A sex crime conviction can have a devastating, long-lasting impact on your life. Penalties can include a long prison sentence, steep fines, and registering as a sex offender in the state of Texas for life. However, you can minimize the consequences if you have a Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer who will protect your legal rights and reputation.
At Blass Law, we understand that not every individual who is charged with a sexual offense is guilty, and we believe that you deserve aggressive legal representation regardless of the charges you’re facing. Our sex crime lawyers serving Montgomery County will present a personalized defense to fight back against the allegations and work tirelessly for the best possible outcome, whether that’s a case dismissal, an acquittal, sentence reduction, or a best-case scenario plea agreement.
How a Montgomery County Sex Crime Lawyer Can Help
Criminal defense lawyers guide clients throughout the criminal justice process as they determine their legal needs, provide counsel, and help them understand their legal options. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, the defendant is entitled to a robust legal defense, and it is the job of the defense attorney to provide this.
Defense lawyers typically handle the following tasks and more:
Investigation of the Criminal Charges
Your attorney will begin by investigating your case in an attempt to identify any technicalities that could help with reducing penalties or preventing a conviction. The investigation consists of tasks such as examining evidence, talking to witnesses and law enforcement, and gathering any information pertinent to the case.
To obtain vital information your attorney may find that you need to hire private investigators. They can help locate witnesses and demonstrate there is reasonable doubt in your case.
Develop Effective Defense Strategies
Defense lawyers are tasked with crafting a solid defense for their clients that they believe will be most effective in achieving a favorable outcome.
Common criminal defenses include:
- The defendant has an alibi
- Police misconduct
- Unlawfully seized evidence
- No probable cause
- Self-defense
- Mental disorder or incompetence
- Expired statute of limitations
- Violation of constitutional rights
Handle Paperwork
Any criminal case requires a substantial amount of paperwork. Errors made while collecting, filling out, and filing documents could undermine your defense. Your attorney will handle all the case-related paperwork on your behalf and ensure that any deadlines are met.
Offer an Objective Perspective
Defendants often do not have a clear understanding of their options. They could be hoping for an unlikely outcome or preparing themselves for severe punishment. A criminal defense lawyer will know precisely how the law will apply in your specific situation.
Negotiate With Prosecutors
Defense attorneys often reduce penalties for their clients, typically by negotiating a deal or plea bargain with the prosecutor.
Take You Through the Trial
If your case goes to trial, a criminal defense lawyer can handle all aspects of the process, including:
- Preparing all relevant documentation
- Consulting with expert witnesses
- Selecting jurors
- Performing cross-examinations
- Delivering opening and closing statements
Sometimes, defense lawyers can stop a case before it really begins. If you contact a lawyer right after you’re arrested, they may still have time to collect evidence that prevents the prosecution from filing initial charges.
Our Montgomery County Sex Crime Attorneys Understand the Seriousness of Your Situation
Sex offense charges range from misdemeanors to felonies and penalties from mild to severe. Regardless of the nature of the offense, however, a conviction will have significant long-term consequences beyond your sentencing. You may be placed on probation, incarcerated, and mandated to register as a sex offender, which can limit your job opportunities, activities, and social life.
We represent clients for the following sex crimes and more:
Assault by Contact
This offense occurs when an individual intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another that they consider “offensive or provocative.” This is a Class C misdemeanor without jail time and up to a $500 fine.
Public Lewdness
Public lewdness occurs when a person has sex or sexual contact with a person in a public place. This is a class A misdemeanor that comes with penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Online solicitation of a minor occurs when an individual, by electronic message, solicits a person 16 years old or younger to have sex or sexual contact. Penalties for this offense depend on the minor’s age, and range from 2–20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Adult Sexual Assault
Sexual assault of an adult occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly penetrates another person’s various sexual parts. This is a second-degree felony, punishable by between 2–20 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine.
Indecency With a Child
A person commits indecency with a child (16 years old or younger) if they engage in sexual contact with the child or cause the child to engage in sexual contact.
The punishment for this offense varies depending on whether the action involved exposure or sexual contact. Penalties range from a second-degree felony, with 2–20 years in prison, and a third-degree felony, with 2–10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Child Sexual Assault
A person commits sexual assault of a child (16 years old or younger) if the person intentionally or knowingly causes the penetration of the sexual parts of a child by any means. This offense is a second-degree felony, punishable by between 2–20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of an Adult
Aggravated sexual assault of an adult occurs when a person sexually assaults an adult under the threat of injury or death, uses or exhibits a deadly weapon, administers impairing substances, or causes serious bodily injury. This offense is a first-degree felony that comes with penalties between 5 years to life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Aggravated child sexual assault of a child occurs when a person sexually assaults a child who is 14 years old or younger under the threat of injury or death, uses or exhibits a deadly weapon, administers impairing substances, or causes serious bodily injury. The punishment for this offense varies depending on circumstances and the minor’s age. Penalties range from 5 years to life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Sexual assault allegations are among the most serious criminal charges and can permanently affect your reputation, career, and freedom. If you’re facing such accusations, a Montgomery County sexual assault lawyer can provide the strategic defense you need to challenge the evidence and protect your future.
Contact a Montgomery County Sex Crime Lawyer Today
Jay Blass Cohen is certified as an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist and in forensic chromatography for both alcohol and drugs. He and his legal team understand how to successfully defend their clients and are committed to handling your case with the expertise and support it requires.
If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, you should not have to face it alone. Contact Blass Law today for a confidential consultation.