Statutory Rape Attorney in Fort Bend County

Former Felony Prosecutor Defending Child Sex Offense Charges in Fort Bend County

An accusation involving alleged sexual conduct with a minor triggers some of the most serious felony charges under Texas law. A conviction can mean decades in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. At The Sims Law Firm, PLLC, we defend clients facing these charges throughout Fort Bend County, working from day one to protect their rights and pursue the strongest possible outcome.

If you or someone you know is facing a charge related to alleged conduct with a minor, contact The Sims Law Firm, PLLC now for a free, confidential consultation at (713) 766-1445.

What Texas Law Actually Calls “Statutory Rape”

Texas doesn’t have a criminal offense literally titled statutory rape. When people use that term, they’re describing conduct prosecuted under three separate provisions of the Texas Penal Code: sexual assault of a child under Section 22.011, indecency with a child, or aggravated sexual assault, depending on the acts alleged and the ages involved. The age of consent in Texas is 17. Because these statutes don’t require the state to prove absence of consent, a minor’s agreement to the conduct carries no legal weight as a defense.

Affirmative Defenses: Romeo & Juliet, Marital Exemption, and Strict Liability

Texas law recognizes limited defenses to these charges. The close-in-age affirmative defense, commonly called the Romeo and Juliet law, applies when the alleged victim is between 14 and 17 years old and the other party is no more than three years older. A marital exemption also exists for sexual activity between a minor and their legal spouse.

Outside those exceptions, these offenses function as strict liability crimes. A genuine belief that the other person was 17 or older is generally not a valid defense under Texas law. That strict-liability character is precisely why the defense strategy must focus on the evidence itself rather than on intent.

Felony Penalty Ranges & Sex Offender Registration in Texas

The stakes depend on the specific charge, but none of them are minor:

• Sexual assault of a child (second-degree felony): 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000
• Aggravated sexual assault of a child (first-degree felony): 5 to 99 years in prison, typically charged when the alleged victim is younger than 14
• Sex offender registration: A conviction generally requires registration for either 10 years or life, depending on the offense

Sex offender registration affects where you can live and work, who you can associate with, and how you appear in public records long after a sentence is served. Challenging the charge before a conviction is entered may be more effective than addressing its consequences afterward.

A Former Prosecutor’s Approach to Child Sex Offense Defense

Attorney Brandon Sims spent years as a felony prosecutor before founding The Sims Law Firm, PLLC. That background means he evaluates every case from both sides of the courtroom, identifying how the state is likely to build its case and where that case has weaknesses. We begin a full investigation immediately upon being retained, examining the evidence, the circumstances of the accusation, and any available affirmative defenses before the prosecution can solidify its theory.

Our case results reflect this approach in this specific area of law. We secured a not guilty verdict in a continuous sexual abuse of a child case and obtained a dismissal of an indecency with a child by contact charge. These outcomes don’t guarantee any particular result in a future case, but they show that these charges can be defended and that the prosecution’s account can be challenged effectively, whether at trial or before a case ever reaches one.

How Felony Sex Offense Cases Move Through Fort Bend County Courts

Felony charges, including sexual assault of a child and aggravated sexual assault of a child, are heard in Fort Bend County’s district courts: the 240th, 268th, 328th, 387th, 400th, 434th, and 458th Judicial District Courts, all based at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond. We practice in these courts regularly and understand how cases move through the local system from charging through trial.

Start Your Defense in Fort Bend County Today

Time matters in these cases. Early investigation can preserve evidence, identify inconsistencies in the accusation, and give us room to build a defense before the prosecution sets its strategy. The Sims Law Firm, PLLC is ready to begin that work as soon as you reach out.

Clients are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. We offer a free initial consultation so you can discuss your situation confidentially and understand your options. Call us at (713) 766-1445 or use our contact us form to reach a statutory rape attorney serving Fort Bend County.