Sexual Assault Attorney in Houston

Board-Certified Houston Defense Backed by Prosecutor Experience

Facing sexual assault charges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate sensitive legal matters alone. I’m Stephen Aslett, a board-certified criminal law specialist and founder of The Aslett Law Firm. Before building my practice, I spent nearly seven years as a felony prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where I personally handled sexual assault and murder cases. I know how the DA’s Office builds these cases because I built them.

That prosecutorial experience is the foundation of every defense I construct. Combined with board certification under the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by only 1% of Texas attorneys, it lets me design an informed, strategically grounded defense tailored to Harris County courts.

Every situation calls for a personalized plan, especially given the serious consequences tied to sexual assault allegations in Texas. I take the time to learn your background and concerns before choosing the best path forward.

Don’t let an accusation destroy your life. Contact me, a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, for a free consultation by calling (346) 567-8671 or contact us online today.

Understanding Sexual Assault Laws in Texas

Sexual assault is defined under Texas Penal Code § 22.011. The statute is broader than many people realize and focuses on two core issues: the nature of the sexual act and the absence of consent.

The Legal Definition of Sexual Assault in Texas

A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally or knowingly:

• Cause the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that person’s consent.
• Cause the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that person’s consent.
• Cause the sexual organ of another person, without that person’s consent, to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person (including the actor).

Lack of consent under Texas law can involve physical force or coercion, threats, unconsciousness, mental incapacity, drug-facilitated incapacitation, or the abuse of certain authority positions such as public servants, healthcare providers, clergy, or coaches.

Aggravated Sexual Assault

The charge is escalated to a First-Degree Felony (Aggravated Sexual Assault) if certain aggravating factors exist, which include:

• Causing serious bodily injury or attempting to cause the death of the victim.
• Using or exhibiting a deadly weapon.
• Placing the victim in fear that death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping will be imminently inflicted on any person.
• The victim is younger than 14 years of age or is elderly or disabled.

In cases involving very young children, penalties become even harsher. When the victim is under 6 years old, or under 14 and the abuse occurs repeatedly over a period of 30 days or more, the charge is sometimes referred to as “super” aggravated sexual assault and carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.

Penalties & Collateral Consequences of a Sexual Assault Conviction

The consequences of a sexual assault conviction are among the most severe in the Texas Penal Code and can reshape every part of your life. If you’re facing these charges, the central goal of your sexual assault attorney in Houston is to work to avoid a conviction whenever the law and facts allow.

Direct Criminal Penalties

The default charge is a Second-Degree Felony, but the penalty can escalate quickly:

• Sexual Assault (Second-Degree Felony): Imprisonment for 2 to 20 years in a Texas state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Sexual Assault (First-Degree Felony): Imprisonment for 5 to 99 years or life in a Texas state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Aggravated Sexual Assault (First-Degree Felony): The sentence is 5 to 99 years or life. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.021, the minimum sentence may be elevated to 25 years if the victim was under six years old, or if the victim was under 14 and the offense was committed under certain aggravating circumstances defined by the statute.

Mandatory Lifetime Sex Offender Registration

A conviction for virtually any form of sexual assault requires the defendant to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This is effectively a lifelong set of restrictions that involves:

• Public Listing: Your name, address, and offense details are publicly searchable online.
• Residency Restrictions: You may be barred from living near schools, parks, or facilities where children congregate, severely limiting housing options, especially in densely populated areas like Houston.
• Employment Restrictions: Certain licenses and job fields become inaccessible.
• Constant Reporting: You must regularly report to local law enforcement (in Harris County, the Houston Police Department or Harris County Sheriff’s Office) to update your information.

Collateral consequences can also include loss of professional licenses, limits on travel and firearm ownership, immigration problems for non-citizens, and serious risks to child custody or visitation. My role is to explain these risks clearly and work to protect as much of your future as the law allows.