Georgetown Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

Last updated on September 21, 2026

There is a wide range of offenses involving sex, from sexual assault to indecency with a child to possession of child pornography as well as many variations of these offenses. All of them lead to a dangerous place for the accused – possible sex offender registration, probation, and/or jail or prison.

When even an accusation can be enough to destroy your reputation, family and future, you need to be sure that you are doing everything possible to beat your charges. The first step in defending yourself is meeting with a Texas lawyer who knows how to protect you.

At Ranney Law in Georgetown, our attorney has been defending clients in Williamson County for over 15 years. Douglas N. Ranney has built our business on aggressive defense strategies for our clients, and he is ready to meet with you and defend you against whatever sexual assault charges you may be facing, including those involving child pornography.

Sex Offenses In Texas

Sex offenses in Texas are categorized into different types, each with its own definition and penal code. Here are some of the most common sex offenses in Texas:

• Indecent exposure (Penal Code 21.08): Exposing one’s genitals or anus in a public place with the intent to gratify or arouse oneself or others
• Public lewdness (Penal Code 21.07): Knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual contact in a public place
• Sexual assault (Penal Code 22.011): Forcing another person to engage in sexual intercourse or sexual contact without their consent
• Aggravated sexual assault (Penal Code 22.021): Committing sexual assault with a deadly weapon, in a way that causes serious bodily harm, or against a child under 14, an elderly individual or a person with a disability
• Prostitution (Penal Code 43.02): Engaging in – or offering to engage in – sexual conduct for a fee
• Possession or promotion of child pornography (Penal Code 43.26): Possessing, producing or distributing material that depicts a child under 18 engaging in sexual conduct

These offenses can be misdemeanors or felonies, and the potential consequences of having them on your record can be devastating.

What Are The Penalties For Sex Crimes In Texas?

Sex crimes are taken extremely seriously here in Texas, and your criminal defense attorney should be just as serious about your future. Our lawyer will take the time to develop a personalized defense strategy against these kinds of charges and their consequences, such as the following:

• Sexual assault charges, which typically involve only the act of rape, will result in second-degree felony charges and sentencing of between two and 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Aggravated sexual assault, which is rape that also involves violence, is a first-degree felony that can come with between five and 99 years of imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Indecency with a child is also a second-degree felony that can result in up to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Continuous sexual assault has a sentence ranging from a minimum of 25 years to life with no option for parole.
• Online solicitation of a minor involves using the internet or another electronic device to communicate with a minor in a sexually explicit manner or to lure them into meeting for sexual activity. It is a felony offense that can result in at least two years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
• Voyeurism is observing someone without consent when they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Penalties range from a Class C misdemeanor to a state jail felony if the victim is younger than 14.

Our defense lawyer works with our clients to explore all the details in their cases and gather the information that can help him overcome their charges, negotiate for reduced charges or sentencing, or get the case dismissed altogether. Attorney Ranney knows that every case is unique, which is why he works to ensure that he provides our clients with the attention and commitment they deserve.

Sex Offender Registration In Texas

Texas law requires certain individuals convicted of sex offenses to register as sex offenders with the state. Key aspects of the program include:

• Registration: Individuals subject to registration must provide their personal information, including their name, address, date of birth and details about the offense. They must also submit to fingerprinting and photographing for identification purposes.
• Periodic updates: Sex offenders must periodically update their registration information with the local police.
• Duration of registration: The length of time an individual must remain on the registry varies depending on the severity of their offense. In some cases, registration is for life, while others may have a set term, such as 10 or 20 years.
• Community notification: The Texas Department of Public Safety’s website provides information about how registered sex offenders must notify the community.
• Restrictions: Registered sex offenders face various restrictions on where they can live, work or be present. For example, they are often prohibited from residing near schools, parks or other places frequented by children.

Failure to comply with the registration requirements can result in serious criminal charges and additional penalties.

Potential Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges In Texas

It is important to keep in mind that an accusation is not the same as a conviction. A charge only means the government believes it has enough evidence to proceed; it does not mean you are guilty. The prosecution still has the burden to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, and your legal counsel can challenge the evidence, the witnesses and the investigation at every stage.

