Are You Looking for the Best Tarrant County Indecency With a Child Attorney?
If you’re looking for the best Tarrant County Indecency With a Child attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Our award-winning attorneys bring significant experience to the table, and we have the victories to prove our effectiveness.
Tarrant County Indecency With a Child Attorney FAQs
- How do I get an Indecency With a Child charge dropped in Tarrant County, Texas?
- Can I avoid sex offender registration if I’m facing Indecency with a Child charges?
- How do I win an Indecency With a Child case in Tarrant County?
- How much does it cost to fight a Tarrant County Indecency With a Child case?
- What happens at a Tarrant County arraignment?
- How can you modify your Tarrant County bond conditions after an Indecency With a Child arrest?
- What is the most common sentence for an Indecency With a Child charge in Tarrant County?
- Other Must Know FAQs About These Cases
Our boutique criminal defense practice at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense is distinguished by our unwavering commitment to delivering consistently high-level legal representation. We believe in providing extraordinary service to our clients, and we seek to represent clients who expect as much.
We’re not just Tarrant County Indecency With a Child lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity , courage and legal ingenuity .
In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. When you are facing a criminal prosecution, you have a lot to worry about. Accordingly, our Tarrant County Indecency With a Child attorney representation does not stop at the Fort Worth courthouse door.
When Texas prosecutes you for the crime of Indecency With a Child, both your freedom and your reputation are at risk. Accordingly, the lawyers at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense aim to not only win your case, but also keep your name out of the public eye. As a result of pushing the defense envelope for years, we have developed some of the best specialized tools for investigating sex crimes accusations and defending our clients throughout Texas.
Contact a Tarrant County
Indecency With a Child Lawyer
When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.
Choosing The Right Tarrant County Indecency With a Child Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result
Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.
At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.
Do you need a Tarrant County Indecency With a Child attorney? Book a consultation with attorneys Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis today.
How do I get an Indecency With a Child charge dropped in Tarrant County, Texas?
In order to get an Indecency With a Child charge dropped in Texas, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense in Penal Code §21.11. Alternatively, you could show that the offense did not occur in Tarrant County. Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Indecency With a Child, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.
Thoroughly understanding both the Indecency With a Child statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Indecency With a Child statute in detail on the Indecency With a Child offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Indecency With a Child cases in Tarrant County.
Basilio v. State
In Basilio v. State, the Court of Appeals of Texas delivered its opinion on July 6, 2017. The appellant, Jose Luis Perez Basilio, also known as Jose L. Perez, was not convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child, the sole live count in the indictment, but was convicted of three lesser-included offenses of Indecency with a Child. (“Offense One,” “Offense Two,” and “Offense Three”). Basilio contended that two of the child witnesses were incompetent to testify, the evidence was insufficient to support his three convictions, and the trial court reversibly erred by amending the jury charge after closing arguments.
The trial court’s determination of the competence of child witnesses and the sufficiency of evidence supporting the convictions for Offense One and Offense Two were upheld. However, the court agreed that the evidence only supported one conviction of indecency by contact regarding Basilio having contacted the genitalia of one victim, K.R., and insufficient evidence existed to support the trial court’s judgment for Offense Three. Therefore, the court vacated the judgment for Offense Three, dismissed the prosecution of that charge, but affirmed the trial court’s judgments for Offense One and Offense Two.
The appellate court also addressed Basilio’s complaint about the trial court amending the jury charge after closing arguments. The court found that any error in amending the charge was harmless as to Basilio’s convictions for Offense One and Offense Two. The appeal raised questions about the competence of child witnesses, the sufficiency of evidence for sexual offenses, and procedural aspects regarding jury charges, ultimately leading to a mixed outcome for the appellant.
Can I avoid sex offender registration if I’m facing Indecency with a Child charges?
Whether you are convicted or placed on deferred adjudication probation for Indecency with a Child, you will be required to register as a sex offender if you plead guilty. However, under Texas law, the amount of time that you will be required to register depends on several different factors. Additionally, it may be possible to negotiate for a reduction of the charge to something that is non-registerable.
Law Enforcement Agencies in Tarrant County that Make Indecency With a Child Arrests
Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Indecency With a Child in Tarrant County. Law enforcement agencies in Tarrant County that most typically make Indecency With a Child arrests include:
- Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is one of the primary agencies responsible for Indecency With a Child enforcement in Tarrant County, Texas.
- Fort Worth Police Department serves as the main municipal police department within Tarrant County and plays a significant role in Indecency With a Child enforcement.
- Arlington Police Department also contributes to Indecency With a Child enforcement within its jurisdiction in Tarrant County.
- Haltom City Police Department serves the community of Haltom City within Tarrant County and may make Indecency With a Child arrests within its jurisdiction.
- Keller Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Keller and may handle Indecency With a Child cases within its jurisdiction.
How do I win an Indecency With a Child case in Tarrant County?
To beat an Indecency With a Child charge in Tarrant County, Texas, you must employ every procedural tool to obtain information and conduct a thorough and independent investigation of the case. These days, you have to look at social media and other message services to find inconsistencies in witness statements. Contest all evidence, including witness statements and forensic evidence. Remember, victory hinges on your determination to fight relentlessly.
Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Tarrant County Indecency With a Child attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.
Tarrant County Indecency With a Child Attorney Case Defense Strategy
Achieving success in Indecency With a Child cases hinges on a strategic blend of modern science, traditional investigative techniques, and utilization of digital and forensic technologies. While some cases pivot on scientific evidence, others heavily rely on live witness testimony. This testimony may stem from a seemingly sympathetic yet deceitful alleged victim, or it may revolve around intricate social dynamics concerning the age of consent. Regardless, the synthesis of digital forensic evidence, scientific analysis, and the nuances of human relationships forms the cornerstone of an effective defense strategy. Over the years, our commitment to pushing the boundaries of defense tactics has led us to refine specialized investigative methodologies tailored to these types of allegations.
