Sex Crimes
Houston Sex Crimes Requires Expert Legal Defense
The State of Texas vigorously prosecutes sex crimes, including rape, statutory rape, possession of child pornography, online solicitation of a minor, continuous sexual abuse of a child, sexual assault of a child, and others, pursuant to the Texas Penal Code. An attorney who specializes in sex crimes must have the expertise and experience necessary to properly defend his clients, because the area of sex crimes is a world of its own. All too often accusations of sex crimes are made for the sole purpose of of trying to maintain an image of “purity,” “innocence” and “virginity,” when in reality, the sexual encounter was consensual. Particularly, a female may accuse a male of rape or forced sex, but the truth is that it was consensual between willing adults. The accuser sometimes is trying to cover up his or her own sexual activity. In doing so, he or she may destroy the life of an innocent person. Were you wrongly accused of a sex crime, but in fact are innocent and just participated in consensual sex with a willing adult? If so, do not discuss your charge with anyone. Do not say anything other than to your sexual crimes defense attorney, where conversations are confidential. You may call our office for a free evaluative consultation to discuss your case.
Houston: Over 4,500 Registered Sex Offenders on Public Lists
The City of Houston has about 4,560 registered sex offenders, according to just one of the many Texas sex offender sites which names and lists each offender. Not only does the list identify each registered sex offender by name, it reveals their address, their identifying data such as eye color, hair color, weight and race, and perhaps most revealing, their crime – such as aggravated sexual assault of a child, online solicitation of a minor for a sex act, indecency with a child and sexual contact and possession of child pornography. There is an official Texas Sex Offender Registry site that is published online by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which, like the others, is available for anyone with a computer to view. Additionally, searches can be narrowed to specific counties such as Harris County, where Houston is located. Once a sex offender has been so labeled, he or she is required to register as a sex offender for life. Sex offenders require special representation by qualified criminal defense attorneys who are willing to take your case to trial if necessary, or to negotiate a satisfactory plea arrangement with the prosecutor.
Specific Sex Crimes
There are a multitude of generally described sex crimes that you can be charged with in Houston. They include, but are not limited to:
- Child pornography – illegal to possess, design, distribute, sell
- Indecent exposure – exposing one’s genitalia in public to offend, disturb or shock others
- Prostitution - selling one’s body for sexual purposes
- Spousal rape – it is not legal to force your spouse to engage in sex
- Statutory rape – sexual contact with an underage individual
- Rape – sexual penetration without consent
- Date rape – forced sex with a dating partner; often alcohol and/or drugs are involved
Sex offenses must be strongly and proactively defended against by your attorney. Sadly, even an accusation of a sex crime can turn your life upside down. Even if you are completely innocent and have been falsely accused by a spouse or former spouse or a jealous lover or former lover, it is essential that you take the lead in your own defense and stand up for yourself. An expert Houston sex crimes lawyer has the knowledge and skill required to investigate and question the facts, witnesses, evidence and circumstances of the case against you and to represent you in court. It is unwise to consider defending yourself. You are not qualified and do not know the laws or how to represent yourself properly.