San Antonio Sex Crimes Attorney

What To Do If You Are Accused of a Sex Crime in San Antonio

Facing a sex crime accusation in San Antonio is an urgent and life-altering experience. Immediate steps are critical to protecting your rights, beginning with refraining from discussing the incident with anyone other than your sex crime attorney. Statements made to law enforcement, coworkers, or even friends and family can quickly become evidence for Bexar County prosecutors. Instead, politely decline to provide statements until you are represented by your sex crime lawyer in San Antonio. At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we are ready to step in from the moment you become aware of an investigation or an arrest. Our early involvement enables us to engage with agencies such as the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County District Attorney's Office, evaluating evidence and safeguarding your interests from the outset.

Along with obtaining legal representation, document any evidence that might support your defense, such as texts, messages, emails, or travel records establishing your whereabouts. It’s also essential to understand the San Antonio legal process: following an arrest, you will appear before a Bexar County magistrate for arraignment, where bail and release conditions are set. Our sex crime attorney will advocate for your rights at every stage and communicate with local court officials on your behalf. Taking swift action with a sex crime lawyer experienced in San Antonio criminal law can significantly influence your case’s direction from the start.

At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, our San Antonio sex crimes lawyer has over 26 years of experience navigating the challenges of the Texas legal system. Our firm is prepared to guide you through the complexities of your case and help you fight the challenges of a sex crime accusation. Even though criminal charges come with a presumption of innocence, those accused of sex crimes in Texas can face severe consequences and harsh public judgment. Conviction often requires lifelong registration as a sex offender, complicating job prospects and homeownership. False allegations are not uncommon, highlighting the necessity of effective legal representation. To improve your chances in court, it's crucial to hire an experienced sex crime attorney immediately so you can start building your defense. 

Call (210) 592-4181 to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable and experienced sex crime lawyer in San Antonio. You can also message our team online now. 

Understanding Sexual Assault & Rape Laws in Texas

Recognizing the severe impact such allegations can have on an individual’s life, our San Antonio sex crime attorney is committed to providing comprehensive legal support. Sexually related crimes carry serious repercussions that can significantly alter one's future. 

Texas sex crime laws are complex, requiring an in-depth understanding of both state statutes and San Antonio court procedures. In San Antonio, allegations such as sexual assault or statutory rape are prosecuted vigorously in Bexar County courts, and each charge carries distinct legal definitions and burdens of proof. Law enforcement agencies, including the San Antonio Police Department, closely coordinate with prosecutors to investigate these cases. If you are facing such allegations, having a sex crime attorney in San Antonio who thoroughly understands local courts and processes is crucial. Local nuances often impact outcomes, making it essential to work with a legal team deeply familiar with San Antonio’s legal landscape.

Common sex crime charges handled by our San Antonio sex crime lawyer include:

• Sexual assault/rape: This serious offense involves non-consensual sexual conduct and is aggressively prosecuted in Texas. Consent cannot be given by individuals who are physically helpless, mentally incapacitated, or under duress.
• Date rape: Often occurring in social settings, date rape involves sexual assault by someone the victim knows, such as a friend or acquaintance. It can include the use of drugs or alcohol to incapacitate the victim, making consent impossible.
• Statutory rape: This charge applies when an adult engages in sexual activity with a minor, who is legally unable to consent due to their age, regardless of whether the minor agrees to the act.
• Child pornography: Possession, distribution, or creation of material involving sexual exploitation of children carries severe penalties, including imprisonment and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
• Prostitution/solicitation: Engaging in or agreeing to engage in a sexual act in exchange for money or goods is illegal. Both solicitation and provision of such services are punishable offenses under Texas law.
• Solicitation of a minor: Attempting to persuade, induce, or entice a minor to engage in sexual activities is a serious crime with significant legal consequences.
• Child molestation: This refers to any inappropriate sexual contact or behavior with a minor, leading to harsh penalties including imprisonment and lifetime sex offender registration.
• Sexual abuse: This category includes a range of non-consensual actions involving coercion, force, or threats, sometimes charged in addition to other crimes.
• Failure to register as a sex offender: Convicted individuals must supply their information to local authorities. Failing to do so can result in additional legal penalties, including incarceration.
• Indecent exposure: Intentionally exposing oneself with the intent to arouse or gratify in public or in the presence of another is a criminal offense.
• Public lewdness: Engaging in sexual activities in a public setting or where others may observe can lead to criminal charges and social stigma.

