A sex crime allegation can create immediate problems with your job, family, reputation, and future, even before the case reaches a Travis County courtroom. Depending on the charge, you could face years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and restrictions on where you live or work.
Learning that you are being investigated for a sexual offense in Austin is terrifying. The risk of social stigma is exceptionally high. You may not know whether an arrest is coming, whether prosecutors will file charges, or whether the case will ever reach the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center.
Much of a sex crime case can turn on evidence outside the police report. Text messages, medical or forensic evidence, video, witness accounts, and other digital records can provide a very different picture of what happened.
Austin Sex Crimes Lawyer
Getting an experienced Austin defense attorney involved early gives your defense more time to find and preserve evidence, talk to potential witnesses, and understand exactly what is being alleged before the case moves further through the Travis County criminal justice system.
That’s where Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys comes in. We represent people accused of sexual offenses in Austin, throughout Travis County and Williamson County, and across Texas.
Our team of experienced Austin criminal defense lawyers includes attorneys with extensive courtroom, forensic, and law enforcement experience. Dan Dworin is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Austin managing attorney James Fletcher has earned the ACS-CHAL Lawyer-Scientist designation, advanced training that can be particularly valuable when a criminal case involves forensic or scientific evidence. Dax Garvin brings the perspective of a former law enforcement officer to the defense team.
Our Austin attorneys also defend sexual assault and domestic violence cases when those charges arise alongside or separately from the sex crime allegations discussed below.
Our attorneys prepare serious criminal cases with trial in mind. Across the firm, our lawyers have handled more than 1,000 jury trials, giving our team substantial courtroom experience when a case cannot be resolved favorably before trial.
Michael & Associates was also recognized as the Best Law Firm winner in the 2026 Best of ATX Awards.
Every client works directly with an experienced defense attorney rather than having the case handed off to a junior associate. If you are facing a sex crime allegation, our attorneys can examine the accusation, the investigation, the evidence collected by law enforcement, and the prosecution's ability to prove each element of the charge.
Sexual Assault Charges in Texas
When most people think of sex crimes, sexual assault is often the first offense that comes to mind. Texas law, however, covers a much broader range of sexual offenses, including offenses involving children, online communications, visual material, prostitution, and nonconsensual recording.
Sexual assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.011 covers several forms of prohibited sexual conduct, including certain acts occurring without another person's consent and specified sexual conduct involving children. It is generally a second-degree felony.
Aggravated sexual assault under §22.021 involves specified aggravating circumstances and is generally a first-degree felony.
Our Austin sexual assault lawyer page explains §22.011, consent, aggravated sexual assault, potential penalties, evidence, and defense issues in greater detail.
Other Sex Offenses in Texas
Texas law recognizes more than 20 offenses that can involve allegations of sexual misconduct, exploitation, or prohibited sexual activity. These range from indecency with a child to online solicitation, child sexual abuse material offenses, voyeurism, sexual coercion, and certain prostitution and trafficking offenses.
- Indecency with a child: Texas Penal Code § 21.11 covers certain sexual contact with a child younger than 17 as well as certain exposure allegations involving a child. The statute distinguishes between contact and exposure offenses, and the felony classification depends on the conduct alleged.
- Indecent exposure: Under Texas Penal Code § 21.08, a person may be charged with indecent exposure when the person allegedly exposes the anus or genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire while being reckless about whether another person is present who will be offended or alarmed. Indecent exposure is generally a Class B misdemeanor, although prior convictions and other circumstances can affect the consequences.
- Public lewdness: Texas Penal Code § 21.07 addresses specified sexual acts committed in a public place or, if not in a public place, under circumstances in which the person is reckless about whether another person is present who will be offended or alarmed. Public lewdness is generally a Class A misdemeanor.
- Invasive visual recording: Texas Penal Code § 21.15 prohibits certain visual recordings made without consent and with the intent to invade another person's privacy. The law covers specified recordings of intimate areas as well as recordings made in certain private locations, such as bathrooms or changing rooms. Invasive visual recording is generally a state jail felony, although the facts of a particular case can affect how the offense is charged.
- Solicitation of prostitution: Texas now treats buying and selling sexual services differently than it did when many older Texas criminal-law resources were written. Under Texas Penal Code § 43.021, knowingly offering or agreeing to pay a fee for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct is solicitation of prostitution. The offense is generally a state jail felony, with enhanced penalties possible under certain circumstances, including prior convictions or allegations involving a person younger than 18.
- Online solicitation of a minor: Under Texas Penal Code § 33.021, a person can face criminal charges for certain sexually explicit online communications with a minor or for knowingly soliciting a minor to meet for sexual activity. For purposes of the statute, a “minor” can include someone the accused believes is younger than 17, and an actual meeting does not have to occur for a solicitation charge under the statute.
- Possession or promotion of child sexual abuse material: Texas Penal Code § 43.26, titled “Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography,” prohibits certain knowing or intentional possession, access, or promotion of visual material depicting a child engaged in sexual conduct. These offenses are felonies, and the applicable charge and punishment can depend on factors including the conduct alleged, the number of visual depictions involved, and prior convictions.
- Child grooming: Effective September 1, 2025, Texas Penal Code § 15.032 prohibits knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing, or attempting to do so, a child younger than 18 to engage in specified conduct with the intent that certain sexual or related offenses be committed. The offense is generally a third-degree felony and can be enhanced to a second-degree felony based on certain prior convictions.
