How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Minimize the Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction in Fulshear

A sex crime is a severe offense that should not be taken lightly. It can cause damage to your life and reputation, even if you are not convicted. The consequences of a sex crime conviction in Fulshear are even more severe. It’s crucial to know how the support of a dedicated criminal defense attorney could prevent or minimize the worst penalties associated with these offenses.

What Are the Criminal Consequences of Sex Crimes?

The majority of sex crimes are charged as felonies. Certain sex crimes are charged as state jail felonies or misdemeanors, which have less severe sentences.

In 2019, there were 14,824 reported cases of rape in Texas, per Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR). According to state data collection, which has different guidelines than the UCR system, 17.6% of sexual assault cases were committed against female acquaintances of the offender.

When sex crimes occur, they are prosecuted very harshly. The penalties for felony charges in Texas include:

1. A first-degree felony can result in life in prison or a term of between five and 99 years.
2. A second-degree felony can lead to between two and 20 years in prison.
3. A third-degree felony can bring between two and 10 years in prison.

All these felonies can also result in up to $10,000 in fines, and many types of sex crimes also require the offender to register as a sex offender.

Additionally, being convicted of any criminal offense leads to a criminal record, regardless of the severity of the crime. Even when you are done serving your sentence, this record can impact many aspects of your life, including your ability to get certain types of housing, your eligibility for education and loan opportunities, and your job options.

How Does a Lawyer Minimize These Consequences?

When you are charged with a crime, you have the right to a legal defense. You must exercise that right. Regardless of whether you committed the crime, you cannot take chances on the outcome of a case this serious. The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office begins building a case against you as soon as an investigation begins.

By working with a criminal defense attorney, you can have similar resources and support. An attorney can mitigate the consequences of a sex crime conviction in numerous ways:

1. Reviewing the prosecution’s evidence
2. Determining the strength of the case against you
3. Filing for a dismissal if the prosecution does not meet its burden of proof
4. Investigating the offense you are being accused of
5. Determining the ideal defense and gathering crucial evidence to support that defense
6. Interviewing witnesses
7. Reviewing that evidence followed the right chain of custody
8. Determining the credibility of the accuser
9. Protecting your rights, such as by taking action if your rights were violated in a way that impacts the case
10. Negotiating for a plea deal if necessary
11. Appealing a final conviction if errors were made in the trial or the sentence was overly harsh

There are several potential defenses against sex crimes, but the right one will depend on your unique situation. A dedicated attorney has the knowledge and abilities to determine the right strategy for your case, give you straightforward legal advice, and provide you with needed emotional support.

Find the Right Attorney in Fulshear

Fulshear has a significantly lower violent crime rate than most other cities in the area. Accusations of violent crimes can therefore be a much more serious situation. It is crucial that you protect your future against these charges. Contact Segura & Kiatta today to learn how our criminal defense lawyers can provide you with a strong defense.