Securing favorable outcomes in Indecency With a Child cases necessitates thorough preparation for all legal proceedings, not only trial proceedings. As your Tarrant County Indecency With a Child lawyers, we take meticulous preparation seriously. Our involvement in a case signals to the prosecution an unwavering dedication to trial readiness and pursuit of complete exoneration.
However, our trial preparation often commences well before the case is filed. From the onset of police investigation or arrest, we begin our proactive approach. To ensure a successful defense, we conduct our own independent investigation. While the state marshals its law enforcement resources to gather evidence, we counteract by meticulously scrutinizing and challenging their findings. As our client, you gain access to the comprehensive investigative capabilities of our entire legal team. With a cadre of dedicated professionals including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts, we leverage our collective expertise to lay the groundwork for a robust defense strategy.
How much does it cost to fight a Tarrant County, Texas, Indecency With a Child case?
Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $12,000 to $35,000 on average for Indecency With a Child cases in Tarrant County. Some Tarrant County Indecency With a Child lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Tarrant County case. But be wary of lawyers who charge surprisingly low fees.
When consulting with a lawyer, remember to ask whether any any hourly fees apply. Additionally, most lawyers charge extra fees for trial, travel and expenses.
What to Do if Falsely Accused of Indecency With a Child in Tarrant County
Even if someone falsely accuses you of Indecency With a Child, it’s crucial to treat the charge seriously. The state often opts for trial if there are two conflicting stories. They leave the decision to the jury.
If the state has charged you with Indecency With a Child, or if you are under investigation for the offense, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Tarrant County Indecency With a Child attorneys.
How can you modify your Tarrant County bond conditions after an Indecency With a Child arrest?
In Texas, judges wield considerable authority in establishing bail and bond conditions. However, there are instances where judges may impose excessively stringent conditions and unreasonably high bail amounts. If you seek to modify bond conditions or reduce bail, you must file a motion in court and schedule a hearing, with the judge having the ultimate authority to decide.
In practical terms, if you’ve been arrested for Indecency With a Child in Tarrant County, it’s common for the judge to impose a bond condition prohibiting contact with the victim. Additionally, judges frequently include a condition barring contact with all minors in such cases. Many clients enlist our assistance in seeking the removal of these conditions in order to maintain contact with their own children. If you want to remove a no contact condition, then please book a consultation with us, and we will discuss what we can do for you.
What happens at a Tarrant County arraignment?
At your arraignment, a Tarrant County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Tarrant County, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.
If the police have arrested you for Indecency With a Child, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Tarrant County judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.
What is the most common sentence for Tarrant County Indecency With a Child charge in Tarrant County?
The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for Indecency With a Child convictions across the state. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Indecency With a Child by Contact as a second degree felony and Indecency With a Child by Exposure as a third degree felony.
However, the actual punishment you might receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances. For instance, your prior criminal history, the circumstances of the offense, and the norms of the Tarrant County community all play a role. For Indecency With a Child cases, we also work towards the possibility of getting a reduction in the charge. The likelihood of succes in this effort also depends on a number of circumstances – including how strong we can make your case. In Indecency With a Child cases, sometimes the entire case becomes about the sentence imposed. When mitigation is key, you need persuasive attorneys.
If you are convicted, then you will also have to decide whether you want to have the judge or the jury assess punishment. Judges and juries may deliver vastly different sentences. Furthermore, all good Tarrant County Indecency With a Child attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Indecency With a Child conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.
With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Indecency With a Child here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Tarrant County Indecency With a Child cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online by pressing the red button.
Are you under investigation for Indecency With a Child? Should you cooperate with the police investigation?
We have assisted our clients through many difficult police interrogations. Although we do not typically recommend consenting to a police interrogation or interview, there are circumstances when we consider it. However, you should never do a police interview without your Tarrant County Indecency With a Child lawyer present.
When police bring you in for an interview, they already believe that you committed the offense. Accordingly, this belief will inform their interpretation of your answers. Generally, when people believe something, they will only see things that confirm their belief. This is called confirmation bias, and this is what leads to police charging innocent people with crimes.
An arrest for Indecency With a Child can drastically change your life, even if a court dismisses your case. Do not hesitate to contact us immediately if you are under investigation.
In addition, remember that people do not usually communicate perfectly clearly under intense pressure. The extreme stress of a police interview can cause you to say something that police then misinterpret. And even the way you look during the interview significantly impacts the police decision to arrest you. For all of these reasons, we carefully consider the decision to interview because it will have a huge impact on the ultimate outcome your case.
In some cases, we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. As your Tarrant County Indecency With a Child attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.
About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense
If you want to hire us as your Tarrant County Indecency With a Child lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!
The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers
Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.
Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics.
As a member of the prestigious Texas Bar College, he presently trains other lawyers in best practices and himself attends many hours of continuous legal education with some of the best lawyers, judges, and law professors in the country.
Mr. Saputo graduated from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school. More about Paul Saputo…
Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of the law school as Southern Methodist University. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…
Awards
Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
- Recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
- Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.
Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas
Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.
Victories
The Tarrant County Indecency With a Child attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.
For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.
Reviews
One example review from a real client:
Nick Troufexis was super. He helped a family member out and was great from beginning to the end. Looking for a dependable, honest straight forward law firm. This is your firm and Nick is the guy. Talking about results, oh he delivered on every spectrum. So if your on the phone with another law firm, hang up and call Saputo Defense NOW!!!
– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.
See more client reviews and testimonials here.