At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we conduct thorough investigations to gather critical evidence for your defense. With nearly three decades of experience, our San Antonio sex crime lawyer understands Texas legal systems and courtroom dynamics, always working to reduce charges or seek case dismissal when appropriate. 

Navigating the Sex Crime Legal Process in Bexar County

When accused of a sex crime in San Antonio, understanding the legal process is vital for making informed decisions. After an arrest, you will typically be taken to the Bexar County Jail for booking and processing. The next step is an initial hearing, held before a Bexar County magistrate, who reviews the charges and sets bail. You should never attend these hearings alone—a skilled sex crime attorney in San Antonio from Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz will immediately step in to assess the evidence, represent you in court, and advocate for reasonable bail terms or release. Our experience within the local justice system allows us to anticipate procedural issues and provide strong advocacy at every stage.

As your case progresses through Bexar County courts, you may encounter grand jury review, pretrial motions, and negotiations with the District Attorney’s Office. At each step, we deliver transparent communication so you understand upcoming hearings, court dates, and your legal options. Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz conducts independent investigations and examines law enforcement procedures to detect any violations of your rights, such as improper search and seizure or Miranda violations, which could affect how evidence is handled. Our well-established presence in San Antonio allows us to address both technical legal issues and the human concerns at every stage, ensuring clients receive confident, robust legal defense throughout the process.

Penalties for Sexual Assault in Texas

Texas law defines sexual assault, or rape, as non-consensual sexual contact or penetration involving physical force or threats. Generally, this second-degree felony can lead to two to 25 years in prison. Certain circumstances can elevate the charge to aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony punishable by life imprisonment or a sentence ranging from five to 99 years.

If convicted of a sex crime in San Antonio, you may be required to register as a sex offender with Bexar County authorities. Registration can severely impact your ability to live and work where you wish, and may result in ongoing law enforcement monitoring and, in some cases, public notification. Restrictions around schools, parks, and certain neighborhoods are common. San Antonio’s size and proximity to neighboring cities make it vital to closely follow all registration obligations to avoid further criminal charges. Failing to comply with these requirements can result in additional penalties, including incarceration. Knowing these consequences is crucial when deciding on your defense strategy in Bexar County.

In cases of sexual assault, aggravated circumstances include:

• Inflicting serious harm or attempting to kill the victim
• Threatening death, serious injury, or kidnapping
• Committing the offense with another person
• Using a deadly weapon during the assault
• Administering a "date rape drug"
• Victims under 14 years of age
• Elderly or disabled victims

These enhanced penalties highlight the seriousness with which Texas addresses these charges, making effective legal representation vital for anyone accused.

Legal Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges in San Antonio

In Texas, there are several legal defenses that may be used to contest criminal sex charges, depending on your case’s specific circumstances. The most common defenses include:

• Consent: Many sex crimes, such as sexual assault, are only prosecutable when there is a lack of consent from the alleged victim. If it can be demonstrated that the alleged victim consented, it is a valid defense.
• False allegations: Accusations can stem from personal grievances, misunderstandings, or manipulation. The defense may challenge inconsistencies in the accuser’s account, absence of evidence, or hidden motives.
• Lack of evidence: Prosecutors bear the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient evidence—such as DNA, medical reports, or credible witness statements—the prosecution’s case may falter.
• Mistaken identity: Sometimes the accused is not the actual perpetrator. The defense may demonstrate misidentification by the victim or witnesses.
• Alibi: Providing proof of being elsewhere at the time of the alleged incident can be a strong defense.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced or pressured someone to commit an offense they otherwise would not have committed, entrapment may serve as a defense.
• Insanity or mental incapacity: If the accused lacked the capacity to understand the nature or wrongfulness of their actions, this may be asserted as a defense.
• Romeo & Juliet defense: Texas law provides an affirmative defense in certain statutory rape cases where the age difference is three years or less, and the sexual act was consensual.
• Insufficient intent: Certain offenses require specific intent. If prosecutors cannot establish intent, the charges may not hold.
• Police misconduct: If law enforcement officers obtained evidence unlawfully—such as through illegal searches or coerced confessions—the defense may have grounds to suppress that evidence in court.

