Types of Sex Crimes We Handle in Houston
Sex crimes are serious offenses that carry significant penalties. They encompass a wide range of illegal acts involving non-consensual sexual contact, conduct, or exploitation. Our firm is equipped to handle a variety of sex crime cases, including the following:
- Sexual Assault
Loosely defined as any type of non-consensual sexual contact, including rape. - Aggravated Sexual Assault
Involves serious bodily injury, use of a deadly weapon, or assault against a child, elderly person, or disabled individual. - Indecent Assault
Unwanted sexual contact that doesn’t involve penetration, such as groping or exposing oneself to another person without consent. - Child Sexual Assault
Any sexual activity with a minor, including acts that don’t involve physical contact but are intended to arouse or gratify sexual desire. - Child Pornography
Owning, distributing, or creating explicit images or videos of minors; carries severe penalties, including mandatory sex offender registration. - Online Solicitation of a Minor
Engaging in sexual conversations or attempting to arrange a meeting for sexual purposes with a minor through the internet. - Indecent Exposure
Deliberately exposing oneself in a public place or where others are present to gratify sexual urges.
Understanding the specifics of these charges and their implications is crucial for anyone accused of a sex crime. Each category has its own legal definitions and potential defenses, which can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
Our attorneys know how to meticulously analyze the details of each case to build a strong defense for our clients.
Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas
Sex-related offenses carry penalties that vary depending on the nature and circumstances of the crime. Here’s a detailed table outlining the penalties for different types of sex crimes:
These punishments reflect the gravity with which Texas law views sex crimes. Convictions can lead to long-term imprisonment, substantial fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender, all of which can have lifelong repercussions.
Long-Term Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
Being convicted of a sex crime can have lifelong repercussions, including:
- Employment Challenges
Difficulty finding or keeping a job. - Housing Issues
Challenges in securing housing due to sex offender status. - Social Stigma
Negative societal judgment and isolation. - Restricted Movement
Limitations on where you can live or visit, especially near schools or parks.
Recognizing the condemning nature of these effects, we work hard to challenge sex crime charges and mitigate the penalties our clients face.
Our Approach to Defending Against Sex Crime Charges
At Turnbull Legal Group, we employ a proven systematic approach to investigating sex crime charges. Our goal is to uncover every detail and piece of evidence that might help us refute unjust charges and exonerate our clients. Here’s how we approach these cases.
Case Analysis
We start with a free, confidential consultation to understand the specifics of your case and gather preliminary information. During this stage, our team conducts a thorough review of all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any physical evidence.
Expert Consultations
We routinely collaborate with forensic experts to analyze DNA evidence, digital evidence, and other forensic materials that may be critical to a case’s outcome. In cases involving physical injury, we consult medical professionals to understand and interpret medical reports.
Witness Interviews
As part of our investigation, we interview all relevant witnesses to gather comprehensive statements and identify any inconsistencies or biases that may exist. We seek out character witnesses who can attest to the defendant’s behavior and reputation, providing a clearer picture of the client.
Evidence Collection
Our attorneys collect and preserve all digital evidence that might support the client’s defense, such as emails, text messages, and social media posts. When available, we also obtain and review surveillance footage from relevant locations.
Legal Research and Strategy Development
Our team conducts extensive legal research to find precedents and legal arguments that can provide the basis for a winning defense. From there, we develop a tailored strategy around the specifics of each case, focusing on identifying potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
Pre-Trial Motions
We file motions to suppress any illegally obtained evidence or statements made in violation of our clients’ rights. When appropriate, we may also file motions to dismiss the charges if there’s insufficient evidence or procedural errors.
Negotiations and Trial Preparation
We prepare meticulously for trial, holding mock trials, preparing witnesses, and developing persuasive arguments and exhibits. If it’s in the best interests of the client, we may engage in plea negotiations to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
Continuous Client Communication
We keep our clients informed at every stage of the investigation and legal process. We aim to ensure that our clients are actively involved in their defense, being fully aware of their options and the potential outcomes.
Our rigorous approach is centered on providing the best possible defense for clients facing sex crime charges. By leaving no stone unturned, we strive to achieve
Defense Strategies for Sex Crime Charges
The lawyers at Turnbull Legal Group employ a range of strategies to defend clients against sex crime charges. We tailor our defense tactics to the details and evidence unique to each case. The following are some of the key strategies we use:
Challenging the Evidence
Our attorneys know how to scrutinize the credibility of the evidence the prosecution presents, including the reliability of witness testimony and the validity of forensic evidence. We can identify inconsistencies in witness statements and explore any potential biases or motivations they may have.
Establishing Consent
In cases involving uncoerced sexual activity, we can gather evidence to demonstrate that the actions were consensual, such as text messages, emails, or social media interactions that indicate mutual agreement.
