Sexual Assault Attorney in Fort Worth

Facing A Sexual Assault Charge In Tarrant County? Call Burns & Davis

If you or someone you care about has been accused of sexual assault in Fort Worth, you are facing one of the most serious and stressful situations in the Texas criminal justice system. A conviction can threaten your freedom, reputation, career, and family relationships for the rest of your life. You may feel shocked, confused, and unsure who will listen to your side of the story.

At Burns & Davis, we defend people accused of sexual assault and other serious felonies in the Tarrant County Criminal Courts. We bring decades of combined criminal defense experience, a long-standing presence in Fort Worth, and a strong understanding of how these cases are handled in local courtrooms. Our attorneys work to protect your rights, challenge the accusations, and guide you through each step of the process.

We know that choosing a sexual assault attorney in Fort Worth is an urgent decision. From the first call, our goal is to give you clear information, practical options, and steady support. To discuss your situation in a confidential consultation, you can call (817) 873-1883 or fill out our online form.

Understanding Sexual Assault Statutes in Texas

In Texas, "sexual assault" and "aggravated sexual assault" are distinct offenses with different evidentiary requirements and punishment ranges. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, sexual assault is generally defined as intentional or knowing penetration of the anus, sexual organ, or mouth of another person without that person's consent.

Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.011)

A person commits sexual assault if they engage in the prohibited conduct and the victim did not consent. Consent is legally absent if:

• The actor compels the victim to participate through physical force, violence, or coercion.
• The victim is unconscious or physically unable to resist.
• The victim is incapable of appraising the nature of the act due to a mental disease or defect.
• The actor intentionally impaired the victim’s power to resist by administering an intoxicant without their knowledge.

Penalties: Typically a Second-Degree Felony, carrying 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and fines up to $10,000.

Aggravated Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.021)

Sexual assault is elevated to "aggravated" if certain factors are present, such as:

• The use or exhibition of a deadly weapon.
• The victim suffered serious bodily injury.
• The victim was younger than 14 or older than 65.
• The actor used threats of death or kidnapping.

Penalties: A First-Degree Felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison. If the victim was younger than six, the minimum sentence increases to 25 years.

As your Fort Worth sexual assault lawyer, we carefully review the indictment to ensure the state has not overreached. If the facts do not support an "aggravated" designation, we fight aggressively for a reduction or dismissal.

The Texas Sex Offender Registry

Under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a conviction (and in many cases, even deferred adjudication) for a sex crime requires mandatory registration as a sex offender.

• Duration: Most sexual assault convictions require lifetime registration.
• Public Notification: Your photo, address, and offense details will be published on a public database.
• Restrictions: You may face severe limitations on where you can live (residency restrictions near schools or parks) and where you can work.

In Tarrant County Criminal Courts, these cases usually move through bond hearings, preliminary settings, and pretrial conferences before any trial. Along the way, judges and prosecutors pay close attention to allegations of violence, prior criminal history, and how the accused person is conducting themselves while the case is pending. 

We help clients understand which factors the court is likely to focus on, and how their choices outside the courtroom can affect both negotiations and sentencing arguments.

How Our Fort Worth Defense Works

Sexual assault cases are often complex, involving questions of consent, conflicting statements, and sensitive personal histories. Our Fort Worth defense focuses on facts, the law, and your constitutional rights, cutting through assumptions to build a clear and supported strategy. We prioritize thorough analysis to ensure every aspect of your case is addressed, from initial investigation to trial preparation.

We begin by reviewing all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and digital content. Inconsistencies, procedural issues, and gaps are carefully examined, often with the help of investigators or forensic experts. Understanding credibility, context, and the nuances of local prosecution practices in Tarrant County allows us to craft a defense that anticipates how evidence and testimony may be viewed by a jury.

While preparing for trial is central to our strategy, we also explore negotiated resolutions when appropriate. Plea agreements can provide predictable outcomes and minimize risk, and our firm has an 85 percent success rate in felony negotiations. Additionally, with Board Certification in Criminal Appellate Law, we are equipped to pursue appeals or post-conviction relief when legal errors or other grounds exist, providing comprehensive representation at every stage.

Protect your future and your freedom by calling (817) 873-1883 or reach out online to speak with a sexual assault attorney in Fort Worth today.