Being charged with Continuous Smuggling of Persons in Texas is not just a legal hurdle-it’s a life-altering event that can have ripple effects through every aspect of your life. Under Texas Penal Code Ann. §20.06(g), the ramifications of this crime are further intensified if the person being smuggled becomes a victim of sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, suffers serious bodily injury, or dies. Such aggravating factors escalate this already severe offense into something that can impact you forever.
For you, the person grappling with such a grave charge, the implications are immediate and severe. Beyond the potential for a felony conviction, hefty fines, and long-term imprisonment, there’s the social stigma attached to this type of crime. It can affect your personal relationships, tarnish your reputation, and hinder your future employment opportunities. Your standing in the community can take a significant hit, and you may even face additional civil lawsuits from the victims or their families. Given the dire consequences and Texas’ tough stance on this issue, you don’t just need a legal advisor; you need a battle-tested advocate by your side.
The Consequences You Could Face
In Texas, a conviction under this section could result in a first or second-degree felony, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For a first-degree felony, you’re looking at a potential sentence of life imprisonment or a term that can extend from 5 up to 99 years in a state penitentiary. For a second-degree felony, the prison term ranges from 2 to 20 years. These are not slap-on-the-wrist punishments; these are substantial portions of your life that could be spent behind bars. And then there’s the financial aspect. A first-degree felony could bring with it a fine of up to $10,000, while a second-degree felony fine can also reach that amount. We’re talking about sums that can bankrupt individuals and leave families financially crippled.
When aggravating factors like sexual assault, serious bodily injury, or death of the smuggled individual come into play, the court typically leans toward the maximum allowable penalties. It’s as if the law has a built-in mechanism to ratchet up the severity of the punishment for those found guilty under these circumstances. Given this grim landscape, you need a legal team that’s not just good, but exceptional. Our dedicated team knows the stakes and swings into immediate action, focusing on time-sensitive issues that are critical for building the strongest defense for you.
Building a Robust Defense in Texas
In legal challenges as significant as this, every second counts. The sooner we can start gathering evidence, questioning witnesses, and consulting experts, the stronger your defense will be. Our team focuses on multiple avenues of defense strategy, aimed at poking holes in the prosecution’s case. This could involve uncovering flaws in the evidence presented, whether it be physical evidence, witness testimony, or even surveillance footage.
Our approach is meticulous because we will never stop trying to save your life. The process of building a defense isn’t a one-size-fits-all; it’s tailored to the specifics of your case. This could involve for example challenging the validity of the traffic stop that led to your arrest, the procedures used in collecting evidence, or even the credibility of the witnesses the prosecution plans to use.
Because every case has its unique set of circumstances, we’ll scrutinize every detail to identify inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or procedural errors that could aid your defense. Your life, your freedom, and your future are on the line-there’s no room for a cookie-cutter defense strategy. There is no challenge we can’t handle, and you need an experienced team of advocates uniquely skilled to fight for you.
You’re Not Alone; We’re Here to Help
Facing a charge as serious as Continuous Smuggling of Persons under Texas Penal Code Ann. §20.06(g) can be overwhelming, to say the least. You’re likely feeling stressed, worried, and unsure about what steps to take next. But, don’t lose hope; you’re not alone. A strong legal team can be your best asset when facing accusations that can change your life forever. We’re here to stand with you, fight for your rights, and work tirelessly to protect your freedom.
Have you been arrested for a crime related to Continuous Smuggling of Persons under Texas Penal Code Ann. §20.06(g)? Time is crucial, and the sooner you act, the better your chances for a favorable outcome. Call Barbieri Law Firm today at (972) 703-4826 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Texas criminal defense attorneys.