Indecent Assault
We understand that it is overwhelming and isolating to be accused of indecent assault or any other sex crime. Police, prosecutors, and courts take indecent assault allegations very seriously. Indecent assault charges can result in serious consequences. First, prosecutors often push for lengthy prison sentences and large fines. These allegations can have an incredibly negative impact on you, your family, and your future. An experienced Dallas indecent assault lawyer can help you avoid or lessen these very serious consequences.
Indecent assault (like sexual assault) is, of course, a very serious problem. It has become incredibly clear, however, that false allegations are an equally serious problem. In this day and age of the #MeToo and #TimesUp, we are seeing more allegations than ever. It is absolutely vital to secure the best possible defense. This is true whether the allegation against you is false, a misunderstanding, or an unfortunate mistake. Don’t put your life, family, and future in just anyone’s hands. When it seems like the world is against you, you need the best possible Dallas indecent assault attorney in your corner.
Dallas Indecent Assault Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been accused of indecent assault in Dallas, contact the Law Office of Mike Howard. Most importantly, Dallas indecent assault lawyer Mike Howard has the experience, trial skills, and dedication that you need when you are fighting for your life. We will do everything we can to fight for you. Moreover, Mr. Howard will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain the law and your legal options.
A Different Kind of Lawyer
We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, our philosophy is that being a great lawyer is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, our team works to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of lawyer you’ve come to the right place.
Our Case Process
Listen & Understand
We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.
Open Communication
We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.
Fight for Justice
Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.
Indecent Assault Charges in Dallas
A person commits indecent assault (Texas Penal Code § 22.012) if, without the other person’s consent and with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, they:
- touch the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of another person.
- touch another person with the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of any person.
- expose or attempt to expose another person’s genitals, pubic area, anus, buttocks, or female areola. OR
- cause another person to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of any person.
It is common for people unfamiliar with the law to describe indecent assault as sexual assault. However, sexual assault requires penetration. For more information on sexual assault charges, see our sexual assault page.
Resources and Information
See our criminal defense resource center for more information on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more.
For more information about sex crimes charges generally, see our sex crimes page.
Indecent Assault Penalties
Indecent assault offense is a Class A misdemeanor. As a result, you could face up to one year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine. The related, but distinct, charge of sexual assault, however, is a second-degree felony.
Defending Indecent Assault Charges
First and foremost, the prosecutor must prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot rule out each and every possible reasonable doubt, the presumption of innocence prevails. As a result, the court must find you not guilty. This means you don’t have to prove that you didn’t do it. You don’t have to prove anything!
The only way the prosecution wins is if the jury believes their story is the only reasonable way it could’ve happened. If they have any reasonable doubts that it actually happened, they must find you not guilty. If they reasonably think it could’ve happened another way, they must find you not guilty. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. When implemented by a skilled Dallas indecent assault attorney, it can be a powerful weapon.
Choosing the Right Indecent Assault Lawyer in Dallas
Searching for indecent assault lawyers in Dallas can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Attorneys are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interest. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.
First, talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you, who make big promises. No attorney should ever make a guarantee about a case. Absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.
What Makes Mike Howard Different
Many lawyers take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach. A knowledgeable client is a happy client. Therefore, we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Dallas Indecent Assault Attorney Mike Howard
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas indecent assault attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.
Client-Centered
The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals. I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.
Willing to Fight
Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas indecent assault attorney has a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it can make all the difference in the world.
A Proven Track Record
Dallas Indecent Assault Lawyer
L.M. – Sexual Assault
Our client was a teenage boy who had consensual sex with a girl at a party. When her parents found out she claimed rape. We were able to fully investigate and convince the detective to reject the case.
C.L. – Sexual Assault
Our client was a college student who was wrongly accused of holding a girl against her will and repeatedly raping her. We fully investigated and were able to completely blow her false story out of the water. The grand jury dismissed all charges.
F.S. – Sexual Assault
Our client was accused by his ex-wife of raping her. He denied it and maintained it was consensual. We fought for F.S. in court and the jury found him Not Guilty.
M.J. – Continuous Sexual Abuse
Our client was accused by the daughter of an ex-girlfriend of repeatedly abusing her. We were able to show the jury that all sorts of motive existed to make this story up and that no proof existed. The jury found M.J. not guilty.
