Being charged with a sex crime can have a profound impact on your life even if you are not ultimately found guilty. In addition to the legal consequences of a conviction, you can see your personal life turned upside down. Securing the services of an experienced Houston sex crime attorney can be essential for beating a charge and rebuilding your reputation.
At Blass Law, we believe that everyone deserves the best possible defense when facing criminal charges. Our team of experienced Houston criminal defense lawyers will work diligently on your behalf. Reach out to us today to schedule your confidential case evaluation with a member of our team.
Common Charges Our Sex Crime Attorneys Serving Houston Can Help You Fight
Any criminal offense that involves sexual conduct or non-consensual physical contact is classified as a sex crime in Houston. Among the most common sex crimes handled at our firm are:
- Sexual assault
- Sexual battery
- Rape
- Sexual imposition
- Importuning
- Prostitution
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
- Disseminating or displaying matter harmful to juveniles
- Public exposure
- Public indecency
- Voyeurism
If you are facing any of these charges or a charge for any other sex crime, our experienced team can help build your defense and give you the best odds of a favorable case result.
For a legal consultation with a sex crime lawyer serving Houston, call (713) 225-1900
Sex Crime Conviction Legal Penalties
Those convicted of sexual assault or another sex crime will face several different criminal penalties. The specific consequences vary depending on the charge, the severity of the offense, any criminal history you may have, and the discretion of the court.
Those convicted of any sex crime in Houston will almost certainly face some level of:
- Incarceration
- Fines
- Probation
- Mandatory sex offender registration
Additional penalties that may apply in some cases include:
- Receiving mandatory treatment for sex offenders
- Limitations on where you can live
- Restrictions regarding where you can work
- Being barred from any contact with minors
How a Sex Crime Conviction Can Affect Your Everyday Life
The legal penalties of a conviction for sexual assault or another sex crime are not the only consequences you will face. Sex crimes carry a significant social stigma that can affect your personal relationships even if you ultimately avoid a conviction.
A conviction for a sex crime can mean having to move, find a new job, or even result in the loss of custody or visitation of your children.
Before accepting a plea deal to avoid the worst penalties of a sex crime conviction, you need to ensure that you understand all the consequences that accompany the plea agreement. One of the experienced Houston sex crimes lawyers from Blass Law can help ensure you fully understand the terms of any deal before you accept it.
Houston Sex Crime Attorney (713) 225-1900
Common Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges in Houston
If you were arrested for a sex crime, there are several different defenses your sex crime attorney can use, depending on the specifics of your case. The specifics of your case will dictate the best approach to take. Some of the most common defenses in these cases include:
- Alibi
- Lack of evidence
- Mistaken identity
- Consent
- Entrapment
Alibi
One of the best defenses when fighting sex crime charges is having a strong alibi. If you are able to prove that you were not present at the time of the incident, the prosecution may drop the charges against you without going to trial.
Lack of Evidence
In a criminal trial, the prosecution has the burden of proof. This means they need to have a significant amount of evidence proving guilt to get a conviction. Your Houston sex crime attorney may be able to simply argue that the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove your fault.
Mistaken Identity
Unfortunately, mistaken identity is a common problem in sex crime cases. The trauma accompanying victims of a violent attack like sexual assault or rape can cause confusion and disorientation, especially if the victim was drugged by their attacker.
This confusion can easily lead to mistakes in identifying their assailant, especially if they do not know their attacker.
Consent
Consent is a big question in many sex crimes cases. While it does not apply in cases involving minors, it is a key question when your accuser is of legal age for sexual activity.
Arguing that you were given consent for a sexual act can be a strong defense. Since the prosecution carries the burden of proof in these cases, they need to prove that consent was not given rather than the other way around.
Regret does not constitute a crime. If your accuser was mentally sound at the time of the sexual act and gave consent but regretted it later, you should not face criminal penalties.
Entrapment
Police officers can sometimes get carried away when looking to make an arrest. If a law enforcement officer encouraged or induced you into committing a criminal act you would not have otherwise done, they can not charge you with a crime.
If you can show that you were the victim of entrapment, you’ll have a strong defense to avoid a conviction.
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Reach Out to an Experienced Sex Crime Attorney in Houston Today
Getting arrested for sexual assault or another sex crime can significantly impact your life. The best way to avoid a conviction and get your life back to normal is by hiring an experienced Houston sex crime lawyer. The last thing you want to do in this critical situation is attempt to represent yourself or put your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender.
At Blass Law, our legal team will work hard to ensure you avoid a conviction or at least receive favorable terms in a plea deal. Contact us today to schedule your confidential case review with a member of our legal staff.
Call or text (713) 225-1900 or complete a Case Evaluation form
