Continuous Sexual Assault Lawyer in Galveston

In Texas, a sexual assault conviction can result in prison time, sex offender registration, and other long-term consequences. If you are facing charges, a Galveston sex crime lawyer can help you fight them.

The lawyers at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson have over 100 years of combined experience. If you have been accused of repeated sexual assault, a continuous sexual assault lawyer in Galveston can help you build a strong defense.

The Role of a Galveston Continuous Sexual Assault Lawyer

Representing yourself in a sex crimes case is extremely risky. A Galveston criminal defense lawyer can help by:

• Investigating the allegations: An attorney can independently examine available evidence and identify inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Protecting your constitutional rights: An attorney can challenge unlawful searches, seizures, interrogations, or other violations of your rights.
• Handling negotiations: When appropriate, an attorney can negotiate with prosecutors and work to secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or, if possible, a dismissal.
• Preparing for trial: If your case goes to trial, an attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and present a strong defense.

What are the Penalties for Continuous Sexual Abuse in Texas?

Continuous sexual abuse is generally a first-degree felony in Texas. Potential consequences can include:

• Prison: A conviction can result in 25 to 99 years or life in prison.
• Fines: The court can impose a fine of up to $10,000.
• Sex offender registration: You will likely have to register as a sex offender.
• Restrictions after release: Registration and related requirements can affect where a person lives, works, or participates in certain activities.

A sex crime conviction can also affect your employment and housing opportunities and your reputation.

What Defenses May Apply?

Every sexual abuse case is different. Some of the defense strategies available to you may include:

• Insufficient evidence: You can argue that the prosecution has not produced enough reliable evidence to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Nonqualifying conduct: You can challenge whether the alleged acts actually fall within the legal definition of continuous sexual assault.
• Credibility problems: Inconsistencies between witnesses’ statements or other credibility concerns may weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Mistaken identity: If there is a question about who committed the alleged acts, you can challenge the evidence supposedly identifying you as the perpetrator.
• Constitutional violations: Evidence obtained through an unlawful search, seizure, interrogation, or other constitutional violations may be thrown out.

What is Continuous Sexual Abuse in Texas?

Under Texas Penal Code § 21.02, continuous sexual abuse is defined as at least two qualifying acts of sexual abuse against one or more victims over a period of 30 or more days. The accused person must have been at least 17 years old when the alleged conduct occurred, and the victim(s) must have been younger than 14 or disabled.

Not every allegation involving multiple sexual offenses qualifies as continuous sexual abuse. The prosecution must connect the alleged conduct to the criteria listed above.

What Happens After You are Accused of Sexual Abuse?

A continuous sexual abuse case can begin before an arrest. Law enforcement may investigate allegations, interview witnesses, collect electronic evidence, seek search warrants, or contact a person they believe may have information.

If investigators contact you about allegations of sexual assault, what you say can become part of the prosecution’s evidence. Even statements that seem harmless in the moment can potentially be interpreted differently in court. That’s why it’s critical to consult a Galveston continuous sexual assault lawyer before giving any statements to law enforcement.

If you are arrested or charged, your case may proceed through several stages, including an initial court appearance, pretrial hearings, negotiations, and potentially a jury trial. Our lawyers can provide guidance and protect your rights throughout this process.

Can My Charges Be Dropped?

In some cases, continuous sexual abuse charges can be dismissed. While no outcome is ever guaranteed, your odds of a dismissal will increase if the prosecution has insufficient evidence to prove your guilt or if law enforcement violates your constitutional rights.

Even if a dismissal isn’t possible, a continuous sexual assault attorney in Galveston can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf and aim to secure reduced charges or alternative sentencing.

What to Do If You are Accused of Sexual Assault in Galveston

If you learn that you are the subject of a sexual abuse investigation, it’s important to:

• Exercise your right to remain silent: You should decline to answer questions from the Galveston Police Department and request a lawyer.
• Avoid contact with the accuser: Trying to confront, persuade, threaten, or question an alleged victim can create additional problems.
• Preserve evidence: Keep relevant text messages, emails, photographs, videos, social media information, location records, and other potentially important evidence.
• Avoid discussing the case publicly: Social media posts and public statements can potentially become evidence for the prosecution.
• Follow court requirements: If you are arrested or released on bond, comply with every condition imposed by the court.
• Seek legal representation: A criminal defense attorney can protect your rights and help you avoid making mistakes that undermine your defense.

Speak to a Continuous Sexual Assault Attorney in Galveston

A continuous sexual assault allegation can affect every aspect of your life. If you have been accused of this type of crime, a Galveston continuous sexual assault attorney from The Law Offices of Tad Nelson can investigate the charges, gather evidence for your defense, and fight for you throughout the legal process.

Book a free consultation to get help with your case.