Other offenses may include:
- Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual: §21.02
- Improper relationship between educator and student: §21.12
- Voyeurism: §21.17
- Unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material: §21.16
- Sexual coercion: §21.18
- Unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material: §21.19
- Sexual performance by a child: §43.25
- Possession or promotion of lewd visual material depicting a child: §43.262
- Promotion of prostitution: §43.03
- Online promotion of prostitution: §43.031
- Aggravated promotion of prostitution: §43.04
- Aggravated online promotion of prostitution: §43.041
- Compelling prostitution: §43.05
- Sex trafficking under the applicable provisions of §20A.02
Potential Penalties for Texas Sex Crimes
Punishment ranges in Texas include:
- First-degree felony: Five to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-degree felony: Two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-degree felony: Two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- State jail felony: 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
- Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
These are general punishment ranges. Some sexual offenses have special sentencing provisions, mandatory minimum sentences, enhancement provisions, or other consequences that can significantly change the potential punishment.
Sex Offender Registration in Texas
One of the most serious potential consequences of a Texas sex offense is registration under the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program.
Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure identifies the convictions and adjudications that trigger registration requirements. The list includes offenses such as sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, child grooming, invasive visual recording, continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual, and certain other offenses.
Importantly, registration is not limited to conventional convictions. Texas law defines a "reportable conviction or adjudication" to include certain deferred adjudications.
Sex offender registration can create problems with housing, employment, travel, privacy, and personal relationships. Certain registration information is also public.
Because registration requirements depend on the precise offense and disposition, anyone facing a qualifying charge should understand the potential registration consequences before making decisions about a plea or other resolution.
Defending a Sex Crime Allegation in Austin
The first question is what the evidence actually shows. Our attorneys look beyond the initial accusation and police narrative to determine what evidence exists, what may be missing, and whether the prosecution can prove the charge. That review can include:
- Statements made by the accused and other witnesses
- Text messages, emails, social media, and other communications
- Phone and location data
- Surveillance or other video evidence
- Medical and forensic evidence
- DNA or other laboratory testing
- Whether accounts of the incident have changed over time
- Evidence concerning consent when consent is legally at issue
- Police interviews and interrogation procedures
- Search warrants and digital searches
- Potentially exculpatory evidence
- Whether prosecutors can prove every element of the charged offense
Starting the defense investigation early can make a difference. Electronic communications can disappear, surveillance footage may be overwritten, witnesses' memories can fade, and physical evidence can become harder to locate.
What Should I Do if I’m Under Investigation for a Sex Crime in Austin?
If you learn that Austin police, the Travis County Sheriff's Office, or another law enforcement agency is investigating you for an alleged sex crime, you don’t have to wait until an arrest to contact a defense attorney. In some cases, the period before charges are filed can be an important opportunity for the defense to investigate the allegations and preserve evidence.
Don’t contact the person making the accusation to try to explain what happened, obtain a retraction, or resolve the situation yourself. You should also avoid deleting text messages, social media posts, photos, videos, emails, location information, or other potentially relevant evidence.
If investigators ask you to come in for an interview or request access to your phone or other electronic devices, speak with an attorney before answering questions or consenting to a search. What you say or voluntarily provide during an investigation may later become evidence in a criminal case.
Travis County sex crime investigations do not automatically become filed criminal cases. An Austin sex crimes attorney can begin examining the allegations before a case reaches a courtroom.
Travis County distinguishes between an offense report created during a law enforcement investigation and a court cause number created if the matter results in an arrest, referral for prosecution, and filed charges.
If a felony case is filed, it may ultimately be handled by the Travis County District Attorney's Office and assigned to one of the county's nine felony criminal district courts: the 147th, 167th, 299th, 331st, 390th, 403rd, 427th, 450th, or 460th District Court. These courts operate through the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in downtown Austin.
Outcomes of Sex Crimes Cases in Travis County
Sexual assault allegation declined by prosecutors
Charge: Sexual assault allegation involving a minor
Location: Travis County
Result: Prosecution declined
The client retained Michael & Associates while the case was still under investigation and before charges were formally filed. Defense attorney Dan Dworin communicated repeatedly with the prosecutor's office while the case was being reviewed. Approximately four and a half months after the representation began, prosecutors declined to pursue the case.
Two sex crime matters dismissed
Charges: Sexual assault allegation involving a minor and possession of child pornography
Location: Travis County
Result: Both matters dismissed
The client faced two separate sex crime matters in Travis County. The defense team represented the client for more than a year while the cases were pending, maintaining regular communication and preparing for court proceedings. Ultimately, both matters were dismissed, and the charges did not proceed to trial.
Multiple related charges resolved with deferred adjudication
Charge: Sexual assault and multiple related charges
Location: Travis County
Result: Deferred adjudication
The client faced multiple charges arising from the same incident and was represented for approximately 13 months. After repeated court appearances and negotiations, the case was resolved through deferred adjudication rather than a final conviction. The client was placed on community supervision and must successfully complete its requirements to receive the benefits of deferred adjudication.
Note: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Sexual Assault Support Resources
- The SAFE Alliance: This Austin-based nonprofit provides services for survivors of sexual assault, exploitation, child abuse, and domestic violence. Services include a 24/7 confidential SAFEline, counseling, advocacy, forensic nursing, legal services, and shelter/housing assistance.
- Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA): This is a statewide nonprofit coalition that offers educational resources about sexual violence, survivor rights, available services, and a locator for sexual-assault crisis centers throughout Texas.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): This national nonprofit provides free, confidential, 24/7 support and information for survivors of sexual violence, including information about medical care, reporting, recovery, consent, and sexual abuse.
Experienced Criminal Defense for Travis County Sex Crimes Allegations
What happens in a sex crime case can continue to affect your life long after you leave the courthouse. Our Austin defense attorneys represent clients throughout the area, including Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Manor, and Lago Vista. Early involvement gives our attorneys more time to investigate the allegation and identify evidence that could become important to your defense.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a sexual offense in Austin or Travis County, contact Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys for a confidential consultation.
Last updated and reviewed for legal accuracy: October 2026
