Continuous Sexual Assault Attorney in Houston, TX
Being criminally charged for continuously sexually assaulting a child can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender. These crimes involve accusations that the defendant committed two or more sexual acts with a child over 30 days or longer. If you are facing accusations that you committed this serious sex crime, your first step should be to hire a Houston continuous sexual assault lawyer to fight your charges and protect your freedom.
With representation from a Houston criminal defense lawyer, you can prepare a defense that works to shield you from the harshest penalties under the law while leveraging weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to your advantage.
Strong Legal Advocates Representing Defendants in Houston
When defendants in Houston need strong legal representation in criminal court, they trust The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates to deliver exceptional legal services and proven results. As former prosecutors, our team of criminal defense attorneys brings experience from both sides of the courtroom. We understand what it takes to successfully defend clients from the consequences of a felony conviction.
Setting our law firm apart is our focus on personalized service and client-focused results. The men and women we represent come to us for solutions to complex problems. While other firms approach criminal cases the same way or lean on clients to accept unfavorable plea bargain offers, we go the extra mile to fight for the rights and interests of our clients.
Trust our legal team to explore every viable defense strategy to ensure you stand the strongest chance of a favorable outcome in your case.
Understanding Continuous Sexual Assault Crimes
Under Texas Penal Code §21.02(h), defendants convicted of continuous sexual assault face a minimum of 25 years in prison and a maximum of 99 years to life in prison. There is no possibility of parole under the state statute because this first-degree felony comes with enhanced sentencing.
Texas reports 75,710 registered sex offenders. In Houston, police captain Daryn Blake Edwards was charged with continuous sexual assault after allegedly abusing a minor between 85 and 100 times in 2024. Prosecutors say he used hidden cameras to record the incidents, leading to multiple felony charges, including continual sexual assault and possession of child pornography.
The overall crime rate in Houston is about 37.88 per 1,000 residents each year, with neighborhoods such as Heights, Westbury, and Sharpstown all potentially being affected by these cases. Suspects are typically held at the Harris County Jail, which is located at 1200 Baker Street. Once charged, defendants can rely on arguments that evidence was unlawfully collected, they are falsely accused, or that prosecutors cannot prove that the acts were continuous.
Why You Should Hire a Continuous Sexual Assault Lawyer in Houston, TX?
Anyone facing accusations that they repeatedly assaulted a child should hire a continuous sexual assault lawyer with experience securing favorable outcomes for clients in criminal court. A Houston continuous sexual assault attorney can review your case and examine the evidence to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can be leveraged to your advantage.
Continuous sexual assault laws require prosecutors to prove that you met the elements of an offense. An attorney can prevent the state from proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt by having evidence suppressed and taking other decisive steps that can potentially lead to reduced or dropped charges.
FAQs
What Is Considered Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child in Texas?
Continuous sexual assault of a child involves two or more acts of sexual abuse committed against a child under 14 over a span of 30 days or longer. Texas law treats this as a first-degree felony with enhanced penalties, including a minimum 25-year prison sentence and no possibility of parole upon conviction. Any steps that lead to reduced or dropped charges can shield defendants from some of the harshest penalties in the penal code.
How Does Texas Define “Two or More Acts” in Continuous Sexual Assault Cases?
“Two or more acts” refers to separate incidents of sexual abuse occurring at least twice over 30 days or more. These acts can include contact or penetration offenses. Prosecutors must prove each act occurred within that timeframe, but not necessarily on specific dates, which makes timelines a major issue in many defense cases. The enhanced penalties are intended to punish repeat offenders.
What Age Range of Victims Qualifies for a Continuous Sexual Assault Charge?
Continuous sexual assault charges apply when the alleged victim is under 14 years old at the time of the offense. Texas law distinguishes this from other sexual assault charges by focusing specifically on repeated abuse of young children. Other sex crimes distinguish minors as anyone under 18. Crimes involving minors are aggressively prosecuted, and a conviction can lead to life-altering consequences.
How Is Continuous Sexual Assault Different From a Single Sexual Assault Charge?
Continuous sexual assault is different from a single sexual assault due to the repeated nature of the offense. State criminal laws carry harsh penalties for anyone convicted of either action, but repeat offenders are subject to enhanced penalties. One defense strategy for anyone facing accusations that they repeatedly assaulted a child would be to question the aggravating factors surrounding the charges.
Let The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Work to Protect Your Freedom and Future
Continuous sexual assault charges carry some of the harshest penalties in Texas law. A conviction can lead to decades in prison, along with mandatory sex offender registration and permanent damage to your reputation. When your freedom is on the line, you need representation from a firm with a track record of securing wins for clients in court.
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we bring over 30 years of courtroom experience to defending clients accused of serious sex crimes. Our attorneys understand how prosecutors build these cases and how to challenge unreliable witnesses and questionable evidence. Trust our team to take a focused, aggressive approach to protect your rights and your future. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.