Sexual assault is a serious charge to face, and one that can cause irreparable damage to your reputation. If you have recently been accused of a sex crime, a Houston sexual assault lawyer can help you through this difficult period. They can be at your side for each step, from initial charge to final court verdict.
At Surginer Stewart, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping the people of Houston, Montgomery County, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and communities throughout Southeast Texas in their sexual assault cases. Our Houston criminal defense lawyers have over thirty years of combined experience handling cases ranging from first-time DWIs to sexual assault.
Sexual assault is a serious issue throughout the country. In 2025, there were 17,816 total sex offenses across Texas, with Houston accounting for 1,964 incidents. That same year, Harris County had 2,721 rape cases, representing a 17.40 percent decrease from 2024.
Sexual assault in Texas is defined as the intentional penetration of another person’s mouth, anus, or sexual organ without their consent. It is a felony offense against the person. Most sexual assault cases that occur in Houston are processed through the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, located downtown at 1201 Franklin Street, Houston, TX 77002.
Case File · Harris County, Texas
In 2025, we had a client walk into our office. Upon meeting with him, we learned that he was charged with Sexual Assault of an adult in Harris County, Texas.
He appeared terrified. He was facing 2 – 20 years in prison. He felt like his life was already over.
He had no prior criminal history, a steady job, and a family who depended on him. Overnight, he was facing the possibility of decades in prison and lifelong registration as a sex offender.
From our very first meeting, we knew that it was our job to get his side of the story and defend him.
We listened carefully as he explained the relationship he had with the complainant and the events leading up to the allegation. What quickly became apparent was that this was a consensual situation that was regretted by the Complainant the morning after.
But the accusation stood, and our client had a real problem on his hands. The narrative being presented to law enforcement left out critical details and context.
We immediately began a thorough and independent investigation. We gathered any and all information that was available to us, to wit: reports, videos, and witness statements. Upon review, this information painted a far more complete picture of what happened.
We identified inconsistencies between the complainant’s initial report and later statements. We also carefully analyzed the forensic evidence and timeline, looking for anything that did not align with the prosecution’s theory.
Throughout the process, we made sure our client knew where his case stood. This made our client more comfortable, which in turn made our jobs easier.
We focused on presenting the evidence methodically and credibly. As we continued to uncover additional information, it became increasingly clear that the case was far weaker than it initially appeared.
Ultimately, through persistent negotiation and strategic presentation of the evidence, we were able to get a dismissal for our client. Seeing how relieved our client was is something that our firm was proud of.
After all, we got into this business to provide our clients with top-level service. We were happy that our client could resume his life with nothing holding him back.
Sexual assault allegations carry enormous stigma and life-altering consequences.
In cases like this, a careful investigation, strategic advocacy, and a steady hand can make all the difference.
Result: Charge Dismissed
Every case is different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Penalties for sexual assault in Texas vary depending on the details of each case. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony, and can be sentenced with two to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Cases may be escalated to aggravated sexual assault if serious bodily harm occurs or is threatened. These offenses are charged as first-degree felonies with prison terms of 5-99 years or life. Registry as a sex offender is often required for both simple and aggravated convictions.
Allegations of sexual assault can be stressful events that lead many people to make errors that jeopardize their chances for a favorable outcome. Several common mistakes you should avoid in your Houston sexual assault case include:
Sexual assault is a severe crime to be accused of. While you may represent yourself, the serious nature of the charges makes it highly recommended that you hire a sexual assault lawyer. A few services that your Houston sexual assault attorney can provide include:
Texas state law does not require you to have legal counsel when charged with sexual assault, but hiring an attorney can be highly beneficial to your case. Sexual assault is a felony matter that can have lasting consequences on your future. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate this difficult period and advocate for you throughout the process.
How much your Texas sexual assault attorney will cost varies based on the complexity of your case, the severity of the charges, and the experience of the firm. A case involving a first-time offender with mitigating circumstances and an early plea deal typically costs less than representation for cases involving serious bodily harm, which require a full trial. In your initial consultation, your attorney can provide an estimate for your final bill.
The likelihood of prison time for a sexual assault conviction in Texas changes on a case-by-case basis. A first-time offender with no aggravating factors or prior criminal record is more likely to qualify for deferred adjudication or parole. Someone who is a repeat offender and caused serious bodily harm during an incident typically receives prison time.
How long your sexual assault case may take to resolve in Texas depends on the details involved in the alleged events and the court’s backlog. A charge involving mitigating factors and an early plea deal may be resolved much quicker than an incident requiring litigation, anHow long your sexual assault case may take to resolve in Texas depends on the details involved in the alleged events and the court’s backlog. A charge involving mitigating factors and an early plea deal may be resolved much quicker than an incident requiring litigation, and a jury or judge verdict. An experienced sexual assault lawyer can review your case and provide a rough timeline for your situation.d a jury or judge verdict. An experienced sexual assault lawyer can review your case and provide a rough timeline for your situation.
Our team at Surginer Stewart, PLLC has decades of experience, knowledge, and skills that can help you with each stage of the proceedings. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. During this meeting, we can learn your side of the story, explain the penalties you may face, and provide pathways forward in your case. You may also visit our Houston office, located on Long Point Road in Spring Branch Central, next to Ring Neighborhood Library.
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