Three common defense strategies are challenging the credibility of the accusation, arguing consent where the law allows it and attacking the evidence collected by police. In some cases, the defense may show that the allegation is inconsistent or fabricated. In others, the issue may be whether the contact was consensual. A defense may also seek to exclude statements, digital records or forensic evidence if the officers violated constitutional rights.

Another common defense is mistaken identity or an alibi. Key evidence such as phone records, texts, surveillance video or receipts can help support that defense. Because sex crime cases can carry serious penalties and lasting consequences, you must consult a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Ask Our Lawyer Your Sex Crime Questions – He Has Answers

Attorney Ranney will answer your inquiries about sexual assault charges honestly and frankly. He is exceedingly knowledgeable, having handled numerous cases involving all kinds of charges. Below are some of the questions he hears most often.

What elements can impact my case?

A variety of factors can increase the severity of the charges against you. These include:

• The use of a deadly weapon
• The use of force
• Bodily injury to the alleged victim
• The age of the alleged victim
• Whether you violated parole

Our lawyer defends clients whose sex offense charges involve these criteria. In many instances, he can negotiate the charges down to lesser offenses so that our clients receive lighter sentences.

How does a sex crime arrest in Williamson County impact my child custody rights?

A sex crime arrest can have an immediate and serious impact on your custody rights, even before there is a conviction. Texas family courts are often concerned with the best interests and safety of the child, so an arrest or pending charge may lead to temporary changes in custody, visitation or supervised parenting time.

If the allegation involves a child, a student, violence or any conduct that raises safety concerns, a judge may temporarily limit or supervise your contact while the criminal case is pending. However, an arrest is not the same as a finding of guilt, and the impact on custody will depend on the specific allegations, the evidence and what the court believes is necessary to protect the child’s welfare.

Will Georgetown still press charges against me if the alleged victim waited months or years before going to the police?

Yes. A delay in reporting does not automatically prevent prosecution, and there are many reasons a person may not come forward right away. However, the delay can matter for the defense because memories may fade, evidence may be harder to verify and the defense may argue that the passage of time makes the accusation less reliable.

The decision to file charges depends on the statute of limitations, the type of offense alleged, and whether prosecutors believe they still have enough evidence to prove the case.

Will the local Central Texas news release my name and mugshot if authorities accuse me of a sex crime?

If you are accused of a sex crime, your name and mugshot might be published in Central Texas news, though it is not certain. Arrest information often becomes public, and local media may report on serious charges, especially if the case is high-profile or involves a public safety concern.

Mugshots, charging details and booking information may also appear on law enforcement or jail websites. However, what gets published depends on the newsroom’s policies, the nature of the allegation and whether the information is publicly available.

How else can a sex crime allegation affect my life?

A conviction for sexual assault charges can leave you with a lifetime of consequences and regret. In addition to the criminal penalties mentioned above, you can experience many unanticipated penalties. For example, landlords will not want to offer you housing because of your record. You will have a hard time finding jobs. Colleges and universities may turn you down or expel you if you are already enrolled. In addition, you may have a permanent reputation as a sex offender – even if you are innocent.

Why do I need a sex crimes lawyer?

You have the right to represent yourself or work with a public defender, but this is not always wise. The system is so complex that defending yourself will not give you the strongest chance of an acquittal. Public defenders are often overburdened by heavy caseloads. If you hope for a favorable plea bargain, dismissed charges or a not guilty verdict, then you will need to hire an experienced sex crimes defense attorney in Georgetown.

If the state has charged you with a sex crime, then you are probably feeling overwhelmed. Do not hesitate to reach out to our sex offense attorney to learn more about sexual assault defense in Texas.

There’s No Time To Waste In Sex Crime Cases In Georgetown, Texas

If you are facing sexual assault charges or think you will be soon, now is the best time to reach out to us. The more time you give our attorney to prepare your defense, the stronger your case can be. Call our Williamson County office at 512-982-1082 or email us here to schedule your free initial consultation today.