Why You Need a Local Defense Lawyer When Facing Sex Crime Charges in Houston and the Surrounding Areas?

Facing sex crime charges in Houston and the surrounding areas can have substantial negative consequences on your life, reputation, and freedom. Experienced Houston criminal defense attorneys can protect you against these charges and, potentially, prevent or mitigate the criminal consequences. Sex crimes are among the most seriously penalized offenses. You have to take action and get legal representation.

Understanding Houston Sex Crimes

In 2018, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported a total of 19,816 sexual assaults in the state, an increase of 9.4% from the previous year. Sex crimes are complex and harshly punished. In Houston, these offenses include:

• Sexual assault
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Public lewdness
• Indecent exposure
• Sexual abuse of a child or disabled person
• Indecency with a child
• Inappropriate relationship between a student and an educator
• Online solicitation of a minor

Many of these offenses are charged as felonies, meaning they result in years in prison and thousands in fines. Beyond these penalties, there are numerous other consequences of sex crime convictions. These include:

• Registration as a sex offender can limit where you can live. It also requires you to take certain steps whenever you move.
• Reputational damage can impact your familial and social relationships, your job, and more.
• Collateral consequences of a criminal record can prevent you from securing loans, certain types of housing, and career opportunities.
• Limited or eliminated child custody can potentially keep you from seeing your children.

Sex crime laws exist to protect the victims of these offenses. When you are accused of one or more of these crimes, it may happen due to a misunderstanding, a false accusation, or another reason. It is important that you protect your rights with legal counsel. The Harris County Criminal Court at Law is located at 1201 Franklin Street.

What Can a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Do for You?

The ideal way to avoid the consequences of a sex crime conviction is to prevent a conviction. An attorney can mitigate or prevent such a conviction. There are many ways an experienced attorney can help you, including:

• Building your defense: An attorney has experience with cases like yours, so they can use their knowledge to determine the most useful method of defense. This may include reviewing the credibility of witnesses or accusers, determining your alibi, or identifying errors in the arrest and other procedures. By using their resources and experience, a lawyer can craft a strong defense for your unique circumstances.
• Protecting your rights: If the prosecution or law enforcement violated your rights at any point, an attorney can make sure they are held accountable. If evidence was contaminated, didn’t follow the chain of custody, or was secured illegally, your lawyer can file the motions required to dismiss that evidence. This could limit the strength of the prosecution’s case against you.
• Strong support: It can be very isolating to face charges this serious. An experienced attorney can provide you with the needed emotional support. They can also explain the full nature of the charges you face and your options for addressing them.
• Negotiating a plea deal: If it is the ideal outcome for your case, your attorney can negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution. Through this, you plead guilty to a lesser charge, which may have fewer consequences on your life. A lawyer can also determine if a plea deal is fair.

Get the Ideal Outcome for Your Case

Sex crimes are serious offenses, and navigating the criminal justice system alone can be overwhelming. It can also result in overly harsh and unfair penalties. You need a skilled attorney to protect your future. Contact Segura & Kiatta today to learn how we can help.