Sexual Abuse Attorney in Friendswood, TX
Sexual abuse cases often involve vulnerable victims and adult suspects in positions of power or authority. Whether the acts targeted a child or an elderly individual, the consequences can lead to decades of imprisonment with no possibility of parole. If you were charged with sexually abusing someone, you can rely on the legal services of a Friendswood sexual abuse lawyer to challenge your charges and argue that you did not break any Friendswood sexual abuse laws.
Why You Should Choose The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates?
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we understand the gravity of being accused of sexual abuse and the damage it can cause to your reputation and future. That’s why we take an aggressive, evidence-focused approach to handling these types of cases. Our goal is to protect your rights and help you put the entire ordeal behind you.
Our legal team brings decades of courtroom experience, including over 400 jury trials led by our founding attorney alone. Our associate attorney, Amber Spurlock, is a retired Air Force Captain who brings a disciplined and focused approach to the cases she handles. Trust our law firm to go the extra mile to see that you receive effective legal representation that shields you from the most serious penalties under the law.
Understanding Sexual Abuse in Friendswood
Sexual abuse involves a range of conduct such as aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, and continuous sexual abuse of a young child. Many victims know their abuser, which can lead to underreporting and delayed investigations. Given the often young age of victims, gaining an accurate understanding of what occurred can be challenging, and defendants are often placed in the position of being accused based on victim accounts only.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), there were 7,323 confirmed cases of child sexual abuse in 2023. This represents a 4.2% decline from the 7,645 cases confirmed in 2022. Statewide surveys show that approximately one in six Texas high school students report having experienced sexual abuse at some point in their lives.
A man in Bacliff was arrested by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office in July 2025 on charges of continuous sexual abuse of young children, based on allegations from two minors. The Major Crimes Unit led the investigation, and forensic interviews were conducted through the local Child Advocacy Center. With approval from the District Attorney’s office, the suspect was formally charged and has a bond set at $250,000 while being detained in Galveston County Jail.
Sexual abuse cases can occur in any neighborhood, including Autumn Creek, West Ranch, and Heritage Park. Defending against such serious allegations requires a strategic legal approach that focuses on the evidence being used by the prosecution.
How Sexual Abuse Cases Are Investigated
Sexual abuse investigations can be initiated after the victim or another party reports the accusations to the police. When children are involved, parents, relatives, or mandatory reporters may approach police with their concerns. Law enforcement takes these allegations seriously and may immediately begin investigating the case, often by calling in the suspect for questioning.
An investigation may involve questioning the victim for details, conducting medical examinations, and gathering forensic evidence from text messages, phone calls, and digital devices. Depending on what investigators uncover, they may act quickly to have the suspect arrested or wait to gather further information.
Whether the victim is a minor child, an elderly senior, or an adult, their testimony often plays a critical role in helping prosecutors to build their case and pursue a conviction for sexual abuse.
What To Do if You Are Under Investigation?
If you believe that you are under investigation for sexual abuse, don’t panic. Do not contact law enforcement or try to explain what really happened, even if you believe you are falsely accused or misidentified. Even well-intentioned conversations with law enforcement could lead to serious setbacks for your case that could jeopardize your freedom.
Your first course of action should be to seek legal representation from an attorney who has successfully represented defendants facing sexual abuse charges. At no point should you discuss your case publicly or privately without the consent of your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you.
Are a Child’s Statements Enough for Criminal Charges?
While any criminal charge requires substantial proof on the part of prosecutors, sexual abuse cases often rely on the testimony of the victim. In some cases, that may be central evidence used by prosecutors to pursue charges. Law enforcement typically uses age-appropriate, trauma-informed interview techniques to gather statements.
This approach protects the child from further trauma while providing law enforcement with the evidence they need to arrest a suspect. While a child’s statement is often enough to provide police with the probable cause they need to pursue an arrest, the investigation often does not end there. If investigators and, later, prosecutors are unable to secure further evidence to support the state’s case, that could benefit the defendant.
Effectively Legal Defense Strategies for Fighting Sexual Abuse Charges
Sexual abuse charges carry severe penalties and long-lasting consequences, but the right legal defense strategy can call into question the prosecution’s case and the reliability of victim statements. With the help of an experienced attorney, your lawyer can pursue these and other defense strategies that work to chip away at the state’s case and position you for a positive outcome to your case.
Common legal defense strategies may include:
- Challenging the credibility of the accuser, especially if there are inconsistencies in their story or motives to fabricate the allegation
- Demonstrating that you are falsely accused by a former romantic partner due to an ongoing divorce, custody dispute, or personal conflict
- Asserting mistaken identity, particularly in cases where no physical evidence links the accused to the crime
- Questioning forensic evidence, including medical exam results or digital files, which may be misinterpreted or improperly handled
- Filing motions to suppress evidence that was obtained through unlawful searches or improper interrogation tactics
- Presenting an alibi, supported by witnesses, records, or surveillance footage that shows that you were not at the scene of the crime when the incident occurred
- Introducing character witnesses to counter the prosecution’s portrayal of the defendant
Depending on the strength of the prosecution’s case, negotiating a plea deal may be appropriate. Accepting any deal should never be done until your lawyer has carefully reviewed the prosecution’s case.
