Dallas Indecency With a Child Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Dallas Indecency With a Child Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Dallas Indecency With a Child attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. For Dallas Indecency With a Child cases, our top-rated defense attorneys lead the firm in providing exemplary legal representation.

In Texas, a charge of Indecency With a Child is extremely serious. Texas law classifies the offense as a felony. Convictions for Indecency With a Child often result in lengthy imprisonment, substantial fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Texas law throws a lot of constitutional and legal rules out of the window for child abuse cases, which sometimes results in prosecutors and judges being overly aggressive in their pursuit of convictions. This zeal can sometimes lead to the wrongful punishment of individuals who are not actually guilty of the offense.

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense attorneys thrive on serving individuals who are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes. Our clients recognize the value of our legal expertise and want to hire the top attorneys in the field.

We’re not just Dallas 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. Our comprehensive approach to handling Dallas Indecency With a Child cases includes both advocacy in the courtrooms of Dallas and tackling the collateral consequences of criminal prosecutions.

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.

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Contact a Dallas
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.

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Choosing The Right Dallas 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.

How do I get an Indecency With a Child charge dropped in Dallas, Texas?

In order to get an Indecency With a Child charge dropped in Dallas, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §21.11. 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 Dallas.

One such case is Bush v. State.

Bush v. State

In Bush v. State, the Court of Appeals of Texas Fifth District Dallas on March 27, 2020, reviewed the trial court’s judgment convicting Ronnie Bush of Indecency with a Child in Dallas County. Bush contended that the trial court improperly overruled his objections to the State’s expert witness testimony and requested that the judgment be reformed to accurately reflect the offense name and applicable statute. The appellate court agreed with Bush’s request for reformation, acknowledging the State’s concurrence that the judgment mistakenly identified the offense and cited the wrong statutory provision.

The case involved allegations against Bush for continuous sexual abuse of a child under fourteen, with the jury ultimately convicting him of the lesser-included offense of indecency with a child by contact. Expert testimony presented by the State explored the dynamics of child abuse, including general characteristics of perpetrators and the impact of a child’s outcry on siblings. Bush’s appeal challenged the relevance and prejudicial nature of this testimony, arguing it was speculative and did not directly pertain to the specifics of his case.

The appellate court found that any error in admitting the expert testimony was harmless, considering the substantial evidence of Bush’s guilt, including detailed testimonies from the complainants. The judgment was modified to correctly state Bush was convicted of indecency with a child by contact under Texas Penal Code section 21.11, affirming the trial court’s judgment as modified. This case underscores the appellate court’s role in ensuring trial court judgments accurately reflect the jury’s verdict and applicable laws.

What does an Indecency With a Child charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Indecency With a Child, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if, with a child younger than 17 years of age, whether the child is of the same or opposite sex and regardless of whether the person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense, the person:

(1) engages in sexual contact with the child or causes the child to engage in sexual contact; or

(2) with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person:

(A) exposes the person‘s anus or any part of the person‘s genitals, knowing the child is present; or

(B) causes the child to expose the child’s anus or any part of the child’s genitals.

Indecency with a Child by Contact

This version of the offense occurs when an individual engages in sexual contact with a child under the age of 17 who is not their spouse. “Sexual contact” is defined as the touching, including through clothing, of the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of a child, carried out with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

This offense does not require penetration of any bodily orifices; such an act would typically escalate the charge to sexual assault. The behavior in question is often described as “fondling.” While it may seem less severe than explicit sexual acts, it can still lead to serious criminal charges upon conviction.

Indecency with a Child by Exposure

Indecency with a child by exposure happens when an individual exposes their anus or genitals in the presence of a child, knowing the child is there, or induces the child to expose their own anus or genitals, with the intention of sexually arousing or gratifying any person’s sexual desires.

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 Dallas 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 Dallas. Law enforcement agencies in Dallas that most typically make Indecency With a Child arrests include:

• The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department handles Indecency With a Child cases throughout Dallas County.
• Dallas Police Department serves as the primary municipal police department within Dallas County and plays a significant role in Indecency With a Child enforcement.
• Irving Police Department also contributes to investigating Indecency With a Child cases within its jurisdiction in Dallas County.
• Mesquite Police Department serves the community of Mesquite within Dallas County and may handle Indecency With a Child cases within its jurisdiction.
• Grand Prairie Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Grand Prairie and contributes to investigating Indecency With a Child cases within its jurisdiction.

How do I win an Indecency With a Child case in Dallas?

To beat an Indecency With a Child charge in Dallas, Texas, you must employ every procedural tool to obtain information and conduct a thorough and independent investigation of the case. 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 Dallas 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.

Dallas 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 Dallas 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 a lawyer charge for an Indecency With a Child case in Dallas, Texas?

Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $15,000 to $40,000 on average for Indecency With a Child cases in Dallas. Some Dallas Indecency With a Child lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Dallas 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 Dallas

Even if someone has falsely accused you of Indecency With a Child, you should nevertheless still always take this charge very seriously. You may think that the state may “drop charges” against you because you are innocent. But absent effective advocacy by a lawyer, the state will often take the case to trial and let the jury decide.

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 Dallas Indecency With a Child attorneys.

How can you modify your Dallas bond conditions after an Indecency With a Child arrest?

Texas judges have broad power to set bail and bond conditions. However, sometimes judges impose overly harsh bond conditions and astronomically high bail. To modify the conditions of bond or lower bail, you will need to file a motion in court and schedule a hearing. The judge will ultimately make the final decision. To get the best result, you should hire an attorney to help.

Practically speaking, if the police in Dallas have arrested you for Indecency With a Child, then the judge will typically impose a “no contact with the victim” bond condition. Frequently, judges will also impose a “no contact with minors” condition for these cases as well. Clients often hire us to try to get these conditions removed. 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 Dallas arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Dallas judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Dallas, 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 Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas Indecency With a Child charge in Dallas?

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 Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas Indecency With a Child cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

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 always recommend consenting to an interrogation, occasionally we recognize circumstances where consenting to an interrogation may serve your best interest. However, you should never do a police interview without your Dallas Indecency With a Child lawyer present.

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 some cases we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. In general, we recommend avoiding police interrogations because of the extreme level of stress that you will likely experience. Even if you are innocent, the Dallas police and the community will likely judge the way you act and what you say negatively. We must carefully consider this because this negative perception will almost certainly impact your final case disposition. As your Dallas 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 Dallas 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. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. 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

More Awards & Recognition…

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 Dallas 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:

The most outstanding Law Firm in the DFW area Paul & Nick are top notch in handling legal matters! If you require legal assistance there is only one law firm in the DFW area to choose and it’s Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC! A huge Thank You to the entire staff!

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.