Houston Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Fiercely Advocating For the Rights of the Accused

If you have been arrested in connection with a sex crime case, you must hire a highly trained criminal defense lawyer immediately. A conviction for a sex offense will haunt you for the rest of your life. A conviction can send you to prison, make obtaining gainful employment or joining the military highly challenging, and limit where you can live. Furthermore, if you are convicted of any type of sex crime, you will be required to register as a sex offender, and your name will remain on the registry for the rest of your life.

For these reasons, seeking qualified legal representation to defend your legal rights, freedom, and reputation is in your best interest.

The legal team of the Cory Roth Law Office realizes that often, a person may be the victim of a false accusation made by the alleged victim. As a result, we are passionately committed to seeing that our clients are treated fairly, and their rights are protected.

If you or a family member has been charged with a sex crime, contact the Cory Roth Law Office of Houston, TX, and ask to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your potential legal options.

What is Considered a Sex Crime in Houston?

Many different criminal acts are defined as sex crimes under the Texas penal code. However, some of the most commonly charged sex crimes in the Houston area include:

• Sexual assault is when an individual knowingly engages in non-consensual sexual activity without the other person’s consent.
• Date rape/marital rape
• Aggravated sexual assault occurs when an individual engages in non-consensual sexual activity but threatens, causes bodily harm, or attempts to kill the victim.
• Production or possession of child pornography.
• The penetration of another person’s genital or anus with a foreign object.
• Child molestation/indecency with a minor
• Kidnapping of a minor with the intent to commit sexual assault
• Improper student/teacher relationship
• Incest
• Prostitution/sex trafficking
• Indecent exposure or obscenity.
• Unlawful distribution of intimate visual content via Internet transmission, recordings, or photos.

In Texas, the age of consent is 17. Therefore, legal adults should be aware that engaging in sexual intercourse with someone younger than 17 is considered statutory rape, even if the underage victim lied about their age or agreed to the sexual activity. Furthermore, it is considered sexual abuse for anyone to engage in sexual conduct with a person who cannot consent due to mental incapacity or disability.

What Are the Criminal Penalties For Sex Offenses?

The criminal penalties for sex crimes largely depend on the type of charge and the circumstances involved in the case. Individuals who have prior sex crime convictions face steep penalties per Texas law.

Criminal penalties for misdemeanor sex crimes such as first-time prostitution or indecent exposure include:

• Class A misdemeanor: A sentence of up to one year in state jail and a fine ranging up to $4,000.
• Class B misdemeanor: A sentence of up to 180 days in state jail and a fine ranging up to $2,000.
• Class C misdemeanor: A fine of up to $500.

Felony sex crimes in Texas, such as aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, or rape carry much harsher sentences, which include:

• First-degree felony: A sentence of 5 to 99 years in state prison.
• Second-degree felony: A sentence of two to 20 years in state prison.
• Third-degree felony: A sentence of two to 10 years in state prison.
• State jail felony: A sentence of 180 days to two years in state jail.

If you are still unclear about the possible criminal penalties that result from sex crime convictions, it is best to consult with an experienced defense attorney who can provide you with more information.

Who is Required to Register as a Sex Offender?

Texas has what is known as the sex offender registration program in which those convicted of sexual offenses must register their name and information with local authorities in the areas they reside. The goals of the sex offender registry are to try and discourage individuals from committing sex offenses and protect the public from offenders who may be likely to re-offend.

In many instances, depending on the sex offense, the offender must register for the rest of their life. Offenders are required to provide their vital information, including:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Social security and driver’s license number
• Phone number
• Home address or detailed geographical location where they plan to reside.

Offenders must also provide other characteristics such as their weight, height, hair, and eye color. Additionally, a registered sex offender who spends more than 48 consecutive hours in a city or county at least three times per month other than the area where they are registered must report their presence to local law enforcement agencies.

The time that an offender’s name must remain on the sex offender registry greatly depends on the nature of the criminal offense. Sex offenders must either register for 10 years or life with more serious offenses falling under the lifetime registration requirement. All information on the Texas sex offender registry is public record and easily accessible to potential employers, neighbors, and family members, making daily living challenging.

However, only those individuals who are convicted of sex crimes are required to place their names on the registry. For this reason, it is imperative that anyone who has been accused of an offense hire a skilled sex crimes defense lawyer who can develop solid legal defense strategies to protect their reputation and standing in the community.

When Should I Hire an Attorney if I Have Been Arrested on Sex Crime Charges?

If you have been arrested for a sex crime, you cannot wait to hire a criminal defense attorney. From the moment you are arrested, you need legal counsel from a highly trained attorney like Cory Roth on your side fighting for your rights. Cory Roth can advise you of your legal rights and what you should or should not say to the police.

The Cory Roth Law Office of Houston, TX, realizes that law enforcement officials and prosecutors are often overzealous when it comes to pursuing charges for sex crimes. As a result, the police and prosecutors do not take the time necessary to investigate the allegations made by the accuser thoroughly. Instead, they quickly press charges against the alleged offender, which can have long-lasting negative consequences for the accused.

However, the Cory Roth Law Office is dedicated to helping those accused of sex crimes fight to protect their good name and freedom. If we agree to take your case, we will immediately go over the evidence to determine weaknesses in the state’s case and determine solid, effective defense strategies to deal with your legal issues.

If your case makes it to court, Cory Roth will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process. The Cory Roth Law Office is client-centered and fully prepared to fight for your rights. If you have had an allegation made against you, contact our law offices in Houston at 832-400-4133 and ask to schedule a consultation.