Houston Sex Crime Attorney

About Sex Crime Charges

There aren't many things in our society worse than being accused of a sex crime, particularly if the alleged victim is a child. In fact, it has been said the only thing worse than being accused of committing a sex crime is to be wrongly accused.

An unfortunate consequence of the wide attention devoted to sex offenses in recent years is that many people assume that all sex offenses involve children or that all sex offenders are guilty of some crime against children. The reality is that there are many different crimes that may be classified as sex offenses under the law and subject an individual to registration requirements - many, if not most of which, don't involve children at all. As a result, the punishments and consequences of a conviction or deferred adjudication for a sex offense are very serious and, even if a misdemeanor, as they can cause one to experience difficulties for the rest of one's life in social settings, obtaining employment, renting an apartment, and many other ways.

People who are accused of sex crimes should take the allegations very seriously. Everyone else does.

Types of Sex Crimes

Generally, Sexual Offenses are contained within Chapter 21, 22 and 43 of the Texas Penal Code. However, they may be contained in other statutes as well, including Federal laws. Commonly prosecuted criminal offenses that fall under the umbrella of "sex crimes," include:

• Public Lewdness
• Indecency with a Child
• Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault
• Sexual Assault of a Child and Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
• Prostitution & SOB Violations
• Sexual Abuse of Children

The types of crimes and ranges of punishment vary with the type of conduct, level of contact, age of the parties, and relationship between the parties.

Aside from being arrested or formally charged with committing a sex crime, just being investigated in connection with such an offense can result in a severe impact to your personal and professional life. When engaged early in an investigation, I have had success in protecting the suspect's rights and interests throughout the investigation, utilizing privately retained experts to present exculpatory evidence, and, in some cases, avoiding prosecution or indictment. Beginning an active defense early may be best way to avoid a conviction later.

My name is Tate Williams of the Law Office of Q. Tate Williams PC, and I understand the serious consequences of being connected with a sex crime. I have represented many individuals who have been investigated for or charged with the commission of sex crimes for more than a decade, and I know that diligence, aggression, and a fine attention to detail are needed to provide an effective criminal defense. I am fully prepared to provide you with advice and support in your case, and with my help, you may be able to avoid conviction and the stigma that goes along with being found guilty of a sex crime or life as a registered sex offender.

Sex Crime Penalties in Houston, Texas

Penalties for a sex crime conviction vary depending on the severity of the crime, as well as the prior criminal history of the accused. Examples of penalties include:

• Sexual Assault - A Second Degree Felony or higher;
• Sexual Assault of a Child - A Second Degree Felony in most cases;
• Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child - First Degree Felony in most cases ;
• Prostitution - Up to 2 years in prison, depending on whether or not one has prior offense.

If a person has prior convictions, depending on what they are, the consequences may be severe. Some defendants are eligible for "straight" or "deferred adjudication" probation. However, deferred adjudication may not avoid registration as a sex offender. Contact a Houston sex crime lawyer as soon as possible if you have been charged with a sex crime, as without legal representation you may have a decreased chance of avoiding conviction and severe punishment.