Charged With A Sexual Crime: Here’s What You Should Do

A sexual offense has severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and heavy penalties in Huston, TX. A person charged with a sexual offense could be placed on the sex offender’s list indefinitely.

Sex offenders are banned from entering certain places, being employed in specific jobs, and even volunteering in certain religious institutions. If you have been wrongly accused of a sex offense, you may want to contact a Houston sex crimes lawyer immediately. Not everyone charged with a sex offense is guilty.

Consequences of a Sexual Crime in Houston

Sex offenders in Houston, TX, are immediately registered with the local police. The database will record the person’s details, including their name, address, and work address, and the department will retain the information for at least 15 years.

Sex offenses usually involve an element of force. However, sex crimes like statutory rape don’t require the prosecution to prove that force was involved. The Texas Department of Safety reported 18,636 sexual assault incidents in Houston, TX, in 2015 alone. Reports also show that 7,842 sex offenders are living in Houston as of 31 March 2021.

Sex crimes on minors such as indecency with a minor or online solicitation of a minor or involvement in production or promotion of child pornography have dire consequences in Houston, TX.

Crimes that are considered Class A, Class B, or Class C “misdemeanor” have lighter consequences than crimes considered “felonies.” Felonies may be a first-degree felony, a second-degree felony, a third-degree felony, or a state jail felony. Convicted offenders may have to face long sentences and heavy penalties.

Know What Specific Offense You Have Been Charged With

Before you are arrested, the law enforcement or local police of Houston, TX, will inform you of the “probable cause” for the arrest. It would be best to contact your Houston sex crimes lawyer immediately if this happens. Upon arrest, the team will collect your photograph and fingerprint. The police will also question you.

Contact Your Lawyer

You may want to contact your lawyer immediately if you have been charged with a sexual offense. It is also vital that you contact the right attorney because sexual crimes involve tricky provisions. If you have been wrongly accused of a sexual crime, you will need the expertise and skill of a reputed lawyer to prove your innocence.

Collect Evidence with the Help of Your Attorney

Work with your lawyer to collect and solidify any evidence that could work in your favor. Evidence could include text conversations, phone call records, emails, or an alibi. You may want to ensure you are completely transparent with your attorney. Your attorney may be able to use the evidence to get you an “arraignment or bail.” Your attorney may also be able to use your statements and evidence to get you a “plea bargain.”

An Expert Law Firm Can Reduce Your Chances of Being Convicted

It would be highly challenging to prove your innocence against a sex crime without the support of an expert criminal lawyer in Houston, TX. However, you may also want to know that being convicted or arrested for a sex crime does not mean you are already charged with the crime. Shift your focus on hiring the best attorney you can find and doing everything you can to ensure you are acquitted.