Sexual Assault Attorney in Odessa

Penalties for Sexual Assault Convictions in Odessa

Sexual assault is almost always a high-level felony in Texas. The consequences of a conviction in the 70th, 161st, 244th, or 358th District Courts of Ector County are severe and permanent.

• Sexual Assault (Second-Degree Felony): Generally punishable by 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Aggravated Sexual Assault (First-Degree Felony): If the crime involved a deadly weapon, serious bodily injury, or a victim under 14, the penalty ranges from 5 to 99 years or Life in prison.
• Enhanced Minimums: If the victim was younger than six years of age, or if certain other aggravating factors are present, the minimum sentence increases to 25 years.
• Sex Offender Registration: Under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a conviction requires mandatory, often lifetime registration as a sex offender, which dictates where you can live and work.

Why Turn To Our Team For Sexual Assault Defense In Odessa

Choosing who will stand beside you in court is one of the most important decisions you will make after an arrest or investigation. You need more than general information about Texas law. You need a defense team that understands how sexual assault cases are viewed in this community and how they move through nearby courts.

Our attorneys are native to the Odessa area. We grew up here, and we have built our practice around serving people in West Texas and the Permian Basin. That local background gives us real insight into how prosecutors, judges, and juries in this region often approach highly sensitive sex offense allegations.

As a private practice firm founded in 2016, we focus on personal attention. We do not treat cases as files that are moved along a conveyor belt. We take time to understand your history, your relationship with the accuser, and the circumstances that led to the charge.

Strategic Defense: How We Fight Back

To beat a sexual assault charge in Odessa, we must utilize the full weight of due process. We don't let the prosecution’s evidence stand uncontroverted. Our defense strategies often include:

• Challenging Forensic Evidence: We look for flaws in "rape kit" collections and DNA cross-contamination.
• Digital Forensic Analysis: We use text messages and social media to provide critical context to the relationship.
• Credibility and Motive: We investigate if an accuser has a motive to fabricate allegations, such as in child custody battles.
• Constitutional Suppression: We fight to throw out evidence obtained through illegal searches or coerced statements.

What To Do Right Now If You Are Accused Of Sexual Assault

The hours and days after an allegation are critical. What you say and do now can have a lasting impact on your case. Even if you feel that the accusation is false or exaggerated, it is important to act carefully.

Consider the following steps to protect yourself:

• Do not discuss the details with police without counsel. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. Trying to explain your side on your own can sometimes be misunderstood or used against you later.
• Avoid talking about the case on social media. Posts, comments, and messages are easily saved and may be reviewed by law enforcement or prosecutors. Staying off social media about the situation is often safer.
• Preserve potential evidence. Save text messages, call logs, social media exchanges, photos, and the names of people who were present before, during, or after the event. These materials can be important when we review what happened.
• Reach out to a criminal defense attorney as early as possible. The sooner we are involved, the sooner we can help protect your rights, communicate on your behalf, and begin developing a defense strategy.

When you contact our office, we treat your call as confidential from the start. We understand that many people feel embarrassed, scared, or angry about the allegations, and we approach these conversations without judgment. Our goal is to give you clear information and to help you avoid missteps that could hurt your case later.

Talk Confidentially With Our Team About Your Case

If you or someone you care about is facing a sexual assault allegation, you do not have to face it alone. A conversation with a local sexual assault lawyer Odessa can help you understand the charges, the process, and the choices in front of you. Taking that first step often reduces some of the fear that comes from not knowing what will happen next.

At Sarabia Law Firm, we provide confidential, free consultations for people accused of sexual assault and related offenses in Odessa, Midland, and surrounding parts of west Texas. Our native roots in this community, our commitment to personal attention, and our diligent approach to criminal defense guide everything we do. We work to keep you informed, involved, and prepared for each stage of your case.

To schedule a confidential consultation with our team, call (432) 224-8036 or reach out online today.