Verifying Alibis
We work to verify and present a strong alibi proving that our client wasn’t present when and where the alleged crime occurred. This may involve witness testimony, surveillance footage, or other corroborating evidence.
Procedural Defenses
We examine whether the defendant’s rights were violated during the investigation or arrest process. Any evidence obtained through illegal searches or coerced confessions can be challenged and potentially suppressed.
We also look for any procedural errors or mishandling of evidence that could compromise the integrity and reliability of the evidence the prosecution presents.
Psychological Defenses
In some cases, we may argue that the defendant's mental state at the time of the alleged offense absolves them of criminal responsibility. This often involves presenting evidence of mental illness or other psychological conditions.
Alternative Explanations
We can develop alternative explanations for the evidence put forth by the prosecution, creating reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt.
Negotiation and Plea Bargains
If appropriate, we can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or lighter sentencing in exchange for a plea, particularly when the evidence against the defendant is strong.
Our driving mission is to provide a comprehensive and robust defense to all clients, using every available legal strategy to keep them from facing harsh penalties.
Handling False Accusations
False accusations of sex crimes can be devastating, even when later exposed as untruthful. As such, we focus on defending the wrongfully accused before the allegations have a chance to destroy their lives.
Here’s how our competent attorneys respond to questionable accusations of sexual crimes:
Responding Swiftly
As soon as you contact us, we’ll start investigating right away to gather evidence and begin putting together a solid defense. We’ll guide you through the ensuing legal process, explaining challenging concepts and setting realistic expectations.
Investigating Thoroughly
A major part of our investigative practices involves collecting digital communications, surveillance footage, and other relevant evidence. We’ll also identify and interview witnesses who can support your innocence.
Challenging Questionable Claims
We’ll explore the possible reasons behind the false accusations, such as personal vendettas or financial gain. We’ll also zero in on any contradictions in the accuser's statements.
Securing Expert Testimony
Our firm will partner with forensic and psychological experts to challenge the evidence against you and provide alternative explanations. If appropriate, we can administer polygraph tests to bolster your credibility.
Providing Forceful Representation
We provide aggressive defense against false accusations and construct arguments that are difficult to overturn. We’ll file motions to dismiss your charges where the evidence is insufficient or clearly false.
Protecting Your Reputation
Our team will tactfully manage whatever media attention your case receives to protect your reputation. Additionally, we’ll take suitable legal actions to restore your public image and pursue defamation claims if necessary.
If you’re facing false accusations of a sex crime in Houston, contact Turnbull Legal Group immediately to begin mounting an effective defense.
Immigration Consequences of Sex Crime Convictions
If you’re an immigrant, being convicted of a sex crime can have significant and lasting implications for your immigration status. Here are some of the possible consequences:
Deportation
For individuals who aren’t U.S. citizens, even a single sex crime conviction, particularly one involving minors or serious acts, often triggers automatic deportation.
Removal Proceedings
Those who have legal status are also at risk of facing removal proceedings, which could result in deportation.
Barriers to Re-Entry
Along with being deported, immigrants convicted of sex crimes might be permanently barred from entering the United States again.
Immigration Consequences for Non-Citizens
Individuals who aren’t U.S. citizens who are arrested for or convicted of certain sex crimes could be subject to immediate detention, regardless of the duration of their residency in the U.S.
Ineligibility for Certain Visas
Those seeking a green card or other forms of immigration status from outside the U.S. might be disqualified for a visa based on a previous sex crime conviction.
Alternative Sentencing Options for Sex Crimes in Texas
Texas courts offer a number of sentencing options for sex crime convictions. Serious charges often involve prison terms and possible registration as a sex offender, with far-reaching impacts on the offender’s life, including employment, travel, and housing restrictions.
In some instances, there might be less restrictive alternatives to imprisonment. For those who meet specific legal criteria, a judge may consider the following sentencing options:
- Sex Offender Probation
This form of probation involves supervision under special guidelines for sex offenses and often includes therapy and community programs. - Community Supervision
A convicted offender might be released to their home under supervised supervision with restrictions to minimize the risk to the community. - Mandatory Treatment
A judge may order the individual to undergo mandated therapy or treatment for any conditions identified; these can extend long after release.
In cases involving minors, the judge may consider the possibility of rehabilitative treatment programs aimed at addressing the underlying motivations for the crime. However, it’s also possible that the court may issue a stiffer sentence to protect public safety and deter similar offenses.
Understanding Sex Offender Registration
Registering as a sex offender is a compulsory practice for those convicted of certain sex crimes. Registration involves periodic check-ins with law enforcement personnel and making certain information about the offender, their conviction, and the nature of their crimes available to the public.
Failure to register when required can result in additional criminal charges. However, there are legal avenues to have one's name removed from the registry under certain conditions.
Arm Yourself with a Solid Defense
If you’re facing sex crime charges in Houston, don't wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Turnbull Legal Group today for a free consultation. Our capable team is ready to provide the strong defense you need.