Another defense strategy could focus on going to trial, where a judge or jury listens to your lawyer’s oral arguments, hears testimony and cross-examination, and reviews evidence gathered by both your lawyer and the prosecution.
Why You Should Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
If you are considering going to court without an attorney or hiring a lawyer with minimal experience, you could be making a costly mistake that can jeopardize your freedom and future. The criminal courts can be especially unforgiving toward defendants who lack representation from an experienced sexual abuse attorney.
Making the decision to hire a sexual abuse lawyer is a critical step that can shape the outcome of your sexual abuse case. An attorney can quickly assess your case by examining the evidence and gaining a fuller picture of what happened by speaking to you at length. Lawyers bring years of experience handling sexual abuse cases, and they can advise you on the most effective legal defense strategy that is most likely to secure you a favorable outcome in your case.
They can evaluate whether the prosecution’s evidence holds up under scrutiny, identify legal issues that may warrant dismissal, and protect your rights through every phase of the process. Whether your case is resolved through skillful negotiations with prosecutors or strategic maneuvers in court, having the right legal representation can play a critical role in ensuring that your rights are protected and you stand the strongest chance of beating your charges.
Tips for Finding the Right Sexual Abuse Attorney
When it comes to effectively protecting the rights of a defendant, experience matters. Look for an attorney who has at least several years of experience, inside and outside of a criminal courtroom. Any lawyer you consider hiring should have trial experience and a track record of successful outcomes for their clients.
Beyond experience, look for an attorney who largely focuses on practicing criminal law. If an attorney only represents defendants 10% of the time, they may lack the real-world experience in criminal court that you need from your lawyer.
Checking client reviews can also give you a clear objective idea about how past clients rate the lawyer. Keep in mind that not every client will love their attorney. If the feedback is largely positive, you can take that as a sign that your lawyer has the experience and know-how to successfully represent clients in court.
Lastly, come to your initial consultation with a list of questions. You can ask your lawyer how aggressively they handle cases and whether they focus on plea bargains or dropped charges. Explain the details of your case to see what insights they offer. They should be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and provide you with some basic idea of which effective defense strategies could help you fight your charges.
FAQs About Sexual Abuse
What Is Considered Sexual Abuse Under Texas Law?
Under Texas law, sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact or activity involving force, coercion, or lack of consent. In Friendswood, charges may involve adults, children, or individuals unable to give legal consent. These serious criminal allegations can lead to felony prosecution, sex offender registration, and long-term imprisonment. Given the high stakes of these cases, defendants often rely on a defense attorney to represent them in court.
Can I Be Charged With Sexual Abuse Without Physical Evidence?
Yes, you can be charged with sexual abuse without physical evidence. In Texas, testimony alone can support a sexual abuse charge if a jury finds it credible. In Friendswood, prosecutors often proceed with cases based solely on accusations. This makes cross-examination and credibility challenges crucial. An experienced defense attorney can use the absence of physical evidence to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case and push for a more beneficial resolution.
What Should I Do if I Am Being Investigated for Sexual Abuse?
If you are being investigated for sexual abuse, do not speak to police or investigators without a lawyer. In Friendswood, any statements you make without an attorney can be used against you, even if you are innocent. Remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney in Friendswood immediately. An attorney can help protect your rights and begin building a defense that positions you for a favorable outcome in court.
How Does the Legal Process Work in a Sexual Abuse Case?
After an accusation, law enforcement may investigate the claims to begin the sexual abuse case. They may then arrest the suspect and book them at a nearby jail. Soon after, the defendant is arraigned, and the pre-trial portion of the case begins. A defense attorney can guide you through each step while preparing a strategy that focuses on protecting your future.
What Are the Defenses to a Sexual Abuse Allegation in Friendswood?
Common defenses to sexual abuse allegations often focus on false accusation, mistaken identity, consent, and lack of credible evidence. In Friendswood, a strong legal defense requires early action and a thorough review of forensic or testimonial evidence. Your attorney may use witness interviews, digital records, or psychological analysis to challenge the case. Every detail matters in these types of high-stakes cases.
Facing Sexual Abuse Charges? Work With a Proven Legal Defense Team
Charges involving sexual abuse carry some of the most severe social and legal consequences in Texas. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our team is prepared to handle these cases with discretion, precision, and an aggressive defense strategy. We take a client-focused approach to any case we handle by focusing on the interests of our clients at all times, rather than settling for unfavorable plea bargain agreements.
We bring experience from military prosecution and membership in respected organizations like the Texas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College for DUI Defense. When everything is at stake, you need a team that knows how to challenge digital evidence, protect your rights, and pursue every possible avenue for a reduced or dismissed charge. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.