What to Do If You Are Accused of a Sex Crime in Houston

Being accused of a sex crime can be a terrifying and stressful ordeal. You may not immediately know what to do to defend yourself. That’s understandable, especially if you have never had to deal with something like this before. Still, it is vital that you reach out to an experienced Houston sex crime lawyer and start working on a defense strategy. Otherwise, you could suffer irreparable damage to your reputation. You may wonder what to do if you are accused of a sex crime in Houston.

What to Do If You Are Accused of a Sex Crime in Houston?

If you are ever accused of a sex crime in Houston, it is vital that you immediately contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can get ahead of the potential public backlash and properly defend you. Sometimes, an accusation can be enough to cause permanent damage to not just your reputation but every aspect of your life. It can affect your social standing, job opportunities, and even personal relationships if you aren’t careful.

Texas takes sex crimes very seriously, as it should. However, you may think otherwise when you are the one being accused. You may have an even more difficult time defending yourself if you do not hire a lawyer. Whatever you say publicly to defend yourself can become misconstrued, or you might say the wrong thing and harm your case. Let an experienced lawyer handle the finer details of your case and tell you how to handle yourself in all this.

Getting Arrested for a Sex Crime

Getting arrested for a sex crime charge can be a humiliating experience, especially if the arrest happens in front of your friends, coworkers, or family. Throughout it all, you may feel an overwhelming sense of defeat, which is common. You should never lose hope, especially when you know you are innocent. Don’t forget that you have certain constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon. These rights include your right to counsel and your right to remain silent.

It is vital that you exercise these rights when you are arrested. You don’t have to say anything to the police that you don’t want to. They may have less evidence on you than you have been led to believe, and they may try to intimidate you into a confession. Say nothing, and calmly ask for your lawyer. Once your lawyer arrives, let them do all the talking for you.

Potential Defenses Against Sex Crimes

After you are arrested, it may be hard to remember that this isn’t the end. In many ways, being arrested is just the beginning of your real fight. Never forget that you are innocent until proven guilty, and there are multiple ways you can build a strong defense strategy. It begins with hiring the right sex crime defense lawyer to represent you and your interests.

Here are two potential defenses you might use:

• False Accusations: Regrettably, people are falsely accused of sex crimes all the time. A jilted lover, former spouse, or even someone you don’t know can randomly accuse you of a sex crime, sometimes without any proof at all. They know the accusation can be enough to cause permanent damage, and they may be counting on it. If you are falsely accused, you should immediately get a lawyer and fight the accusation with everything you’ve got.
• Consent: One of the more common defenses against a sex crime is arguing consent. There may be undeniable evidence that the sexual activity did happen, but it was wholly consensual. If there is no physical evidence that there was ever a crime, the entire case becomes a “he said, she said” scenario. While you can’t prove that a sex crime didn’t happen, the other side can’t prove that it did.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Laws for Sex Offenders in Texas?

A: Texas sex offender laws are very strict and specific, as they are in place to protect other people from those who have been officially labeled as potentially dangerous predators. Sex offenders in Texas are legally required to register with law enforcement within seven days of moving to a new area. They cannot live within 2,000 feet of a child safety zone, which includes schools, playgrounds, and parks. They are also barred from certain professions.

Q: How Do I Defend Myself Against False Accusations?

A: There are many ways you can work to defend yourself against false accusations. First, you should get in contact with a defense lawyer who can help you defend yourself publicly and get ahead of any potential charges. Make sure you document all your interactions with your accuser, including emails, phone calls, and texts. Gather as much evidence as you can that supports your side of the story.

Q: Can You Press Charges Against Someone for Making False Accusations?

A: Yes, you can press charges against someone for making false accusations against you. In fact, it is recommended that you do whatever you can to not just protect yourself but make sure it doesn’t happen again. Depending on the situation, you could file criminal and/or civil charges against them. Criminal charges may involve filing a false police report, among other offenses.

Q: What Is the Burden of Proof for False Accusations?

A: The burden of proof for false accusations lies with the prosecution since they are the ones accusing you of a crime. They must prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to convict you. If the accusation is false, your attorney could gather enough evidence to prove your version of events and stop the prosecution’s case. They will need to prove that the false accusation was made with malicious intent or reckless disregard for the truth.

Contact Us Today

The legal team at Segura & Kiatta knows the most effective ways to combat a sex crime accusation or charge. We can analyze the evidence, formulate a strong defense strategy, and fiercely represent you throughout every stage of your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.