If you’re facing a sex crime allegation in Plano, you are likely feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do next. The fear of jail or prison, the stress of a damaged reputation, the possibility of losing your job, and the threat to your future educational or professional opportunities all weigh heavily on your mind. You may be confused about your rights, the charges, and even what kind of outcome is possible.
What’s on the line for you is everything: your freedom, your employment, your family, and your future. At The Carmichael Law Firm PC, we understand exactly what you’re up against, and as your Plano sex crimes attorney, we’re ready to stand with you and defend your rights.
The Carmichael Law Firm PC Stands Ready to Defend
We have nearly a decade of experience defending individuals facing sex crime allegations in Texas. Our founder has handled complex and high-stakes cases and secured outcomes such as dismissals and acquittals where appropriate.
We understand how prosecutors build sex crime cases, the tactics they use to pressure defendants into confessions or guilty pleas, and the serious consequences they threaten beyond jail time. Sex crimes are unlike most other criminal charges. They involve not only legal penalties, but personal and professional restrictions. The prosecutors know this, and they use it to their advantage. At The Carmichael Firm PC, we know prosecutors’ strategies and how to fight back.
Defenses We Can Pursue for You
Each case is unique, but many sex crime allegations share common flaws or weaknesses that can be challenged. As your Plano sex crimes lawyer, we will closely examine the details of your case to develop a defense tailored to your circumstances.
Possible defense strategies include:
- Consent. In some cases, the encounter may have been consensual. We work to present communication records or witness testimony to support your account.
- Mistaken identity. Eyewitness errors or flawed investigative procedures can lead to the wrong person being charged. We gather physical evidence, alibi witnesses, and digital records to support your innocence.
- Lack of evidence. The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. We will push for dismissal or acquittal if their case lacks forensic evidence, corroboration, or credibility.
- Constitutional violations. If your rights were violated, such as an illegal search or improper interrogation, we file motions to exclude that evidence.
We will use every tool in the toolbox to protect your rights and challenge the charges.
What You Are Facing
Sex crime allegations often result in more severe restrictions and punishments than many other criminal charges, both before trial and long after any jail time has ended. From the moment charges are filed, you may be placed under harsh bond conditions, restricted from seeing your family, or banned from returning to your home. Even if you never serve a day in jail, a conviction or certain plea agreements can have lifelong consequences.
Pre-Trial Restrictions
People accused of sex crimes in Plano may face strict pre-trial conditions, including:
- High bond amounts;
- Electronic monitoring;
- Restrictions on travel;
- No-contact orders with alleged victims, family members, or even your own children; and
- Suspensions from work or school.
Our job as your sex crimes lawyer in Plano is to fight for your pre-trial release, advocate for lower or no bond, and push back against restrictive conditions. When possible, we work to get charges dropped altogether so you don’t have to worry about pre-trial restrictions at all.
Incarceration Time and Fees
Texas has severe penalties for sex crime offenses. These felony charges can result in fees up to $10,000, plus, of course, significant jail time. Here are common charges and their corresponding penalties:
- Sexual assault—typically a second-degree felony with 2 to 20 years in prison;
- Aggravated sexual assault—a first-degree felony, this offense is punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison;
- Indecency with a child—a second- or third-degree felony, with incarceration of 2 to 20 years;
- Possession of child pornography—a third-degree felony, which means 2 to 10 years in prison; and
- Online solicitation of a minor—typically charged as a second-degree felony, carrying a sentence of 2 to 20 years of incarceration.
At The Carmichael Law Firm PC, we work to reduce charges and advocate for outcomes that minimize or eliminate incarceration when possible.
Restrictions in Your Life
Even after the case ends, the long-term effects of a sex crime conviction can be life-altering. They may include:
- Mandatory sex offender registration;
- Loss of custody or parenting rights;
- Ineligibility for many jobs;
- Bans on living near schools or parks;
- Denial of housing;
- Immigration consequences, including deportation; and
- Ineligibility for many forms of financial aid or educational programs.
We understand that these consequences go far beyond the courtroom. As your sex crimes attorney in Plano, we’ll always keep your future in mind as we build your defense. Every motion we file, every negotiation we pursue, and every argument we make is designed to protect your name, your liberty, and your life.
The Faster You Get a Plano Sex Crimes Lawyer, The Better
If you anticipate that you’re about to be investigated for a sex crime, the time to call an attorney is now. Early intervention can mean the difference between an arrest and a dismissal, or between a trial and early resolution. The sooner we are involved, the more legal options we can preserve for your defense.
Just as importantly, hiring a sex crimes attorney in Plano gives you something else you may be desperate for: relief. Relief from the constant anxiety of not knowing what’s coming. Relief in knowing that someone is in your corner, looking out for you, and fighting for your future.
At The Carmichael Law Firm PC, we are ready to use our experience and energy to help protect you from these charges. When you hire us, you are not just getting legal representation; you are getting a dedicated partner in your defense.
Call Today
Right now, you may feel like your life is spiraling out of control. Like you’re trapped in a nightmare with no end in sight. The criminal justice system is complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced Plano sex crimes attorney can help you move forward, protect your rights, and fight for the outcome you need. We limit our caseloads so that every client receives the attention and time their case deserves.
Contact The Carmichael Law Firm PC today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us guide you through this process and help you reach the other side. Your future matters—we are here to help you protect it.
Resources:
Possession Or Promotion Of Child Pornography. Tex. Penal Code § 43.26, link.
Online Solicitation Of A Minor. Tex. Penal Code § 33.021, link.
Registration. Tex. Crim. Proc. § 62.051, link.
Prohibited Employment. Tex. Crim. Proc. § 62.063, link.
Child Safety Zones. Tex. Crim. Proc. § 42A.453, link.
Right To Vacate And Avoid Liability Following Certain Sex Offenses Or Stalking. Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0161, link.
Prohibited Location of Residence. Tex. Crim. Proc. § 62.063, link.