Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. As you can see from our website, our award-winning attorneys have significant experience, and we have the victories to prove our effectiveness.

Being convicted of a sex offense like Continuous Sexual Abuse can change your life in many negative ways. Don’t talk with the police or sign a plea agreement without first consulting with the Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse cases includes both advocacy in the courtrooms of Fort Worth and tackling the collateral consequences of criminal prosecutions.

If you’re facing a Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse case, 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 media.

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Contact a Tarrant County
Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge dropped in Tarrant County, Texas?

In order to get a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge dropped in Tarrant County, 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 §21.02.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Continuous Sexual Abuse, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 Continuous Sexual Abuse statute in detail on the Continuous Sexual Abuse offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Continuous Sexual Abuse cases in Tarrant County.

One such case is Harris v. State.

Harris v. State

In Harris v. State, decided on June 28, 2018, by the Court of Appeals of Texas Second District Fort Worth, Bobby Lee Harris was convicted in Tarrant County for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child and other related sexual offenses. The convictions arose from Harris’s repeated sexual abuse of a young child, Kaleb, between 2012 and 2014. Harris challenged his convictions on several grounds including the constitutionality of the statute under which he was charged, the imposition of court costs for sex-related offenses, and the issue of double jeopardy concerning his multiple convictions.

The appellate court upheld the constitutionality of Texas Penal Code Ann. § 21.02, which allows for a conviction upon proof that a defendant committed two or more acts of sexual abuse over a period of thirty days or more without requiring the jury to agree unanimously on which specific acts were committed. The court also upheld the constitutionality of an imposed $100 court cost for sex-related offenses. However, it agreed with Harris on the double jeopardy claim, reversing and vacating his conviction for aggravated sexual assault, as it was considered a lesser-included offense of the continuous sexual abuse charge within the same timeframe.

The outcome of Harris v. State emphasizes the judicial scrutiny involved in upholding statutory enactments against constitutional challenges, particularly in serious criminal matters such as continuous sexual abuse. By affirming most of the convictions but vacating the aggravated sexual assault conviction, the court demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that defendants are not subjected to multiple punishments for the same behavior under overlapping statutes, in line with double jeopardy protections.

What does a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(b) A person commits an offense if:

(1) during a period that is 30 or more days in duration, the person commits two or more acts of sexual abuse, regardless of whether the acts of sexual abuse are committed against one or more victims; and

(2) at the time of the commission of each of the acts of sexual abuse, the actor is 17 years of age or older and the victim is:

(A) a child younger than 14 years of age, regardless of whether the actor knows the age of the victim at the time of the offense; or

(B) a disabled individual.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Tarrant County that Make Continuous Sexual Abuse Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Continuous Sexual Abuse in Tarrant County. Law enforcement agencies in Tarrant County that most typically make Continuous Sexual Abuse arrests include:

• Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is one of the primary agencies responsible for Continuous Sexual Abuse cases in Tarrant County, Texas.
• Fort Worth Police Department serves as the main municipal police department within Tarrant County and plays a significant role in Continuous Sexual Abuse cases in Fort Worth.
• Arlington Police Department also contributes to making arrests for Continuous Sexual Abuse within its jurisdiction in Tarrant County.
• Haltom City Police Department serves the community of Haltom City within Tarrant County and may make Continuous Sexual Abuse arrests within its jurisdiction.
• Keller Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Keller and may handle Continuous Sexual Abuse cases within its jurisdiction.

How do I win a Continuous Sexual Abuse case in Tarrant County?

To beat a Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 Continuous Sexual Abuse Attorney Case Defense Strategy

The best defense strategy in Continuous Sexual Abuse cases demands a mix of cutting-edge science, traditional investigative resources and the mastery of digital and forensic technology. Some cases come down to science, but often cases come down to key witness testimony. Sometimes that witness is a sympathetic (but lying) victim. In any case, digital forensic evidence, science and the complex nature of human relationships all play an important role in crafting your defense. In pushing the defense envelope through the years, we have developed specialized methods for investigating these accusations.

Several defense strategies are available for Continuous Sexual Abuse charges, with the primary approach being to challenge the credibility of the allegations. This includes scrutinizing the initial outcry statement and any statements gathered by CPS or police investigators. Our team, composed of attorneys with specialized knowledge in these cases, will explore potential biases and motivations for deceit, such as coaching, recent disciplinary actions, transference, and complications with the other parent, including ongoing divorce proceedings. Our attorneys have extensive experience managing these cases in both pre-trial and trial settings.

Getting the best result in a Continuous Sexual Abuse case also requires being prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. When you hire us as your Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the state knows that we are getting ready for trial and 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 it cost to fight a Tarrant County, Texas, Continuous Sexual Abuse case?

Attorney’s fees for a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge typically range from $15,000 to $60,000 in Tarrant County, Texas. You can expect to pay higher attorney fees for more complex cases. Some Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 Tarrant County, sometimes travel fees may apply.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Continuous Sexual Abuse in Tarrant County

Even when falsely accused of Continuous Sexual Abuse, 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 Tarrant County District Attorney has charged you with Continuous Sexual Abuse, 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 Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse attorneys.

How can you modify your Tarrant County bond conditions after a Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 Tarrant County have arrested you for Continuous Sexual Abuse, 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 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 Continuous Sexual Abuse, 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 a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge in Tarrant County, Texas?

The Texas Penal code classifies Continuous Sexual Abuse as a first degree felony for any Texas conviction. You can get 5-99 years in prison or a life sentence. However,Continuous Sexual Abuse carries a special minimum punishment of 25 years.

You would also have to decide if you want to have the judge or the jury assess punishment. Furthermore, all good Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Continuous Sexual Abuse conviction.

With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions and probation eligibility for Continuous Sexual Abuse here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Sex Offender Registration Requirements for Continuous Sexual Abuse Cases

Continuous Sexual Abuse convictions require sex offender registration unless special circumstances apply. Deferred adjudication plea deals (where a judge never finds you guilty and ultimately dismisses the case) have the same impact as convictions for the purposes of these registration requirements. If you have any questions about what a plea means for your permanent record, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your case.

Are you under investigation for Continuous Sexual Abuse? 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 Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse lawyer present.

An arrest for Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse 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 Tarrant County Continuous Sexual Abuse 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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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §21.02.