Attempted Sexual Assault Lawyer in Galveston

A sexual assault allegation can damage your reputation and threaten your freedom. If you have been accused of assault, a Galveston sex crime lawyer can defend you.

The Law Offices of Tad Nelson has represented over 20,000 clients. If you are facing charges for sexual assault, an attempted sexual assault lawyer in Galveston can work to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

How a Galveston Attempted Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help

If you have been accused of a sex crime, a Galveston criminal defense lawyer can help by:

• Investigating the allegations: A lawyer can review police reports, witness statements, electronic communications, surveillance footage, and other evidence to determine what actually happened.
• Protecting your rights: An attorney can advise you about your constitutional rights and help you avoid making statements that could be used against you.
• Negotiating with prosecutors: A lawyer can communicate with the prosecution and pursue reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or, if possible, a dismissal.
• Building a defense: An attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a strong defense strategy.
• Defending you at trial: If your case goes to trial, a lawyer can cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, challenge the state’s case, and defend you before a judge or jury.

What are the Penalties for Attempted Sexual Assault?

The potential penalties for attempted sexual assault in Texas depend on the underlying offense and how that offense is classified.

A conviction may result in:

• Jail or prison time: You may face incarceration depending on the classification of the attempted offense and the circumstances of the case.
• Fines: You may be ordered to pay financial penalties.
• Probation: You may be placed on community supervision with conditions that can restrict your activities and require regular reporting.
• Sex offender registration: You may be required to register as a sex offender.
• Restrictions on your freedom: You may face court-ordered restrictions involving contact with certain people, travel, employment, or other activities.

In addition to the legal consequences listed above, you may experience difficulties with employment, housing, professional opportunities, and personal relationships as a result of a sex crime conviction.

What Defenses May Apply?

The best defense for you will depend on the specific charges you face and available evidence. Potential defenses include:

• Lack of intent: The evidence may not establish that you intended to commit the alleged sexual offense.
• No substantial step: Your conduct may have amounted to preparation rather than an act constituting a criminal attempt.
• Mistaken identity: You may have been incorrectly identified as the person who committed the attempted assault.
• Consent: Depending on the specific charge and alleged conduct, you may be able to argue that the other party gave consent.
• False or unreliable allegations: The accuser’s statements may contain inconsistencies, contradictions, or other issues that affect their reliability.
• Insufficient evidence: The prosecution may lack enough admissible evidence to prove one or more required elements of the crime.
• Constitutional violations: Evidence may be challenged if law enforcement obtained it through an unlawful search, seizure, interrogation, or other constitutional violation.

What Happens After an Attempted Sexual Assault Arrest?

After a sex crime arrest, you can expect the following steps:

• Booking and processing: You will be fingerprinted, photographed, and processed into the Galveston County Jail system after your arrest.
• Bond determination: A judge will set bail or impose conditions for your release while your case is pending.
• Initial court appearance: You will appear before a judge, who will advise you of the charges and address issues involving your release.
• Investigation: Prosecutors and law enforcement will continue gathering evidence, including police reports, witness statements, electronic communications, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence.
• Formal charging: Prosecutors may file or pursue formal criminal charges based on the evidence and applicable Texas laws.
• Pretrial proceedings: Your case may involve hearings, motions, discovery, and negotiations between the defense and prosecution.
• Plea negotiations: The prosecution may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or other terms.
• Trial: If the case is not resolved beforehand, it may proceed to trial, where the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

What you do after learning that you are under investigation or have been charged with sexual assault can affect your case.

You should:

• Avoid discussing the allegations publicly: Any statements you make on social media or elsewhere may be used as evidence by the prosecution.
• Refrain from contacting the alleged victim: Any contact could potentially create additional legal problems, particularly if a court has issued a no-contact order.
• Avoid deleting evidence: Messages, photographs, emails, location information, and other records could become important to your defense.
• Follow court orders: Violating your bond conditions or other court orders can result in additional legal consequences.
• Get legal representation: An attempted sexual assault attorney in Galveston can review the allegations and advise you about how to respond.

Can My Charges Be Dismissed?

Yes, it’s possible for sexual assault charges to be dismissed, but only in certain circumstances. A dismissal may become possible if the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient, witnesses are unavailable or unreliable, or new evidence undermines the accusations against you.

A Galveston attempted sexual assault lawyer can review the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses, and determine whether a dismissal is possible.

Consult an Attempted Sexual Assault Attorney in Galveston

Sexual assault cases have extremely high stakes. If you have been accused of this type of crime, a Galveston attempted sexual assault attorney from The Law Offices of Tad Nelson can gather evidence that supports your defense, challenge the prosecution’s case, and work to protect your future.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with an attorney.