Every sex crime case in San Antonio is unique, with outcomes frequently depending on the facts, available evidence, and individualized legal strategy. Consulting a knowledgeable sex crime attorney in San Antonio is essential to develop a strong, tailored defense.

Your Trusted San Antonio Sex Crime Lawyer

Our San Antonio sex crime lawyer is dedicated to supporting you through every phase of your criminal case, relentlessly working to safeguard your rights and your future in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. 

Facing sex crime charges in San Antonio requires an aggressive legal defense and an understanding of the pressures and perceptions within the local community. At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we know that accusations of this nature can cause social and emotional fallout and disrupt every part of your life. Our team is attuned to the realities and standards of the San Antonio courts, and we combine professional diligence with empathy and confidentiality. From initial bond hearings to plea negotiations and trial, we are committed to being your voice and advocate in Bexar County. By leveraging our knowledge of the local legal environment and maintaining open communication with our clients, we empower you with clarity and strong representation at every stage.

A message from Attorney Ruben Ortiz: When you face criminal charges, you need an attorney who will fight for you every step of the way. My name is Ruben Ortiz, and since May 1998, I have dedicated my career to defending my clients’ rights with unwavering determination. My philosophy is simple: find a way to win every case for every client.

From my first criminal defense case—where I secured a case dismissal for my client—I have believed every legal matter has a weakness, a technicality, or an opportunity for success. My job is to uncover it. I approach every client as innocent, because under the United States Constitution, anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. That means every person who comes through my office deserves fierce advocacy and full respect for their rights.

With more than 26 years of criminal defense experience, I know the stress and fear of being charged with a crime. Whether your case involves a misdemeanor or felony, I am here to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome.

Call (210) 592-4181 or contact our firm online to schedule a free consultation with our San Antonio sex crime attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a sex crime case take in San Antonio?

The timeline for a sex crime case in San Antonio varies greatly depending on the case's complexity, whether the matter proceeds to trial, and the docket of the Bexar County courts. Simple cases can sometimes resolve in a few months, while more involved trials may last a year or longer. Key factors affecting the length of your case include the volume and type of evidence, the potential for plea bargaining, review by a grand jury, and scheduling constraints. At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, our sex crime attorney works to keep clients informed at each stage, balancing the need for a swift resolution with the thorough defense that every case deserves.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted in Bexar County?

If you are convicted of a qualifying sex crime offense in Bexar County, Texas law generally requires registration as a sex offender. This involves reporting your personal and residence information to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and periodically updating the information, including any changes in address, employment, or educational status. San Antonio has strict laws for sex offender registration, and violations of these requirements can result in additional criminal penalties. Our team at Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz can answer questions about how registration may affect your life and discuss strategies to minimize its impact, based on the specifics of your case and the latest Texas laws governing sex crime offenses.

How does working with a local San Antonio sex crime attorney benefit my defense?

Hiring a sex crime attorney in San Antonio offers advantages that extend beyond legal knowledge. An attorney with years of experience in the Bexar County court system understands not just local statutes, but the procedures, personalities, and expectations unique to our area. Familiarity with the San Antonio courts, prosecutors, and judges allows your defense to be proactive and nuanced, rather than generic. At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we focus on clear communication, local insight, and a commitment to providing each client with focused, personalized service through every stage of their sex crime defense.

Request a free case evaluation with our sex crime attorney in San Antonio today! Call now.