Sex Crime Attorney in River Oaks, TX
Facing a sex crime allegation in River Oaks is one of the most serious legal matters a person can encounter. The damage to your reputation, relationships, and career prospects can begin the moment you are accused. If you are under investigation or have been charged, it is critical that you have an experienced River Oaks sex crime lawyer who understands Texas law and the unique sensitivities of these cases.
About The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our firm has been protecting the rights of clients in River Oaks, Houston, and throughout Harris County against serious criminal charges for over 30 years. With offices in Houston, our aggressive and ethical River Oaks criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Texas criminal laws.
Our team provides respectful, confidential, and non-judgmental representation, continuously working to safeguard your rights and future. We know each case is different and every detail is important, especially in sex crime cases. Whether your case is prosecuted in the Harris County Criminal Justice Center or in a local municipal court, we can be there for you at every step of the process.
Understanding Sex Crime Cases in Texas
Sex crimes in Texas include offenses like sexual assault, indecent assault, and indecency with a child, among others. Texas takes these offenses very seriously. For instance, under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, sexual assault is defined as engaging in sexual activity with another person without their consent and with intent or knowledge that the sexual activity is without consent. All manners of penetration and contact, as well as exposure, fall under this definition.
Texas law also penalizes indecent assault, a lesser offense. Think of it as the equivalent of sexual battery in other states. It also includes nonconsensual sexual touching, exposing another’s intimate parts, or making someone else touch or be touched by bodily fluids for sexual gratification. Misdemeanor offenses can still result in jail time and leave a permanent mark on your record.
Texas recorded 252 convictions for sexual assault in 2024, representing a 2.38% conviction rate. There were 690 cases of child sexual assault, and the conviction rate was 3.19%.
Consent Under Texas Law
Consent is a key element in sex crimes cases in Texas. Simply put, consent is when one person gives legally recognized permission to another for sexual contact. It is not considered consent if:
- The person is threatened or coerced.
- The person is under the age of legal consent.
- The person is unconscious or sleeping.
- They are mentally incapable of consenting because they do not understand the act.
- They are drugged or intoxicated, especially without their knowledge.
- The defendant was in a position of authority, and it is believed that they used this power to force the individual to comply.
Since the laws regarding consent are complicated, it’s easy to misinterpret. That’s why you need a River Oaks criminal defense lawyer on your side. Your attorney can look at whether the consent was legal, whether the evidence supports the charge, and whether your rights were violated during the investigation.
What to Do if You Are Investigated or Arrested?
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a sex crime in River Oaks, it is critical that you remain calm and not speak with the police without an attorney present. Remember, anything you say can and will be used against you. Also, do not contact the alleged victim or any witnesses. Finally, preserve all text messages, emails, and any other evidence that may help your defense.
Hire a sex crime lawyer as soon as possible. A River Oaks sex crimes attorney can ensure that your rights are protected, may be able to challenge an illegal search and seizure, and can sometimes prevent the District Attorney’s office from filing charges. They can even negotiate on your behalf for reduced sex crime penalties.
Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer
A skilled River Oaks sex crime attorney can support and guide you through every aspect of your criminal case, from the initial investigation through the trial. A good criminal defense attorney can help you challenge evidence against you, including electronic records and forensic reports, and find procedural mistakes that may lead to a case being thrown out.
Your legal representative handles discussions with prosecutors and plans your defense strategy while representing you during court hearings and trials. The defense attorney protects your constitutional rights while managing law enforcement interactions and advising you about possible plea agreements.
FAQs About Sex Crimes in River Oaks, TX
What Are Sex Offenders Not Allowed to Do in River Oaks?
Sex offenders in River Oaks are restricted in where they can live or stay. They are not allowed to live within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare, or playground. Some offenders are also restricted from contact with minors, some forms of social media, or working in jobs that involve contact with children.
How Hard Is It to Get Off the Sex Offender Registry in River Oaks?
Sex offender registry removal is difficult in Texas. A small group of eligible offenders, generally those who have been convicted of lower-level offenses and/or those juveniles who have been tried as adults, can petition to be removed after they have completed their sentence, and if they meet several other strict requirements. Most sexual assault or other sexual offense convictions, especially those involving minors, require lifetime registration.
What Are Things You Cannot Do as a Sex Offender?
Registered sex offenders in Texas are subject to several restrictions. Such restrictions often prevent sex offenders from residing within specific distances of educational institutions and daycare facilities while also commonly banning firearm possession. Offenders may be required to notify potential landlords and employers of their registry status. Travel restrictions, particularly out of state, may apply as well.
How Hard Is Texas on Sex Offenders?
Sex offender laws in Texas are among the most stringent in the nation. Convictions can lead to lengthy prison sentences, mandatory lifetime registration, and significant social and professional restrictions. The state of Texas implements active monitoring of sex offenders and controls their movements while ensuring that offenders follow all rules.
Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates
If you are accused of a sex crime, The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can help you in the legal process. Contact us today to get started.