Ride-sharing services offer people an easy and convenient way to get around, but how do you know if it’s safe? That’s a major question that many rideshare services are still grappling with, especially after one recent Texas incident.
A 41-year-old man driving for a rideshare service in Austin now stands accused of sexually assaulting one of his passengers. Court documents allege that the man picked up the woman at her apartment. She requested that he take her to work. The ride began normally enough, with small talk and friendly banter back and forth before the suspect pulled the car over. They had not arrived at the young woman’s workplace. The man allegedly asked that the woman take off the facemask she was wearing and move into the front passenger seat of the car. The woman declines the offer several times before the suspect began talking to her in an increasingly demanding and forceful tone.
Eventually, the woman claims that she felt intimidated by the repeated requests and the driver’s demeanor. Finally, she agrees to move into the front seat of the car, and that is when the alleged sexual assault took place. The course of events made the woman late for work, and concerned co-workers began to call her, making her phone vibrate during the attack. The man ended up taking the phone from her before he continued to sexually assault the woman.
After the attack, the man dropped the woman off at her place of employment. Court documents indicate that the woman was “crying hysterically” and immediately told her manager about the incident. The woman believes that the suspect has called her phone at least twice, as well as calling her mother’s phone at least twice. Both women’s phone numbers are listed on the rideshare account. The woman also believes that the suspect knows where she lives since he could see the apartment she walked out of when he initially came to pick her up.
The suspect bonded out of the Travis County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on July 9th, where he will likely face serious charges of sexual assault, which is a second-degree felony in Texas.
Texas defines sexual assault as sexual contact with an individual who does not give consent to sexual activity. An individual convicted of sexual assault may face a fine of up to $10,000 and between two and 20 years in prison. Someone convicted of sexual assault may also have to register as a sex offender once they are released from prison. These are severe penalties that can significantly alter the course of an individual’s life.
A sexual assault charge is not something to take lightly. A conviction can mean stiff criminal penalties, as well as the stigma of being labeled a sex offender. It can become exceedingly difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, buy a home, or even live in certain areas of the city. Your life and reputation can be irreparably harmed. That is why you need to help of an experienced Collin County defense attorney.
If you’ve been charged with sexual assault or any other sex crime, contact the legal team at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian immediately. We want to help you build a solid defense strategy and work towards achieving a favorable outcome for your situation.
You deserve quality legal representation. Talk to an attorney with Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian today by calling (972) 369-0577 for a free and confidential consultation.