Federal sex crime defense attorney Fort Worth, TX. Few crimes – if any – carry the stigma and lifelong consequences that sex offenses do. A federal conviction may bring long prison terms, overwhelming fines, and harsh lifelong rules about housing, employment, and movement. Receiving a federal sex crime charge or a target letter means you should reach out to a Fort Worth, TX federal sex crimes lawyer without delay to protect your rights, your future, and your reputation.
Combs Waterkotte‘s Fort Worth, TX federal sex crime defense attorneys carry decades of hard-earned experience advocating for clients in demanding federal sex crime cases. No matter if the situation involves a misstep or an accusation that isn’t true, you deserve strong and committed constitutional defense. There is no judgment here, only defense, and your consultation stays entirely confidential.
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Speak with our Fort Worth, TX federal crime defense lawyers at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to begin your defense strategy today.
On this page:
- What makes a sex crime a federal offense and when federal jurisdiction applies
- Frequent federal sex crime charges and the methods federal prosecutors use
- The penalties and long-term consequences that come with a federal sex crime conviction
- The types of evidence federal agents gather and how the defense can challenge it
- Major defense strategies used in federal sex crime cases, including suppression, entrapment arguments, and mitigation
- How Combs Waterkotte approaches federal sex crime defense and why the lawyer you choose matters
What Is a Federal Sex Crime?
Sex crimes generally involve non-consensual acts (like rape) or sexual acts that are consensual but illegal in and of themselves (like prostitution, sex trafficking, or indecent exposure). In most situations, sex crime allegations are handled by state courts.
Federal sex crimes cover many of the same offenses; however, you’ll have the full strength of the United States government against you instead of just the state.
Federal sex crimes stand apart from other offenses due to the severe risks and heavy consequences. People convicted of these offenses often face:
- Extremely long federal prison sentences
- Required minimum federal prison terms for certain trafficking and exploitation offenses
- Long periods of supervised release after prison
- Requirements to register as a sex offender
- Housing and employment restrictions that last for years
- Lifetime consequences for relationships, work opportunities, and personal reputation
When Does a Sex Crime Become Federal?
Most sex crimes are generally charged at the state level. They become federal when tied to federal statutes, federal land, interstate conduct, or systems like the mail or internet.
Some of the most common reasons a sex offense is charged in federal courts in Fort Worth, TXvvvvv include:
- Crossing state lines for sexual activity or illegal conduct related to sex
- Using the internet, social media, or apps to initiate, plan, or attempt an illegal sexual act
- Using the mail or other interstate services to distribute illegal content or exchange communications linked to a sexual offense
- Offenses on federal property, such as a military base, federal prison, national park, or federal building
- Crimes that involve federal interests, involving actions connected to federal employees or federally administered programs
Who Investigates Federal Sex Crimes?
Federal sex crime investigations are typically overseen by federal agencies with extensive tools and training. These agencies may include:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- United States Postal Inspection Service
- Federal military police and other investigative branches
If you are contacted by one of these agencies about a sex offense, the situation is more serious than it may appear. Do not participate in questioning, make statements, or approve searches until speaking with a seasoned Fort Worth, TX federal sex crime defense attorney.
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Types of Federal Sex Crimes We Defend in Fort Worth, TX
Dozens of federal sex crimes are listed throughout Title 18 of the U.S. Code. Our Fort Worth, TX federal sex crime lawyers defend every one of them, but these are the charges we encounter most often:
Sexual Abuse and Aggravated Sexual Abuse
Federal law covers sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse that involves force, threats, or alleged victims who cannot legally consent
- Acts of sexual violence or threats of harm
- Offenses where a victim is unconscious, intoxicated, drugged, or otherwise unable to consent
- Federal-setting cases involving sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults
Child Sexual Exploitation and Child Pornography
Federal law is especially strict when it comes to child exploitation. The most frequent offenses in this category include:
- Sexual exploitation of children, commonly referred to as producing child pornography
- Distribution and receipt of child pornography, whether through online sharing or electronic transmission
- Possession of child pornography, whether stored on digital devices or cloud accounts
- Involving a minor in producing explicit images or live broadcasts
Production charges nearly always trigger mandatory minimum terms. Possession charges alone may still result in lengthy prison sentences, lifetime supervision, and mandatory sex offender registration.
