Molestation Attorney in Galveston County, TX
Few, if any, crimes carry the stigma of molestation. Prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions for offenders found guilty of sex crimes, and the penalties for a crime involving a child victim can lead to incarceration. If you are charged with this serious sex crime, you can hire a Galveston County molestation lawyer to represent you in court. With legal support from a defense attorney, you can explore strategies that could lead to reduced or dropped charges.
Experienced Legal Advocates Representing Defendants in Galveston County
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates represent defendants facing sex crimes in Galveston County. We understand the consequences of a sex crime conviction, and our top priority is protecting your freedom. We bring over 30 years of collective experience in the courtroom, and we understand how to cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative of events.
When you work with our team of dedicated Galveston County criminal defense lawyers, you gain the support and tireless advocacy of some of the most respected defense lawyers in the state. Our founding attorney is board-certified as a criminal lawyer, and our associate lawyer is a retired Air Force Captain who served as a Judge Advocate General. Together, we provide tireless and unwavering legal support for defendants that get results.
Understanding Molestation Charges in Galveston County
What many people call “child molestation” is prosecuted in Texas under Sec. 21.11 as Indecency with a Child. The law makes clear that any sexual contact or exposure involving a child under 17 is a felony offense. Depending on the conduct, the offense can be charged as a second-degree felony or a third-degree felony and carry the possibility of years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.
In 2023, the Texas Department of Public Safety recorded 3,120 cases of indecency with a child by contact and 303 cases of continuous sexual abuse of young children. Altogether, there were more than 18,000 sexual assault offenses statewide. One recent example occurred in 2025 when a Galveston County resident was arrested for continuous sexual abuse of young children. The arrest came after a lengthy investigation and involved multiple victims.
Effective Defense Strategies for Fighting Molestation Charges
Being charged with a serious crime like molestation does not mean that you will ultimately be convicted of that offense. With the right defense strategy, your attorney can weaken the prosecution’s position so you stand a chance at having your charges reduced or dropped. One strategy could focus on whether any crime took place.
Although one witness account may be enough to lead to an arrest, it may not meet the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in court. If the witness is unreliable or there is uncertainty about whether you are the person who committed the act, your attorney can leverage those weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to protect you from a harmful conviction.
Why You Should Hire a Molestation Lawyer in Galveston County, TX?
The decision to hire a molestation lawyer can be a critical first step for protecting your future and your freedom. Texas’ molestation laws carry heavy penalties that can lead to confinement in jail or prison.
A Galveston County molestation attorney can take decisive steps to protect you from serious molestation penalties by scrutinizing the evidence and statements from the victim and witnesses to find where the prosecution got it wrong.
Whether your case benefits from legal arguments that were misidentified or that no crime was committed, having strong representation plays a critical role in protecting your rights and safeguarding your future.
FAQs About Molestation Charges
What Actions Can Lead to a Molestation Charge in Galveston County?
What is commonly referred to as molestation is prosecuted as indecency with a child or another related crime. This charge results from sexual contact with a child under 17 or exposing oneself to a child with the intent to gratify oneself. Multiple acts over 30 days can trigger the first-degree felony charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child.
What Penalties Can Result From a Molestation Conviction?
Indecent exposure can be charged as a felony if the defendant has two or more previous convictions. Continuous sexual abuse of a young child is a first-degree felony punishable by 25 to 99 years or life in prison. Indecency with a child covers a wide range of acts involving a child under 17 and can lead to a felony of the second or third degree, depending on the specific charge.
How Can a Lawyer Defend Against Molestation Allegations?
An attorney can play a critical role in protecting you from serious penalties by fighting your charges in Galveston County, Texas. Criminal defense attorneys understand the law and the elements that must be met for prosecutors to convict someone of a molestation crime. Your lawyer can argue that there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove that a crime was committed or that a lesser charge is more appropriate, based on the available evidence.
What Should I Do if I Am Accused of Molestation?
If you are accused, avoid speaking to police or investigators without an attorney present. Do not attempt to contact the alleged victim. Instead, immediately retain a criminal defense lawyer who understands Galveston County’s courts and procedures. Gather any evidence that supports your account of events and work closely with your attorney to develop a defense strategy that casts doubt on the prosecution’s narrative of events.
Let The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Work to Protect Your Freedom and Future
Facing a molestation charge in Galveston County can put your freedom, reputation, and relationships at risk. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates has over 30 years of experience defending clients accused of the most serious sex crime allegations. We never settle for unfavorable plea bargain deals because we understand the lasting consequences of a sex crime conviction.
We are relentless in pursuing viable defense strategies and will not hesitate to take your case to trial when necessary. Trust our award-winning defense team to provide aggressive, results-driven advocacy focused on protecting your rights and securing your future. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.