Paso, where background checks are common for employment with government agencies, the military, and contractors connected to Fort Bliss or nearby federal facilities. Understanding the full scope of these penalties is essential when you and your El Paso Sex Crime Lawyer evaluate your options.
What To Do After a Sex Crime Arrest in El Paso
After an arrest or if you learn that you are under investigation for a sex offense, the steps you take in the first few days can significantly affect how your case unfolds. It is important not to discuss the allegations with anyone except your attorney, including friends, coworkers, or potential witnesses, because those conversations can be misinterpreted or used against you in court. You should also avoid posting on social media about the case or contacting the alleged victim, even if you believe there has been a misunderstanding. Instead, focus on documenting where you were, who you were with, and any other details that may help your defense so you can share them confidentially with a sex crime attorney El Paso defendants can rely on.
Once you contact our office, we can help you understand what to expect at your first court appearance in El Paso County, how bond or release conditions work, and whether there are immediate deadlines that apply to your situation. We may begin by obtaining police reports, speaking with potential witnesses, and preserving any phone records, messages, or video that could support your version of events. In some cases, we can communicate with prosecutors at an early stage, before formal charges are filed or before an indictment in the 34th Judicial District Court, to present context or mitigating information that might otherwise be overlooked. Our focus is to stabilize your situation quickly so that you can keep working, caring for your family, and preparing thoughtfully for each stage of your defense rather than reacting in panic.
El Paso's Trusted Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
Our El Paso sex crimes lawyer understands what it takes to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. If you are facing a huge amount of adversity, we will tirelessly fight for you and stay by your side from beginning to end. Since 1998, our El Paso criminal defense attorney has accumulated an exceptional track record of success protecting the rights, reputations, and freedom of his clients. He can conduct an extensive investigation into your case, gather his own evidence, and analyze evidence gathered by law enforcement to develop a strong defense strategy.
We know that many people contacted by law enforcement in connection with a sex offense are unsure when they need to involve a lawyer or what to say to investigators. Reaching out to a sex crime lawyer El Paso defendants can trust as early as possible allows us to protect your rights during questioning, advise you on whether to speak with police, and begin preserving favorable evidence before it is lost or distorted. We also help you prepare for hearings in courts that serve El Paso and the surrounding West Texas areas so that you are not facing this process alone.
Do not hesitate to get the help you need to get your life back on the right track. Contact our firm today to begin your defense.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
-
Mr. Ortiz is the best of the best.
Former Client -
I highly recommend the services of the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz
L. Rule -
You did an excellent job, we were always well informed about everything what was going on
Sandra Pereyra