Are You Looking for the Best Dallas Sexual Coercion Attorney?
If you’re looking for the best Dallas Sexual Coercion attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. We have received recognition from numerous organizations for our criminal defense work in Texas. But most significantly, our clients applaud us for consistently delivering exceptional results in challenging cases.
Dallas Sexual Coercion Attorney FAQs
- How do I get a Sexual Coercion charge dropped in Dallas, Texas?
- What does a Sexual Coercion charge really mean?
- How do I win a Sexual Coercion case in Dallas?
- How much does a lawyer charge for a Sexual Coercion case in Dallas, Texas?
- What happens at a Dallas arraignment?
- How can you modify your Dallas bond conditions after a Sexual Coercion arrest?
- What is the most common sentence for a Sexual Coercion charge in Dallas?
- Other Must Know FAQs About These Cases
With the Texas Sexual Coercion charge, Texas proseutors can arrest you for “pressuring” someone into having sex through the means listed in the offense definition. Enacted in 2017, this crime allows prosecutors to police relationships that they consider unhealthy. The Sexual Coercion offense defintion is broad enough to include a lot of room for legal interpretation, so having a good attorney is crucial if you’re facing this charge.
Being convicted of a sex offense like Sexual Coercion can change your life in many negative ways. Don’t talk with the police or sign a plea agreement without first consulting with the Dallas sex offense attorneys at Saputo Toufeixs | Criminal Defense. 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 Dallas Sexual Coercion 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 Sexual Coercion 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 Sexual Coercion, 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 Dallas
Sexual Coercion 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 Dallas Sexual Coercion 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 Dallas Sexual Coercion attorney? Call us today at (888) 239-9305 to discuss legal representation.
How do I get a Sexual Coercion charge dropped in Dallas, Texas?
In order to get a Sexual Coercion 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 §21.18.[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Sexual Coercion, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.
Thoroughly understanding both the Sexual Coercion 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 Sexual Coercion statute in detail on the Sexual Coercion offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Sexual Coercion cases in Dallas.
What does a Sexual Coercion charge really mean?
The general definition of the Texas charge of Sexual Coercion, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally threatens, including by coercion or extortion, to commit an offense under Chapter 43 or Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8), 21.02, 21.08, 21.11, 21.12, 21.15, 21.16, 21.17, 22.011, or 22.021 to obtain, in return for not committing the threatened offense or in connection with the threatened offense, any of the following benefits:
(1) intimate visual material;
(2) an act involving sexual conduct causing arousal or gratification; or
(3) a monetary benefit or other benefit of value.
(c) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally threatens, including by coercion or extortion, to commit an offense under Chapter 19 or 20 or Section 20A.02(a)(1), (2), (5), or (6) to obtain, in return for not committing the threatened offense or in connection with the threatened offense, either of the following benefits:
(1) intimate visual material; or
(2) an act involving sexual conduct causing arousal or gratification.
Learn more about the Texas Sexual Coercion law.
Law Enforcement Agencies in Dallas that Make Sexual Coercion Arrests
Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Sexual Coercion in Dallas. Law enforcement agencies in Dallas that most typically make Sexual Coercion arrests include:
- The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department handles Sexual Coercion cases throughout Dallas County.
- Dallas Police Department serves as the primary municipal police department within Dallas County and plays a significant role in Sexual Coercion enforcement.
- Irving Police Department also contributes to investigating Sexual Coercion cases within its jurisdiction in Dallas County.
- Mesquite Police Department serves the community of Mesquite within Dallas County and may handle Sexual Coercion cases within its jurisdiction.
- Grand Prairie Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Grand Prairie and contributes to investigating Sexual Coercion cases within its jurisdiction.
How do I win a Sexual Coercion case in Dallas?
To beat a Sexual Coercion charge in Dallas, Texas, you must employ every procedural tool to obtain information and thoroughly investigate 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 Sexual Coercion 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 Sexual Coercion Attorney Case Defense Strategy
Getting the best result in a Dallas Sexual Coercion case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Dallas Sexual Coercion attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Dallas District Attorney’s Office knows that we are getting ready for trial. They know that we are going for an outright acquittal.
But the preparation often starts even before the case begins. From the moment that the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we have work to do. If you want to win your case, then we must do our own investigation. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. We can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.
As a client, you will benefit from the investigative resources of the entire law firm. We have a team of dedicated professionals, including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts. Our attorneys utilize our team’s extensive investigative experience to perform the ground work that makes our cases strong.
How much does a lawyer charge for a Sexual Coercion case in Dallas, Texas?
Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $8,000 to $25,000 on average for Sexual Coercion cases in Dallas. Some Dallas Sexual Coercion 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 You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Sexual Coercion in Dallas
Even when falsely accused of Sexual Coercion, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.
If the Dallas District Attorney has charged you with Sexual Coercion, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Dallas Sexual Coercion attorneys.
How can you modify your Dallas bond conditions after a Sexual Coercion 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 want to change these bond conditions, start by consulting with your Dallas Sexual Coercion attorney.
Your attorney will file either a motion or a writ of habeas corpus requesting a modification of your bond conditions. The motion or writ outlines the specific changes you are seeking and the reasons for the requested modification.
The judge will ultimately decide whether to approve the requested modifications. They will consider factors such as the nature of the charges, your criminal history, the risk to public safety, and other relevant circumstances. Keep in mind that the judge will base the decision on a careful evaluation of the facts and circumstances of your case.
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 Sexual Coercion, 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 Sexual Coercion charge in Dallas?
The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for all Sexual Coercion convictions across the state. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Sexual Coercion as a state jail felony, but the state can seek an enhancement to a third degree felony by proving a prior Sexual Coercion conviction.
However, the actual punishment you receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Sexual Coercion here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Dallas Sexual Coercion cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.
Furthermore, all good Dallas Sexual Coercion attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Sexual Coercion conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.
Are you under investigation for Sexual Coercion? 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 Sexual Coercion lawyer present.
An arrest for Sexual Coercion 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 Sexual Coercion attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.
About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense
If you want to hire us as your Dallas Sexual Coercion 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
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 Sexual Coercion 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 and his team are amazing! I’ve had such a stressful time with my situation, (even had to deal with lawyers who weren’t honest) but working with Nick had been a breeze. He was so patient and informative and had a much appreciated sense of urgency. He went above and beyond what I thought was possible and I’m so grateful. If you are looking for a lawyer who’s got your back, he’s your guy.
– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.
See more client reviews and testimonials here.
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