Richardson Sex Crimes Attorneys

Learning that you have been accused of a sex offense can be one of the most frightening moments of your life. Friends may stop calling, an employer may place you on leave, and your name may appear in the local news well before you have had your day in court. Some accusations may be based on misunderstandings, bitter custody disputes, or online conversations that were not what they seemed. Others may simply be false. No matter how a case began, the legal system will treat it with a high level of seriousness, and so should you.

The lawyers at Texas Defense Firm defend people in Richardson who are facing sex crime investigations and charges. We know how detectives and prosecutors approach these cases, and we know how to respond effectively to accusations while protecting our clients' rights. Our lawyers will work to protect our clients' privacy while standing by them from the beginning to the end of a case.

Why Sex Crime Accusations Are So Serious

Many sex offenses in Texas are felonies with penalties that may include decades in prison. Some charges involving child sex crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences. For example, a person who is convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a young child may face a prison sentence lasting from 25 years to life, with no possibility of parole.

These cases tend to move quickly from when an accusation occurs to when a person is arrested. Prosecutors may file charges based mostly on the word of one person. A careful defense that reviews every piece of evidence while protecting a person's rights can be essential.

Sex Offender Registration and Other Consequences of Sex Crimes

For many people, the harshest penalties related to sex crimes will involve sex offender registration. People who have been convicted of certain sex offenses will be required to register with local law enforcement. They must report their address, information about their employer, accounts or aliases they use online, and other information. Depending on the offense, registration may be required for 10 years after the end of a sentence or for life.

Some registered sex offenders must verify their information with local law enforcement officials every year, while others are required to report every 90 days. The information will appear on a public website that may be accessed by neighbors, employers, and landlords. Some cities may restrict where registered sex offenders may live, and many apartment complexes refuse to rent to them.

A sex crime conviction can also lead to penalties such as:

• Loss of Professional Licenses: Teachers, nurses, counselors, and other licensed professionals may lose their ability to work in their field.
• Family Law Problems: A conviction can affect decisions about custody and visitation.
• Immigration Consequences: Many sex offenses can result in deportation for people who are not U.S. citizens.

What to Do if You Have Been Accused of a Sex Crime

The steps you take after learning about an accusation of a sex crime can affect how your case will be handled. The steps you can take to protect yourself include:

Do Not Talk to Police Without Legal Representation

Police officers often ask people to come in for "voluntary" interviews, stating that they want to hear a person's side of the story. These interviews are designed to gather evidence that will be used during a criminal prosecution. You do not have to agree to a voluntary interview. If police ask you questions before or after an arrest, you have the right to remain silent. Politely declining to answer questions until you speak with a lawyer can help ensure that you will not say anything that could be incriminating.

Avoid All Contact With the Accuser

Even a friendly message meant to clear things up could be used to claim that you are guilty or that you are attempting to tamper with a witness. Do not call, text, or reach out through friends or family members. Our lawyers can advise you of what you should and should not say when discussing the case with others.

Preserve Evidence

Save text messages, emails, social media conversations, photos, receipts, and phone records that may show where you were or what was really said. Never delete anything. Destroying evidence could lead to separate charges of tampering with evidence, and it could make you appear guilty.

Stay Off Social Media

Anything you post about the accusations, the accuser, or your feelings could be used against you. Avoid discussing the case online or with anyone other than your attorney.

Contact Our Lawyers Before Charges Are Filed

When our team is involved in a sex crime case early, we may be able to help prevent charges from being filed in the first place. We may present evidence to prosecutors or a grand jury that will help to resolve a case without criminal charges.

Contact Our Richardson, Texas Sex Crimes Lawyers

A sex crime accusation can threaten your freedom, your career, your family relationships, and your ability to live where you choose. Whether you have been accused of sexual assault, child sex crimes, child pornography offenses, prostitution, indecent exposure, or another serious offense, the team at Texas Defense Firm can provide the representation you need to protect your future. Contact our Richardson, TX sex crimes defense attorneys at 972-369-0577 to set up your free, confidential consultation with our team.