Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Numerous organizations have recognized us for our Texas criminal defense work. And more importantly, our own clients praise us for providing exceptional outcomes in difficult cases.

Being convicted of a sex offense like Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student can change your life in many negative ways. Don’t talk with the police or sign a plea agreement without first consulting with the Rockwall sex offense attorneys at Saputo Toufeixs | Criminal Defense. 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 Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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. If the police have already arrested you for Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, the most important thing for you to do is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible to defend you against the onslaught of prosecution by the state. You are not guilty unless and until the Rockwall District Attorney proves its case in court.

When Texas prosecutes you for the crime of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, 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 Rockwall
Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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 Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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 Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student charge dropped in Rockwall, Texas?

In order to get an Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student charge dropped in Rockwall, 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 §21.12.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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 Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student statute in detail on the Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student cases in Rockwall.

What does an Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) An employee of a public or private primary or secondary school commits an offense if the employee:

(1) engages in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with a person who is enrolled in a public or private primary or secondary school at which the employee works;

(2) holds a position described by Section 21.003(a) or (b), Education Code, regardless of whether the employee holds the appropriate certificate, permit, license, or credential for the position, and engages in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with a person the employee knows is:

(A) enrolled in a public or private primary or secondary school, other than a school described by Subdivision (1); or

(B) a student participant in an educational activity that is sponsored by a school district or a public or private primary or secondary school, if students enrolled in a public or private primary or secondary school are the primary participants in the activity; or

(3) engages in conduct described by Section 33.021, with a person described by Subdivision (1), or a person the employee knows is a person described by Subdivision (2)(A) or (B), regardless of the age of that person.

What do you do if your school or school district is investigating you?

If you are being investigated for an improper relationship with a student, you should not navigate this alone. Sexual contact or indecent exposure involving a minor constitutes a felony, mandating that the offender register as a sex offender. Additionally, it is a felony for any school district employee to have a sexual relationship with a student, regardless of the student’s age of consent. This ban also applies to students attending schools where the teacher does not work. Members of the Teacher Retirement System convicted of certain felonies related to the sexual abuse of a student or minor will lose their eligibility to receive a service retirement annuity from the retirement system.

An educator implicated in alleged misconduct (involving termination, resignation, abuse, unlawful acts with a student or minor, or engagement in romantic or sexual contact with a student or minor) is entitled to a hearing to contest these allegations. When such a report is forwarded by the superintendent or designated personnel to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the agency must promptly notify the educator, giving them 10 days to request a hearing and submit a written response.

Should the educator fail to respond, TEA will indicate via an online portal that the educator is under investigation. Without a timely hearing request, the commissioner will decide based on the provided report. If found guilty, the educator’s name will be added to the do-not-hire registry. Conversely, if a hearing is held and the educator is found not to have committed the misconduct, TEA will remove any indication of the ongoing investigation from the portal.

Regardless of whether an educator resigns, school districts are required to complete any investigation into alleged misconduct and must inform the parents or guardians of any student allegedly involved in an improper relationship with the educator.

Under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, school employees are prohibited from assisting anyone in obtaining a teaching position if there is reasonable suspicion that they have engaged in sexual misconduct with a student or minor. Applicants for many school district roles must also provide a pre-employment affidavit disclosing any charges, judgments, or convictions related to inappropriate relationships with minors. If an educator is found to have had sexual contact or a romantic relationship with a student or minor, the State Board for Educator Certification will permanently revoke their teaching certificate, regardless of the student’s age or whether they were enrolled in the educator’s district.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Rockwall that Make Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student in Rockwall. Law enforcement agencies in Rockwall that most typically make Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student arrests include:

• Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office: This agency handles law enforcement duties related to Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student cases in unincorporated areas of Rockwall County and provides support to municipal police departments.
• Rockwall Police Department: Responsible for Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student cases within the city of Rockwall.
• Royse City Police Department: Responsible for Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student cases in the city of Royse City.

How do Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student defense lawyers beat an Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student case?

To beat an Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student charge in Rockwall, 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 Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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.

Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Getting the best result in a Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Rockwall 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 an Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student case in Rockwall, Texas?

Attorney’s fees for a Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student charge typically range from $12,000 to $40,000 in Rockwall, Texas. You can expect to pay higher attorney fees for more complex cases. Some Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student lawyers may charge much more. But exercise caution when encountering attorneys who offer unexpectedly low fees.

In addition, many lawyers charge extra fees for trial. If you hire an attorney from outside Rockwall, sometimes travel fees may apply.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student in Rockwall

Even when falsely accused of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, 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 Rockwall District Attorney has charged you with Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, 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 Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student attorneys.

How can you modify your Rockwall bond conditions after an Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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 Rockwall have arrested you for Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, 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 Rockwall arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Rockwall judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Rockwall, 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 Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Rockwall 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 Rockwall 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 Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student charge in Rockwall?

The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for all Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student convictions across the state. The Texas Penal Code classifies the Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student offense as a second degree felony.

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 Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Furthermore, all good Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.

Professional Association Guide: Texas Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student

Professional boundaries with students | Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) — With over 50,000 members across the state, TCTA is recognized as the premier teacher association in Texas. This independent, nonprofit professional association offers its members professional liability insurance coverage up to $10,000 for alleged criminal actions involving sexual misconduct with minors. To learn more about what the organization’s 2015-16 Survival Guide advises regarding relationships with students, please visit this section of the TCTA website.

Are you under investigation for Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student? 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 Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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 Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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 Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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 Rockwall Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student 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:

Incredible service. They worked with me on everything including payment and I never felt like I was talking to some corporate scumbag. If I ever have trouble again, I know who I’m calling.

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

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §21.12.