If your child has been accused of a juvenile sex crime in Dallas, it can be an extremely trying and difficult experience for your child and your family. Juvenile sex crimes are serious criminal charges that have the potential to follow a young person throughout the rest of their life. If your child is facing prosecution, you need a highly skilled and experienced Dallas criminal defense attorney to guide you through each and every step of the legal process. At Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, our knowledgeable and compassionate criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of minors accused of committing a sex crime.
It’s important to remember that a charge is not the same as a conviction. In the United States criminal justice system, your child is deemed innocent until proven guilty. Often, juvenile sex cases are based on the accusation of the alleged witness with no evidence that supports the accusation. After the false sex crime allegation has been made, the alleged victim is typically under pressure to keep up with their false allegation. The best thing you can do following an allegation is to seek legal representation from an experienced Dallas juvenile sex crimes defense lawyer who will tirelessly defend your child against the charges. To schedule a confidential consultation with Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, call (214) 845-7007 today.
Do I Need a Juvenile Sex Cases Lawyer?
In Texas, the courts handle and resolve juvenile sex crimes through a unique process that includes a combination of civil and criminal proceedings. The civil laws in Title 3 of the Texas Family Code apply to juvenile sex cases. Juvenile sex crimes are also governed by the criminal laws in the Texas Penal Code, as well as the state’s criminal rules of procedure. This complex hybrid system is very difficult to navigate. There are many ways for juveniles to make missteps along the way. This is why you need qualified legal representation. Without an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your child’s corner, their case can quickly take a wrong turn.
Just because your child is a juvenile – someone aged 10 through 16 under Texas law – doesn’t mean they will get a free pass when it comes to committing sex offenses against other minors. In Texas, the “age of consent” for consensual sex is 17 years old. Therefore, even sexual intercourse between two minors under 17 is illegal. Individuals under 17 likely will have their case presented in juvenile court, a separate justice system.
If your child has been charged with a sex crime in Texas, the burden of proof the state has is to prove your child committed every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high burden of proof needed to find a juvenile guilty and can be challenging to meet. If the jury or judge has any doubt that your child committed a sex crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges could be reduced or dismissed. Because your child’s future is at stake, you must hire an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed at representing juveniles accused of sex crimes. You need an attorney unafraid to fight on your child’s behalf.
Why Choose Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter to Handle My Case?
Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter takes juvenile sex cases very seriously. Our Dallas sex crimes lawyers understand the implications of what your child is facing and will do everything possible to defend your child. If your child has been accused of a sex crime in Dallas, contact Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter as soon as you can. Early intervention is very important even if your child has not yet been charged with a crime. The sooner we can get started on your case, the greater the chances your child’s case will reach a favorable resolution.
Attorney Mark Lassiter, the founder of Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, has plenty of qualifications and experience that he can bring to your Texas juvenile sex crimes case, including but not limited to:
- Former Dallas County Prosecutor
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- American Association for Justice
- Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Dallas Association for Young Lawyers – Criminal Law Committee
- Board Member under Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Elected as a Texas SuperLawyer
- Listed in the Who’s Who of America
- Named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter has successfully handled numerous Texas juvenile sex crime cases, and we understand what you or your child is facing. We are prepared to tackle the charges, no matter how challenging and complicated the situation. Minors under the age of 18 charged with sex crimes in the greater Dallas area can turn to our qualified and reliable juvenile sex crime lawyers for the highest quality legal defense.
Types of Juvenile Sex Cases We Handle
At Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we protect minors of all ages who have been charged with sex crimes, including but not limited to:
- Sexual harassment
- Touching of a minor
- Indecency with a child
- Indecent exposure
- Public lewdness
- Voyeurism
- Date rape
- Sexting (texting explicit photos)
- Prostitution/solicitation
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Rape
- Possession or promotion of child pornography
- Computer sex crimes
A juvenile sex crime conviction, or even a false accusation, can lead to serious consequences. Common repercussions and penalties associated with juvenile sex offenses include:
- A criminal record;
- A driver’s license suspension
- A refusal to be admitted into certain colleges and education programs
- Community service
- Counseling
- Court costs and supervision fees
- Inability to apply for certain jobs
- Probation in an institution or agency or the juvenile’s home
- Public humiliation and embarrassment
- Rehabilitation
- Requirements to register as a sex offender
- Restitution
If an alleged juvenile sex crime offender is found guilty, they will likely have a criminal record. However, the juvenile offender may be able to seal their record under the following conditions:
- They turn 21 and meet certain requirements, and/or:
- Two years after being released from the juvenile system, if no other offenses are committed, and they meet requirements, and/or:
- The court rules it is necessary to seal their record
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we receive many questions from clients regarding juvenile sex cases. Listed below are a few of the most commonly asked questions. If you have any questions about the sex crime that you or your child has been charged with, contact the knowledgeable Texas sex crime attorneys at Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter by calling (214) 845-7007.
When should my child answer questions for the police?
No one accused of a crime should never talk with the police without a lawyer present. Don’t give a statement to police or investigators alone because you think asking for a lawyer will make you look guilty. This is a misconception. If the police are questioning you, it often indicates that they do not have enough evidence to arrest you and they are counting on you making an incriminating statement.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer has your best interests in mind at all times. They will communicate with police and investigators without mentioning anything that is admissible in court. A lawyer will also seek any information that can be used to get your charges reduced or dismissed. If you choose to speak with the police without an attorney present, anything you say can be used against you in court.
Are parents able to see evidence in their child’s sex crimes case?
Yes, parents are entitled to a range of information, such as the date and time their child was brought into custody, the type of criminal offense in which their child is charged, and, if applicable, the names of other persons taken into custody along with their child.
What are the consequences of a sexting conviction in Texas?
Sexting between minors is a Class C misdemeanor, the lowest level of misdemeanor. The penalties associated with a juvenile conviction include:
- A fine of up to $500
- A criminal record
These consequences can become more severe with additional convictions.
What are the punishments for indecency with a child?
In Texas, if you are convicted of the felony charge of indecent exposure or contact with a child, you may be sentenced to 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Aggravated sexual assault of a child can lead to up to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Contact a Dallas Juvenile Sex Crime Lawyer
If your child has been charged with a sex crime, you must contact a skilled Dallas sex crime defense attorney today to ensure that they are protected throughout the process. The experienced Dallas juvenile sex crimes lawyers at Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter will aggressively protect your child’s future by helping them get the best outcome possible for their case. Your child deserves a lawyer who can help prevent a criminal record from haunting them for the remainder of their life.
If you need the help of a highly skilled and compassionate criminal defense lawyer in Dallas, contact Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter today at (214) 845-7007 to schedule a consultation to discuss the charges your child is facing and how we can help protect them from these allegations.
