Child Molestation Attorney in League City, TX
If your child has been molested, your family may be experiencing fear, confusion, and a need for protection and answers. Talking to a League City child molestation lawyer can help you understand how the criminal justice process works and what steps may be available to help protect your child’s well-being.
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we represent families dealing with these very serious matters with sensitivity, discretion, and firm legal guidance as investigations and prosecutions proceed. Our League City criminal defense lawyers are prepared to fight for your family.
Hire a Child Molestation Lawyer
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, families receive the personal attention of dedicated trial lawyers who have extensive experience with serious criminal cases. Tad Nelson has decades of experience in the courtroom, leading high-exposure cases.
Amber Spurlock is known for her personal attention to case development and close collaboration with investigators and prosecutors. We work with families through the criminal justice system with discretion, accuracy, and a relentless focus on the best interests of a child.
Understanding Child Molestation Under Texas Law
According to the United States Sentencing Commission, 1,430 of the 61,678 cases reported in FY 2024 involved sexual abuse. Actions referred to as child molestation are a crime in the state of Texas and are prosecuted under a number of different statutes, most often under Texas Penal Code § 22.011 (sexual assault) or Texas Penal Code § 21.11 (indecency with a child), depending on the nature of the conduct alleged and the age of the child at the time.
These statutes cover a broad spectrum of activity, from sexual contact and exposure to other lewd or coercive conduct involving a child. Child sexual abuse typically involves individuals who are in the child’s circle of trust, which also colors the investigation of these cases. Penalties under Texas law are severe, and investigations typically involve:
- Coordination between law enforcement and child advocacy professionals
- Forensic interviews and medical evaluations
- Felony charges with lifelong consequences
What Happens After a Child Molestation Report Is Made in League City?
Reporting child molestation in League City can thrust a family into a fast-paced and often unfamiliar process. The League City Police Department may launch an investigation, including special child investigators, and work with prosecutors at the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office. Interviews may be held at a child advocacy center. Parents can be asked to make decisions right after learning about shocking events.
Getting legal advice early on can help parents understand the scope of the investigation, what interviews are reasonable, and how to avoid unnecessary repetition that can retraumatize a child. Families who have a good idea of what to expect are better able to stay informed, protect their child’s well-being, and communicate with authorities from a place of knowledge instead of fear or uncertainty.
Protecting a Child’s Well-Being During a Criminal Investigation
Sometimes, the criminal justice process can be another source of trauma for a family. Parents often have questions about how interviews will be conducted, who will have information about their child, and how a child will be affected as the investigation moves forward.
Working with an attorney can help parents ensure that questioning is age-appropriate, communication with investigators is civil and tempered, and a child’s emotional needs are considered in addition to the criminal process. This could include advocating for limited interviews, coordination with counselors or other support services, and discretion throughout the case.
The goal is not to undermine or compromise a criminal investigation, but to make sure that a child is treated with dignity and compassion as appropriate accountability is pursued. Closely managed legal oversight can help ensure that a family is not victimized a second time.
FAQs About Child Molestation in League City, TX
Will My Child Have to Testify in Court?
Whether a child is required to testify depends on the evidence, the age of the child, and how the case proceeds through the court system. The need for testimony depends on the evidence available and the course the case takes.
In most cases, families will know in advance whether testimony is being considered. Legal advice can help you understand what to expect, how a child is prepared for testimony if needed, and what alternatives exist.
What Role Does a Lawyer Play for Families During a Criminal Case?
Your lawyer is not the one prosecuting the case, but rather will walk you through the criminal justice process and be an advocate for you and your family. This can include explaining the investigation and court process, helping you understand your rights, and making sure your child’s best interest is taken into account as decisions are made.
Legal counsel can also help you navigate talking to investigators and other officials without additional stress or confusion during an already difficult time.
What Support Resources Are Available for Children and Parents?
Families can be referred for counseling, advocacy services, or support organizations during a child molestation case. These services may assist children in healing from trauma and parents with the emotional and practical aspects of the situation. Your lawyer can advise you on what is available in your area and how involvement will impact the criminal process so that you can get support without jeopardizing the case.
What Happens if the Alleged Offender Is a Family Member or Caregiver?
When the alleged offender is a family member or caregiver, cases often involve additional practical and emotional considerations for parents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 90% of child sexual abuse is committed by someone known to the child or the child’s family.
In these situations, families may need to address safety planning, temporary changes in living arrangements, or protective orders while the criminal case moves forward. The process typically requires added coordination and sensitivity.
Contact a League City Child Molestation Lawyer
When a child has been injured, families want and deserve clear communication and consistent legal guidance. Molestation of a child involves emotional decisions, unfolding investigations, and long-term factors to consider. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we assist families in understanding the process, safeguarding a child’s interests, and thoughtfully moving through the criminal justice system. Book a consultation today to hire a child molestation lawyer.