Houston Sex Crime Lawyer

Defense for Sex Offense Charges in Texas

Facing allegations of a sex offense is a terrifying situation to face. Due to the sensitive nature of any type of sex crime, the defendant is likely to face:

• Harsh prosecution
• A ruined reputation
• Steep criminal penalties

Avoiding a conviction and criminal penalties in these situations can prove to be exceedingly difficult, particularly when the alleged victim of the offense is a minor. Even in cases that are based upon false allegations, a defendant may find that he or she is in a fight to the end to avoid extensive imprisonment, fines and sex offender registration.

Facing sex crime charges? Protect your rights now. Call (713) 364-9913 or contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Types of Sex Crime Cases We Handle

Our Houston sex crimes attorneys take on all types of sex offense cases throughout Houston, TX, including:

• Rape
• Indecent exposure
• Prostitution
• Solicitation of prostitution
• Sexual assault
• Date rape
• Sexual battery
• Child molestation
• Child pornography

When you entrust your case to a Houston sex crime lawyer at our firm, you can be guaranteed that you will be treated with respect and your case will be given the particular attention it deserves. The firm is committed to providing only the highest quality, zealous representation in the face of these serious charges. In addition to handling cases of this nature in Texas state courts, our lawyers also represent clients in federal sex crime and military sex offense cases.

Registration of a Sex Offender in Texas

In the state of Texas, one of the most concerning repercussions of a conviction is mandatory registration as a sex offender. This list is published for the benefit of the public to make them aware of convicted sex offenders in their area. As a public database, it can be accessed for any reason by teachers, parents, and others in the public sphere. It is administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety and an individual can be searched by:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Zip code
• Address
• County of residence
• Institute of higher education

In many cases, a convicted sex crime defendant will be required to register as a sex offender and will remain so for around 10 years. Not surprisingly, this can have great impact on the defendant’s future and will impact various areas of their life such as:

• Rejection from jobs you would otherwise qualify for
• Harassment from neighbors
• Exclusion from relatives and friends
• Prevention from renting in certain areas

In some cases, you may qualify for deregistration.

Sex Offender Deregistration Texas: Laws & Limitations

Some sex offender registrants may be able to get themselves removed from the registry under The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.301 as long as criteria is met. Deregistration is not expungement of the crime, it just removes the defendant from the public record of sex offenders. Some of the criteria include:

• The alleged offense occurred in Texas
• Offender must file a motion requesting early termination
• Offender has only one sex crime conviction
• Offender completed Sex Offender Treatment Program
• Offender received a professional confirmation that he or she does not present a threat
• The conviction resulted in his or her registration as a sex offender

It is important to speak with your Houston sex crime attorney to discuss the case in further depth and build a specific defense for your situation.

Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges

Being accused of a sex crime can be life-changing, but there are several legal defenses that may be used to challenge the charges. A skilled attorney will examine all aspects of the case to build a strong defense.

Common Defenses Include:

• Lack of Evidence or False Accusations: Many sex crime cases rely on the testimony of the alleged victim. If there is insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges may be dismissed. False accusations, often motivated by revenge, custody disputes, or misunderstandings, can also be exposed through thorough investigation.
• Mistaken Identity or Wrongful Arrest: Sometimes, a person may be falsely identified as the perpetrator, especially in cases where DNA or surveillance footage is lacking.
• Consent as a Defense: In cases involving adults, if the act was consensual, it can serve as a defense. However, this does not apply if the alleged victim was a minor, intoxicated, or unable to provide legal consent.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: If law enforcement violated your rights during an investigation, such as conducting an unlawful search or coercing a confession, evidence may be suppressed.

Impact of a Sex Crime Conviction in Texas

A conviction for a sex crime can have serious consequences that extend beyond legal penalties.

Consequences Include:

• Employment Challenges: Many employers refuse to hire individuals with a sex crime conviction, making it difficult to find work.
• Housing Restrictions: Convicted sex offenders often face restrictions on where they can live, including bans from living near schools or parks.
• Travel Limitations: Some countries deny entry to individuals convicted of sex crimes, and certain travel restrictions may apply even within the U.S.
• Social Stigma: A conviction can lead to damaged personal relationships, public shaming, and isolation.

Sex Crime Investigations and Your Rights

If you are under investigation, it is crucial to protect your rights and avoid self-incrimination.

Key Steps to Take:

• Do Not Speak to Police Without a Lawyer: Anything you say can be used against you, so always consult an attorney before answering questions.
• Know Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and to refuse searches without a warrant.
• Gather Evidence: Keep any messages, emails, or other evidence that may support your defense.

False Allegations and Sex Crimes in Texas

It is an unfortunate truth that at times alleged sex crime victims falsely accuse others of these serious crimes. A person may make entirely false accusations or may misunderstand a situation and therefore make allegations that have no foundation in the truth.

Revenge, jealousy and anger are all potential reasons to make false allegations of rape, child molestation or other sex offenses. A parent may even resort to this in a bitter child custody battle. By exposing the truth about false sex crime allegations, an experienced Houston sex crimes attorney can work to help a defendant avoid a conviction and grave criminal penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do if I am falsely accused of a sex crime?

• If you are falsely accused, avoid discussing the case with anyone except your attorney. Do not contact the accuser, and gather any evidence that may support your defense. Seek legal representation immediately.

Can a sex crime charge be removed from my record?

• In some cases, a charge may be expunged or sealed if it was dismissed or resulted in an acquittal. However, a conviction for most sex crimes in Texas cannot be removed from your record.

How long does a sex crime case take to resolve?

• The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, available evidence, and court schedules. Some cases may take months, while others could take years to reach a resolution.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if I’m convicted?

• Most sex crime convictions in Texas require mandatory sex offender registration, which can last for years or even a lifetime, depending on the offense. Some individuals may qualify for deregistration under specific circumstances.

Can I be charged with a sex crime if the alleged victim is an adult?

• Yes, even if both parties are adults, you can still be charged if there is a claim of lack of consent, coercion, or if certain laws (such as those involving prostitution or workplace misconduct) apply.

What happens if I violate sex offender registration requirements?

• Failing to register, update your information, or comply with other registration requirements can lead to additional felony charges, resulting in fines, extended registration, or imprisonment.

Should I accept a plea deal for a sex crime charge?

• Every case is unique, and while plea deals may reduce penalties, they often still carry significant consequences. Always consult an experienced attorney before accepting any plea bargain.