Houston, Texas Sexual Misconduct Attorneys

Criminal Defense Lawyers Board-Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Standing as the Voice of Reason to Protect and Defend Texans Accused of Sex Offenses

Being accused of sexual misconduct is a very serious matter. The immediate and long-term consequences of an accusation are harsh enough, but a conviction carries even worse consequences, including jail time, possible loss of custody of your children, a terrible stigma for the rest of your life, and the possibility you may be required to register as a sex offender.

Former Chief Prosecutors on Your Side

The attorneys at Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, L.L.P, in Houston, are board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization [Hyperlink embedded here] as well as former chief prosecutors and assistant district attorneys. We have the background, training, and experience to represent people accused of rape or any sex crime, including those involving children, such as possession of child pornography, child sexual abuse (such as sexual touching or fondling), or child molestation. Contact Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, L.L.P., to discuss strategies for your defense.

The following information is general in nature, and does not necessarily apply to your particular case. For a consultation about your own circumstances, contact Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, L.L.P.

Sex Offenses - An Overview

Sex offenses include a myriad of criminal sexual behaviors, ranging from prostitution to rape. If you or someone you know has been charged with committing a sex offense, it is very important to contact a criminal defense attorney to obtain the legal representation. The penalties for a sex offense conviction can be serious and life-changing, but many defenses are available. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible allows the evidence to be evaluated and witnesses to be questioned soon after the event, providing the best opportunity for a successful defense. A criminal defense attorney has the experience and skill to begin preparing your defense as soon as retained.

Sex offenses include all forms of illegal sexual activity, ranging from the crime of rape, usually defined as sexual penetration without consent, to the crime of prostitution, usually defined as sex for hire. The most serious crimes involve the sexual assault of children or include physical injury. Other sex offenses include public indecency, voyeurism, prostitution, solicitation, pornography, date rape, lewd acts, pandering, pimping, statutory rape and unlawful sodomy.

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Rape, Sexual Assault, Date Rape and Statutory Rape

Unwanted sex acts are generally regarded as rape. However, these criminal offenses are also commonly referred to as "sexual abuse" or "sexual assault." A wide range of activities may be included under these definitions. Statutory rape, for instance, is sexual activity with a person under the legal age of consent. Date rape is a nonlegal term for forcible sexual activity between people who know one another during a social engagement. Regardless of the circumstances, there are serious penalties for individuals found guilty of these sex crimes. Prosecutors and the police focus on sexual offenses, so if you or someone you know is accused of or arrested for a sex crime, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation.

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Victimless Sex Offenses

A victimless crime, sometimes termed a consensual crime, a crime without victims, or a complainantless crime, is a "crime that is considered to have no direct victim, usually because only consenting adults are involved." Black's Law Dictionary. State laws regarding victimless sex offenses vary greatly, but state statutes typically address victimless sex offenses such as prostitution, pandering, solicitation, indecent exposure and illegal possession of pornography. The penalties for victimless sex offenses, such as solicitation of a minor or child pornography, are severe; often involving felony convictions, jail or prison time, sexual offender treatment programs and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. For other offenses such as indecent exposure, the penalties are generally less severe; they range from fines and community service to felony charges and incarceration. If you have been arrested for a victimless sex offense, contact a law firm immediately to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney who can clearly explain your rights and options.

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Sex Offender Registry

All states require sex offender registration of some kind. Individuals convicted as sex offenders must register their address with law enforcement. Sex offenders must also send updates whenever he or she changes address and must keep their registration information current. Some states require sex offenders to verify information on a yearly basis via mail, or more frequently if deemed a violent predator. States have different requirements regarding what offenses require registration and for what period of time. Additionally, some offenses that are more serious may require registration for life. Serious crimes vary by state, but most commonly include repeat offenders, violent sexual offenders and those to commit sexual crimes against children. If you are concerned about your status under these rules, contact a knowledgeable attorney from our firm for help and advice.

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False Allegations

False allegations may occur, most often in child sex abuse situations. A child's allegation may have been influenced by an adult or the child may have based his or her accusation on an overactive imagination. Public awareness of child abuse has increased, and more reports of possible abuse are being made, but not all reports are substantiated. In addition, even good-faith accusations may not be true and false allegations may be made to harm the accused. If you find yourself the victim of false allegations, a criminal defense firm can help you take immediate action to defend yourself.

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