Sexual Assault Lawyers in El Paso, TX
Seasoned Advocacy in West Texas & Surrounding Areas
An accusation of sexual assault is one of the most damaging allegations you can face in Texas. Because of the intense social stigma and emotional nature of sex crimes, the legal system often moves with an immediate bias against the accused.
Law enforcement task forces, specialized investigators, and prosecutors in El Paso and across West Texas handle these cases with relentless aggression. All too often, a simple, uncorroborated allegation is enough to trigger a full-scale arrest, completely overturning your life, your family dynamic, and your career before you ever set foot in a courtroom.
West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC provides the highly sophisticated, unyielding defense required to protect your rights. Led by two former prosecutors with over 30 years of combined trial experience, we know exactly how the state builds sex crime cases.
We know how to expose the flaws, biases, and procedural gaps in their playbook. We can stand between you and the government and provide the technical, rigorous defense your future demands.
Call (915) 201-1000 or reach us online for a free initial in-office or virtual consultation with an El Paso sexual assault attorney. Available 24/7. Hablamos español.
How We Fight for You Against Sexual Assault Charges
We do not accept the government’s narrative at face value. Our firm prepares your case for trial from the outset by systematically dissecting every piece of evidence.
Our proactive defense strategies include:
- Rigorous discovery audits. We demand full disclosure of all text messages, social media records, and digital communications under Texas law. In many cases, digital footprints reveal a different story about consent or expose an accuser's hidden motive to fabricate a claim in a personal dispute or family law battle.
- Challenging forensic and DNA evidence. We scrutinize the technical details of sexual assault forensic exams ("rape kits") and medical files. If the state's lab analysts cut corners or violated the proper chain of custody, we move to suppress the results.
- Relentless cross-examination. We expose inconsistencies, contradictions, and biases in witness statements to give the jury the truth.
Why You Need Immediate Representation at Every Stage
Sex crime investigations operate on an accelerated timeline, making early legal intervention critical to the outcome of your case.
During the Investigation Phase
If you have discovered that detective units are asking questions, or if the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has reached out, you are already in severe jeopardy.
Law enforcement often uses informal interviews to gather statements that can be twisted out of context to establish probable cause. Retaining our firm immediately allows us to act as a shield, managing all communications and protecting you from high-pressure interrogations.
Following an Arrest or Formal Charges
If the state has already filed charges, you cannot rely on an untested or inexperienced attorney or someone who tries to rush you toward a swift resolution. You need a trial-ready advocate who will step in during bond hearings to secure your release and immediately launch an independent, parallel counter-investigation.
Our team handles all of the above; our role is to protect your rights while working aggressively to give you the best possible defense.
Speak Directly with An Attorney and Get Clear Answers About Your Options and Next Steps.
Understanding Sexual Assault Laws & Penalties in Texas
Texas law handles sexual offenses with extreme severity. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, sexual assault is broadly defined as intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual penetration or contact without the other person's explicit consent.
A non-consensual act can be alleged through claims of physical force, coercion, threats, or if the state argues the accuser was incapacitated by alcohol or drugs and unable to consent legally.
The penalties for these charges carry life-altering, permanent consequences.
Sexual Assault (Second-Degree Felony)
A standard sexual assault charge involving an adult is a second-degree felony in Texas. Penalties: A prison sentence of two to twenty years in a state facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
Aggravated Sexual Assault (First-Degree Felony)
Under Texas law, a charge is elevated to "aggravated" if specific factors are present.
These factors include:
- Using or exhibiting a deadly weapon
- Inflicting serious bodily injury
- Administering disabling drugs
- The alleged victim is an elderly individual, a disabled individual, or a child under the age of 14
Penalties: A first-degree felony carrying a punishment range of five to 99 years, or life in prison. If the victim is under six years old (or under 14 with an additional aggravating factor), the law mandates a 25-year mandatory minimum prison term with no possibility of parole.
The Collateral Consequence: Sex Offender Registration
Beyond immediate prison terms, any conviction or deferred adjudication for sexual assault triggers mandatory, lifetime sex offender registration. This public registry imposes strict, permanent restrictions on where you can live and work, and strips away your privacy.
Get Guidance from an El Paso Sexual Assault Lawyer Today
When the state is threatening to place your name on a public registry and secure a lengthy prison sentence, your choice of a criminal defense attorney is the most important decision you will make.
Do not speak to investigators alone. Our team understands the gravity of your situation; we are here to defend you with a meticulous defense that pursues the best possible outcome.
Call (915) 201-1000 or contact us online for a free case review if you are currently being investigated or have been arrested for sexual assault in or around El Paso.
Trusted by Clients Across West Texas
Real Feedback from Real People We’ve Helped
-
“I can't recommend Mr. Alhanna enough. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed, and fought hard for the best possible outcome.”- Brian F.
-
“Excellent experience from start to finish! From the first contact, the team demonstrated impeccable professionalism, responding quickly to my inquiries and offering customized solutions that exceeded my expectations.”- George C.
-
“Their legal expertise and strategic approach were evident from our very first meeting. The team was always accessible, communicative, and genuinely invested in my case.”- Ashley R.
-
“I’m truly grateful for him and his team. If you’re looking for a reliable, professional lawyer in El Paso, especially for a similar case, I highly recommend Mr. Alhanna!”- Elijah V.
-
“If you’re looking for a lawyer in El Paso who actually picks up the phone, gets things done, and treats you with respect — Al Hanna is the one.”- Irving M.
-
“As soon as he was retained he took over all communication and relieved so much stress. He followed through on getting the matter handled before any charges were brought and walked me through the entire process in a way that made sense.”- Brittany G.
-
“I highly recommend Alhanna! He was so easy to work with, moves fast, and gets the job done.”- Oscar D.
-
“Adam Setra is the lawyer you want for your criminal defense. He operates with a proactive approach. He kept me well informed on any case updates he recieved. I couldn't have picked a better lawyer.”- Former Client
-
“Love this firm, they are very professional and friendly but most importantly they really keep you updated in your case and actually pay attention on every detail.”- Elizabeth C.