Have you or someone you care about been accused of offenses against children in Dallas, Texas? Texas Defense Firm can help when you call (469) 365-2228. We offer a private consultation with a Dallas offenses against children lawyer who will listen to your situation and explain your options.
Facing allegations of this nature is overwhelming. Defendants deserve strong, compassionate representation to protect their rights, future, and emotional well-being. Our team is prepared to challenge the evidence, advocate on your behalf, and fight for the best possible outcome. You can trust that you will be heard and defended.
Why Choose Texas Defense Firm To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Offenses Against Children in Dallas?
Facing criminal allegations is overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. Texas Defense Firm has built a reputation in Dallas for providing tenacious, compassionate legal representation in the most sensitive and complex cases.
Here’s why clients choose us when they need help in Dallas, TX:
- Over 200 years of combined legal experience
- A team that includes former prosecutors with insider knowledge of how cases are built
- Recognition by Super Lawyers for excellence in practice
- A founding partner who serves as President of the McKinney Bar Association and on the board of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Educational Institute
- In-depth knowledge of Dallas law and courtroom procedures
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with a Dallas criminal defense attorney and learn what we can do for you.
Overview of Offenses Against Children in Texas
“Offenses against children” or “crimes against children” encompasses a range of criminal charges involving minors. Common crimes against children in Texas include:
- Child abuse and neglect: This includes physical harm, emotional abuse, or failure to provide adequate care, such as food, shelter, or medical attention. Parents, guardians, and caretakers can face charges if they knowingly place a child in harm’s way or fail to meet their basic needs.
- Statutory rape and sex trafficking: Statutory rape refers to sexual activity with someone under the legal age of consent, even if the minor appears to agree. Sex trafficking involves exploiting minors for sexual purposes, often carrying some of the harshest penalties under Texas law.
- Child pornography and sexting: Possessing, producing, or distributing sexually explicit material involving minors is a serious felony. Even consensual “sexting” between teens can lead to criminal charges if explicit images of minors are shared or stored.
- Drug and alcohol-related crimes, such as child endangerment in a DUI/DWI case: Driving under the influence with a child passenger or exposing children to drug activity can result in child endangerment charges.
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor: This offense covers encouraging or allowing a child to engage in illegal behavior, such as underage drinking, drug use, or other criminal acts.
Together, these laws reflect Texas’s commitment to protecting children from harm and exploitation.
What Are the Penalties for Offenses Against Children in Dallas, Texas?
The criminal penalties for child-related offenses in Texas are among the most severe in the state’s penal code. They often involve felony-level consequences, and even misdemeanor charges can result in life-changing repercussions.
A conviction may include:
- Significant prison time, often with the possibility of decades behind bars
- Steep fines that can create long-term financial hardship
- Mandatory sex offender registration in some instances
- Probation, community supervision, or restrictive conditions after release
- Loss of professional licenses and difficulty securing employment
- Damage to personal relationships and lasting social stigma
Because of the seriousness of these penalties, anyone accused of an offense against a child should seek experienced legal counsel right away to begin building a defense.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Offenses Against Children?
While allegations of crimes against children are serious, accusations are not the same as convictions. Several defenses may be available depending on the facts of the case. Common strategies include:
- False allegations or mistaken identity: In some cases, accusations may stem from misunderstandings, personal disputes, or intentional false reporting.
Lack of evidence: The prosecution must prove each element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and insufficient or unreliable evidence can be challenged in court. - Violation of constitutional rights: If law enforcement obtained evidence illegally—for example, through an unlawful search or coerced confession—it may be excluded from the case.
- Consent or age-related defenses: For certain charges, such as statutory rape, mistaken belief about a person’s age, or other legal nuances, may be raised as defenses, though they are limited under Texas law.
Every case is unique, and building a strong defense requires carefully reviewing the facts, evidence, and applicable law.
What Should I Do if I’m Accused of a Crime Against a Child in Dallas?
Allegations involving crimes against children are among the most serious charges a person can face in Texas. Even before a case reaches court, the consequences can be life-changing—impacting your reputation, employment, and relationships. Taking the proper steps early can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and building a defense.
If you’ve been accused, arrested, or are being investigated, take these steps immediately:
- Do not speak to the police without a lawyer present: Law enforcement may appear sympathetic, but their goal is to gather evidence for prosecution. Anything you say—no matter how minor—can be misinterpreted and used against you.
- Avoid discussing the situation with friends, family, or on social media. Statements made online or in casual conversations can be taken out of context and later introduced in court. The safest option is to keep silent until you have legal representation.
- Preserve evidence that supports your version of events: This can include text messages, emails, photos, or other communications that demonstrate your perspective. Early preservation of digital or physical evidence can be critical to your defense.
- Contact a defense lawyer immediately: An experienced attorney can advise you on what to do, protect you during questioning, and begin investigating the facts of your case. The sooner a lawyer is involved, the stronger your chances are for a favorable resolution.
The most important steps are to act quickly, protect your rights, and secure experienced legal counsel.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Offenses Against Children
Facing charges involving children is overwhelming and carries life-changing risks. A skilled criminal defense attorney can step in immediately to protect your rights, analyze the evidence against you, and develop a tailored defense strategy.
Lawyers experienced in these cases can:
- Investigate the circumstances of the allegations
- Challenge the credibility of witnesses and evidence
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Represent you in court to fight for the best possible outcome
An attorney also provides critical guidance throughout the process, helping you understand what to expect and supporting you through one of the most difficult times in your life.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Offenses Against Children Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been accused of an offense against children in Dallas, Texas, the consequences can be overwhelming and the stakes incredibly high. At Texas Defense Firm, we understand these cases’ sensitivity and complexity.
An experienced defense team is essential to protecting your rights, freedom, and future. Our attorneys bring decades of experience, a deep knowledge of Texas law, and a commitment to building the strongest possible defense for every client we represent.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact us today or stop by our office to schedule a case evaluation with a Dallas offenses against children lawyer.