Sex Crime Attorney in The Woodlands, TX
When someone is accused of a sex crime, they face more than just an impending criminal record. They may encounter difficulties with employment, housing, and their overall reputation. Sex crimes are some of the more serious and socially unacceptable crimes that can result in difficulty, even if a person is never convicted. In The Woodlands, having a Woodlands sex crime lawyer can immediately help you fight for your future if you are ever accused.
About The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we take great pride in offering our clients decades of combined experience with a client-first focus. Tad Nelson, a former state prosecutor and a Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, has an insider’s knowledge of the Texas criminal justice system. He has spent time in and out of the courtroom perfecting his understanding of our state’s criminal laws. The Woodlands criminal defense lawyer can help.
Joining Tad is Amber Spurlock. Amber is a former Air Force JAG and federal prosecutor with real-world experience in complex criminal litigation. Tad and Amber’s combined experience is put towards providing their clients with zealous and compassionate criminal defense.
When facing criminal charges in The Woodlands, your case will likely be handled in the Montgomery County courts, either at the county courthouse in Conroe or one of the local justice courts, where both lawyers have experience handling these types of sex crime cases.
Understanding Sex Crimes in Texas
Sex crimes in Texas include sexual assault, indecent assault, indecency with a child, and many other criminal offenses. Texas has very harsh penalties for sex crimes. Texas Penal Code § 22.011 defines sexual assault as intentionally or knowingly having sexual intercourse with another individual without their consent while understanding that this act takes place without their permission. This definition includes all types of penetration, contact, and exposure.
In fiscal year 2021, 57,287 cases were reported to the United States Sentencing Commission, with 1,062 of them involving sexual abuse offenses. 10.1% were for rape.
Sexual Assault and Minors
In Texas, any sexual activity with a minor under 17 years of age is unlawful. It is a criminal offense even if the other party is a minor and agreed to the activity. There are limited defenses to a sexual activity under what is commonly referred to as the Romeo and Juliet law. These defenses only apply if the individuals involved are close in age and the sexual contact was consensual.
Unfortunately, this defense is limited and often is not applied to same-sex relationships. Your The Woodlands sex crime attorney can let you know if this exception may be available to you and if your charges may be reduced or dismissed.
Sex Crime Penalties in The Woodlands, TX
Sex crimes are some of the harshest and strictest in the state of Texas. Penalties can be severe, but they will vary depending on the nature of the crime. Potential penalties include:
- Fines, sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars
- Imprisonment, in some cases for life, for first-degree felonies
- Mandatory sex offender registry
- Revocation of professional licenses, particularly in areas of education or law
- Trouble finding employment
- Living and travel restrictions
Additionally, if aggravating factors are present, this can result in harsher penalties. Aggravating factors are circumstances that make a crime more serious in the eyes of the law, such as:
- Using threats or violence
- Having a particularly vulnerable victim, such as one who is disabled, elderly, or under the age of 14
- Using a deadly weapon
- The defendant is a person in authority, such as a teacher or law enforcement officer
Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer in The Woodlands, TX
A sex crime charge in The Woodlands can alter your life in an instant. It’s important to have an accomplished The Woodlands sex crime attorney in your corner. A The Woodlands criminal defense lawyer examines the charges against you while challenging questionable evidence and defending your rights against aggressive prosecutors.
They can obtain reduced charges, establish a solid defense strategy, and represent you during court proceedings in the Montgomery County Courthouse. They can help you fight for the greatest possible result and protect your future. Hire a sex crime lawyer for the legal assistance you need.
FAQs About Sex Crimes in The Woodlands
Can Sex Offenders Be Around Their Own Kids?
In Texas, a sex offender’s ability to be around their own children varies based on the offense, court orders, and the terms of their probation or parole. If the offense involved a minor, the court may limit or even forbid contact with the children. Supervised visitation may be permitted in some cases, but usually must be approved by the court or supervising officer.
How Long Does a Sex Offender Stay on the Registry in Texas?
The length of time a person is required to register is based on the offense they committed. Some offenders are required to register for 10 years after their sentence is complete, while others must register for life. Many serious offenses, like sexual assault or crimes against children, require registration for life through the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program.
What Jobs Can Sex Offenders Get in Texas?
Sex offenders can face employment restrictions, particularly for positions working with children, schools, or other vulnerable populations. Despite restrictions, sex offenders have the possibility to work in many areas, including construction sites, manufacturing plants, warehouses, landscaping companies, or as self-employed individuals.
Sex offenders are typically required to go through a background check for most jobs, and employers may have discretion to deny employment based on the type of offense committed.
Can Sex Offenders Have Social Media in Texas?
Texas has no statewide prohibition on the use of social media by sex offenders. A restriction on social media access may be one of the conditions of parole or probation for a sex offender, depending on the nature of the crime. Those convicted of a crime involving a minor may be barred from accessing social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Today
If you were accused of a sex crime in The Woodlands, an attorney at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can help you in the legal process. Contact us today to get started.