Houston Sex Crime Lawyer

Houston Sex Crime Attorney

Facing allegations of a sex crime can be an overwhelming experience that easily impacts every area of your life. Navigating the legal system can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face it on your own. The experienced Houston sex crime lawyers at Segura & Kiatta can help you through this trying time and ensure you have the support you need.

Our team will work hard to protect your civil rights and right to a fair trial. With over twenty years of experience advocating on behalf of individuals in need of defense, you can rest assured that you are in good hands with our legal staff.

The Legal Definition of Sex Crimes in Houston

Sex crimes in Houston include a wide array of sexually based offenses. All of which have their own specific consequences. Sexual assault refers to any non-consensual sexual behavior. This can range from unwanted touching to rape. Rape refers to forced sexual intercourse/ penetration without consent. Sexual abuse of a child includes any sexual activity with a minor.

In Houston, groping, grooming, exploitation, and molestation are all categorized as child sexual abuse. If an adult has sexual intercourse with a minor, then that is considered statutory rape. A minor cannot consent, so the adult will be charged even if they attempt to argue that the sexual contact was not forced. Indecent exposure is another sex crime in Houston. This involves exposing one’s genitals in public or in front of others without their consent.

Legal Defense Strategies

An experienced Houston sex crime lawyer will strategize a defense that includes a variety of ways to protect their client’s rights and future. When a case does not involve children, a criminal defense lawyer may investigate whether or not consent was given during the alleged incident. If a defense attorney can argue that the sexual activity was consensual, they can prove that a crime was not committed according to Texas law.

Another strategy often used is to hone in on the evidence, or lack thereof. The prosecution must meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and it can be difficult to do so when a defense attorney properly challenges the validity or relevancy of the evidence provided. It is important to share all details of the incident with your criminal defense attorney so that they can develop an effective strategy that does not face surprises in court.

Collaborative Approach to Defense

Collaboration is important when it comes to defending a client against sex crime allegations. At our firm, in particular, we leverage the diverse perspectives, skillsets, and resources of our legal team to develop robust defense strategies that are tailored to the specific details of each and every case.

We do this by implementing a team that includes not only experienced defense trial attorneys but also experienced negotiators and investigators. By collaborating with our diverse team, we can ensure that our clients benefit from all of our legal experience and have a fair shot at receiving a positive, favorable outcome for their case.

Consequences of Convicted Sex Crimes in Houston

If someone is convicted of a sex crime in Houston, they will face serious consequences. Some of these consequences and penalties may include:

• Imprisonment: This can include state or county sentences that vary in length.
• Fines: Monetary fines can be hefty, causing strain on the offender and their family.
• Sex Offender Registration: Megan’s Law is a federal mandate that requires sexual offenders to publicly disclose their status as a sex offender. This can impact housing, employment, personal relationships, etc.
• Probation: This refers to the close legal supervision and legal restrictions mandated by law.

In addition to those legal penalties, there are possible long-term effects as well, including irreparable relationships and reputations, difficulty finding employment, and the inability to work with or be around children. You will also be prohibited from working in some industries as a convicted sex offender.

Rights of Those Accused of Sex Crimes in Houston

Individuals accused of sex crimes in Houston maintain certain rights throughout their legal process. Despite any charges, individuals are presumed innocent until the prosecution can prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Defendants always have a right to a fair trial, and a defense attorney’s job is to make sure that it is upheld at all times. If applicable, defendants may have the opportunity to enter a plea bargain, which gives them an opportunity to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a lighter sentence.

During a pre-trial, attorneys review the evidence to be presented and ensure that it is fair, admissible, and obtained lawfully.

Statute of Limitations in Sex Crimes

A statute of limitations refers to a period of time that someone has the right to file certain kinds of legal action. In criminal cases, this is the time the prosecutor has to bring charges against the defendant. In Houston, the length of the statue depends on a few different factors. Firstly, it depends on whether the case is handled in criminal or civil court. The criminal statute of limitations for sexual assault offenses (including but not limited to rape) is ten years after the day of the offense if the victim was 18 years or older at the time of the offense.

If a sex crime involves a minor, the limit changes. In criminal cases where the victim was 17 or under at the time, the criminal and civil statute of limitations is extended to as many as 20 years from the time the victim turns 18.

The severity of the offense also plays a role in the length of the statute of limitations. In cases that deal with sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault, there is no statute of limitations when biological evidence can be tested for DNA so long as the offense was reported to law enforcement within ten years. This helps ensure the state can prosecute delayed sex crimes or cases where evidence was presented at a much later time than initially reported.

Texas also has precautions set up in place to protect victims who were sexually abused as a child but either did not report it or weren’t fully aware at the time. In Texas, this is called “tolling” or pausing the statute of limitations. For this reason, the statute of limitations “clock” doesn’t even begin to count until after the victim turns 18 and is thus able to advocate for themselves as an adult.

FAQs

Q: What Is Considered a Sex Crime in Texas?

A: In Texas, sex crimes include a wide range of offenses, including, but not limited to, rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, statutory rape, and indecent exposure. All of these crimes involve non-consensual sexual acts and either exploitation of minors or inappropriate sexual conduct in public. All these acts carry different penalties under Texas Law.

Q: What Is the Average Sentence for Child Molesters in Texas?

A: Texas law takes sex crimes against children very seriously. In Houston, the average sentence for child molesters will vary depending on the severity of the offense and unique circumstances. Harsh sentences can range from months to years and even life in prison. Other additional penalties can include fines, probation, and mandated sex offender registration.

Q: Who Is the Lawyer for the City of Houston?

A: The city of Houston employs a team of different attorneys from the Houston City Attorney’s Office to handle all of its legal affairs. It is these attorneys’ job to provide legal counsel on municipal issues and ensure the city complies with local, state, and federal laws. The attorneys also represent the city in litigation.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Indecency With a Child in Texas?

A: In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations on indecency with a child varies (civil) depending on both the age of the victim and the seriousness of the offense. The statute of limitations typically ranges from 10 to 20 years after the victim turns 18 years of age. In situations where evidence was delayed or discovered later in the process, the statute of limitations may be extended.

Contact a Houston Sex Crime Attorney

Navigating the legal complexities of sex crime allegations can be a daunting experience. It is important to have experienced legal representation that represents you with unwavering dedication and support.

At Segura & Kiatta, we recognize the gravity of the difficulties you and your loved ones are confronting. We understand how crucial it is that you obtain a just and fair opportunity to achieve a favorable resolution. Our team is committed to furnishing the legal and emotional assistance necessary to help you attain that objective.

We are more than ready to stand by your side throughout each step of the legal process. Rest assured that we will be there to offer guidance and answer any questions you may have along the way. We are prepared and equipped to seek all available avenues when fighting for you, as we have a deep understanding of Texas sex crime law and a track record of success in defending cases like yours

We defend every case with discretion, empathy, and a knowledge of the law. Our goal is to both achieve a favorable outcome for you and also to be there to support you and your family through this difficult period. If you or a loved one is facing sex crime charges in Houston, please contact us today to set up a consultation.