Online Enticement and Internet-Based Offenses
Federal internet sex crime statutes cover far more than child pornography. Frequently charged offenses include:
- Coercion and enticement of a minor via digital platforms including messaging apps and online chat
- Crossing distances to meet a person presented as a minor for unlawful sexual acts
- Sending explicit communications to an individual thought to be a minor
- Attempt-related offenses arising from undercover federal investigations
These cases commonly involve agents pretending to be minors online. The absence of a real child does not prevent federal prosecutors from bringing attempt charges.
Sex Trafficking of Adults and Minors
Sex trafficking laws at the federal level are expansive and impose extremely harsh penalties. Sex trafficking often consists of:
- Compelling someone through threats, force, or coercion to participate in sexual activity for money, shelter, drugs, or other benefits
- Moving, recruiting, or controlling a person for sexual exploitation
- Any sexual activity involving a minor where something of value is exchanged, even if no force or threats are used
Federal sex trafficking charges in Fort Worth, TX can lead to decades in prison and lifetime registration.
Kidnapping and Transport for Sexual Purposes
Some cases center on transporting a person across states or restricting their freedom for sexual purposes. These situations often include:
- Kidnapping connected to sexual misconduct
- Transporting an individual from one state to another for prohibited sexual behavior
- Forcing or deceiving a person into being transported for sexual exploitation
How Is a Federal Sex Crime Different from a State Sex Crime in Fort Worth, TX?
Federal sex crimes differ from state sex crimes in Fort Worth, TX because they take place in a separate court system, follow different procedures, and usually carry more severe punishment.
The most significant differences include:
- Federal judges and prosecutors handle these cases in federal district courts
- Federal rules of evidence and procedure are generally more complicated and demanding than the rules in Fort Worth, TX state courts.
- Federal agencies have greater resources, more sophisticated digital tools, multi-agency cooperation, and broader investigative powers than state authorities
- The United States Sentencing Guidelines tend to require stronger penalties and increased mandatory minimums, and sentences can be increased substantially based on the age of the victim, use of force, number of victims/images, and other aggravating factors.
Penalties and Consequences in Federal Sex Crime Cases in Fort Worth, TX
Federal sex crime penalties typically involve years or even decades in prison, and the consequences often continue long after release.
Prison Sentences and Supervised Release
These offenses frequently involve:
- Very high statutory maximum sentences
- Mandatory minimum terms that restrict judicial discretion
- Supervised release terms that may last decades or even a lifetime
People on supervised release often face strict mobility limits, internet rules, required therapy, and close supervision from probation.
Sex Offender Registration and Restrictions
Nearly all federal sex crime convictions require sex offender registration. Being on the registry may lead to:
- Public access to personal and case information
- Rules restricting where you are allowed to work or reside
- Routine reporting requirements to maintain registry compliance
- Significant barriers to housing and employment due to mandatory background checks
Collateral Consequences
Collateral fallout from a federal sex crime conviction often continues long after sentencing:
- Loss of current employment
- Loss of professional licenses and certifications
- Damage to family relationships and parenting or custody issues
- Potential deportation or immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Long-lasting social rejection and reputational harm
What Evidence Is Used in Federal Sex Crime Investigations in Fort Worth, TX?
Federal sex crime cases usually rely on a mix of digital evidence, witness statements, and forensic proof. A strong defense hinges on analyzing how the evidence was obtained and how it is being applied by prosecutors.
Common Types of Evidence
- Digital evidence such as phone data, computer hard drives, cloud accounts, chat logs, emails, and social media messages
- Image and video files, with metadata, file paths, and hidden details
- Forensic evidence like DNA, fingerprints, and medical examination records
- Statements from alleged victims and witnesses, such as interviews, written statements, or recorded conversations
- Undercover communications from undercover investigations, such as recorded chat logs or calls
How the Government Collects Evidence
Federal agents often use tools such as:
- Executing search warrants on residences, vehicles, electronics, and online accounts
- Issuing subpoenas to ISPs, social media companies, financial institutions, and others
- Agents posing undercover in chat rooms, apps, or websites
- Wiretaps, recorded calls, or monitored communications
How a Federal Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Fort Worth, TX Challenges the Evidence
Strong defenses frequently center on challenging the way evidence was seized and questioning its accuracy. An experienced federal sex crime defense lawyer in Fort Worth, TX may:
- Challenge searches or seizures as unconstitutional
- Argue that warrants were overly broad or improperly issued
- Argue that user identity on a device or account cannot be proven
- Challenge forensic examiner techniques or interpretations
- Challenge reliability or credibility issues in witness or victim statements
Defense Strategies in Fort Worth, TX Federal Sex Crime Cases
The most effective defense strategy is built around the details of your specific case and the accusations against you. A capable Fort Worth, TX federal sex crimes defense lawyer examines every detail—evidence, investigation, and your story—to fight for the best available resolution.
