What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Accused of a Sex Crime in Texas?

Sex crimes are among the most severe offenses, both for their criminal charges and their social stigma. There are several common mistakes people make when accused of a sex crime in Texas, which can worsen their situation and increase the difficulty of securing a beneficial outcome to their case.

Improperly handling an accusation or charges of sex crimes can lead to jail time, fines, sex offender registration, and many other collateral consequences. Prosecutors handle these offenses very seriously. Most sex crimes are charged as felonies, which can have a minimum two-year prison sentence, but they may lead to life in prison.

Texas had nearly 15,000 reported cases of rape in 2019 by the Uniform Crime Reporting metrics. There were just over 2,200 arrests for rape in the same year, according to the state. The offenses you face may be false accusations, the result of a misunderstanding, or even an act of revenge. It is crucial that you know what to avoid when facing such accusations.

These charges can be terrifying, but it is crucial to take care in your words and actions. Some of the common mistakes people make when they face accusations or charges for sex crimes include:

Contacting the Accuser

You should avoid all contact with the accuser as much as possible. Never reach out to them in person, online, or through any other method. It may feel like you can talk through a misunderstanding by reaching out, but you should not. Contact can lead to more involvement from law enforcement, recorded communications that are used against you, and other issues that worsen your situation.

Ignoring the Accusation or Charge

Ignoring an accusation of a sex crime or criminal charges does not make the issue go away. Even if you know the accusation to be false, the criminal justice system can still move forward, and you could find yourself convicted of a crime you didn’t commit. You must take action to protect your rights and defend yourself.

Admitting Guilt or Talking With Law Enforcement

Do not make any statements that admit guilt or responsibility for the accusation or charge you face. You should not talk with law enforcement at all, regardless of whether you think you will clear your name by doing so. Whatever you say will be used against you. Do not talk with law enforcement. Instead, invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney if you are questioned.

Failing to Hire an Attorney

The most important thing you should do if you are facing sex crime accusations or charges is to contact a skilled sex crime defense attorney. You need professional support to assert your rights, understand your situation, and build a defense.

An attorney can investigate the charges against you and the prosecution’s case. Then, they can begin to strategize the most effective way to defend you. Their work can potentially eliminate or reduce the charges you face. An attorney can also represent you in court if a trial is needed.

You Need an Experienced Sex Crime Attorney in Texas

A sex crime defense requires a unique level of care and skill. You need to work with dedicated attorneys who have years of experience in these cases and know the right way to handle them. At Segura & Kiatta, we can protect your future, and we have spent years managing cases like yours. Contact our firm today.