- Challenging searches and seizures
- Improperly granted warrants lacking required probable cause
- Searches exceeding the scope of the warrant
- Searches labeled as consent but influenced by pressure or misunderstanding
- Challenging statements
- Statements taken without proper warnings
- Statements given due to intimidation or coercion
- Challenging digital and forensic evidence
- Whether the accused actually used the device or account
- Whether digital evidence was preserved and processed properly
- Bringing in independent forensic experts to review the government’s conclusions
- Disputing intent, consent, and knowledge
- Messages or conduct that do not show criminal intent
- Age or consent issues where the law allows those arguments
- If the accused understood relevant facts or legal implications
- Entrapment and government overreach
- Agents pushing conduct the accused would not have initiated
- Aggressive investigative tactics that may constitute overreach
- Negotiating reduced charges or sentences
- Seeking to reduce the overall number or seriousness of charges
- Reducing the guideline exposure through negotiation
- Reducing the severity of long-term supervision through mitigation
We understand it can feel overwhelming to face the full power of the federal government, our Fort Worth, TX federal sex crime defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte are ready to stand up for you. We step between you and the federal government to pursue the strongest resolution, including arguing for a “not guilty” verdict when appropriate.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte for Your Federal Sex Crime Defense in Fort Worth, TX?
These cases require lawyers who are fearless, battle-tested, and deeply experienced in federal court. We have become known as the firm that will take on the cases other attorneys will not. With your future, freedom, and reputation at stake, you need a defense firm that stands firm no matter how high the stakes.
Here is what we offer:
- Decades of combined federal criminal defense experience: Our team has years of experience in complicated federal cases featuring digital forensics, multi-agency task forces, strict mandatory minimums, and highly sensitive accusations.
- A team that knows how the government thinks: Our team includes two former prosecutors who previously handled violent and serious sex crime prosecutions, including cases involving children. We understand how the government develops its strategy and assembles evidence from having been on that side. One of our attorneys was among only 25 prosecutors in the country chosen to attend the The Secret Service National Computer Forensic Institute.
- Access to top experts and investigative resources: In addition to our own expertise, we employ trusted digital forensic specialists, medical and psychological experts, and experienced investigators to challenge the government’s narrative and strengthen your defense.
- Clear, honest, client-centered communication: We keep you informed at every step so you understand what is happening and what comes next. We do not bill by the hour, and you receive your lead lawyer’s personal cell number so you can reach out day or night without extra fees.
- Relentless advocacy inside and outside the courtroom: Our team pursues dismissals, reduced charges, or a full trial if needed, always focused on the strongest outcome for you.
- Complete discretion and confidentiality: We rigorously guard your privacy and approach every case with the respect and sensitivity it deserves.
When the rest of your life is at stake, choosing the right Fort Worth, TX defense team matters. To federal prosecutors, you are one file among many. Some defense firms may see you as just another file on the desk. At Combs Waterkotte, you are our purpose.
When the rest of your life is at stake, choosing the right Fort Worth, TX defense team matters. To the government, you’re just a case number. To other criminal defense firms, you’re just a desk file. At Combs Waterkotte, you are the reason we exist.
Call a Federal Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Fort Worth, TX to Start Building Your Defense Today
If federal agents are investigating you or you’ve been charged with a sex offense, you must not handle it on your own. Time moves quickly in federal cases, and every choice you make can influence your defense.
Reach out to a federal sex crimes defense attorney in Fort Worth, TX as soon as possible to get confidential advice about your rights and your options. Early legal involvement can dramatically affect how your defense is built, how evidence is attacked, and how your future is safeguarded. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online today for a free consultation.
