Houston Child Sexual Abuse Defense Attorney

Houston Sex Crime Attorneys With Decades of Experience

Your freedom, your future, and your family are at stake if you have been arrested or are facing criminal charges of abuse against a child. Your peers, employer and family members may judge you harshly even if your charges are dismissed. You may also lose access to your own children.

Do not wait to see what develops with your case, and do not speak to the police or any investigators before speaking to an experienced Houston child sexual abuse defense attorney. A conviction for a sex crime can lead to a lengthy jail sentence, far from those you love.

At the Law Offices of Jed Silverman in Houston, we strive to provide with the strongest defense possible. We represent hundreds of clients every year throughout the state, and we understand the struggles you now face. Accusations of child sex abuse create highly charged emotional responses from everyone around you, which can lead to unfair treatment by the media and prosecutors. We can aggressively defend you at every stage of the legal process, aiming for a dismissal, an acceptable plea agreement to a lesser charge, or an acquittal of the charges you face.

Facing child sexual abuse charges? It’s critical to have an experienced Houston child sexual abuse defense attorney on your side. Call us now at (713) 597-2221 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.

Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Charges in Texas

In Texas, child sexual abuse encompasses a wide range of unlawful sexual acts committed against a child under the age of 17. According to Texas Penal Code §21.02: Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child/Children, child sexual abuse[1], also referred to as “child molestation,” involves committing two or more acts of sexual abuse against one or more victims during a period of 30 days or longer. 

For the purpose of this statute, “acts of sexual abuse” can include:

• Aggravated kidnapping (20.01)[2]
• Indecency with a child (21.11)[3]
• Sexual assault (22.011)[4]
• Aggravated sexual assault (22.021)[5]
• Burglary (30.02)[6]
• Sexual performance by a child (43.25)[7]
• Trafficking of persons (20A.02)[8]
• Compelling prostitution (43.05)[9]

Continuous sexual abuse of young children is considered a “sexually violent offense” worthy of lifetime sex offender registration upon discharge from state supervision (i.e. incarceration, parole, or community supervision). Continuous sexual abuse of young children is a felony of the first degree, punishable by up to life in prison.

Consequences of a Conviction for Child Sexual Abuse

A conviction for child sexual abuse carries life-altering consequences. In Texas, the specific penalties depend on the nature of the offense and the severity of the abuse, but common consequences include:

• Prison Time: Child sexual abuse is typically prosecuted as a felony offense. A conviction may lead to long prison sentences, potentially ranging from 25 years to life, depending on the charges and circumstances.
• Sex Offender Registration: In many cases, those convicted of child sexual abuse are required to register as sex offenders. This can result in permanent public listing, which severely affects personal privacy, employment opportunities, and social interactions.
• Probation and Parole: In some cases, a convicted individual may be eligible for probation or parole. However, strict conditions are often imposed, including regular check-ins with probation officers, mandatory counseling, and restrictions on where the individual can live and work.
• Fines: Significant fines may also be imposed, adding further financial strain to the individual’s situation.
• Civil Lawsuits: In some instances, individuals accused of child sexual abuse may face civil lawsuits brought by the alleged victim or their family. These lawsuits can lead to additional financial consequences and can be challenging to defend against.

The severity of the consequences of a child sexual abuse conviction underscores the importance of retaining a skilled Houston child sexual abuse defense lawyer. Defending such charges requires a comprehensive understanding of criminal law, evidence gathering, and effective courtroom strategy.

Challenging Child Molestation Charges in Texas

Child molester - those two simple words have tremendous power. The mere allegation of child molestation could cost you your job, your reputation in the community, and so much more. At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, we understand that everything you hold dear is on the line if you have been accused of child molestation. Of course, you already know what is at stake if you are visiting this site.

Common defense strategies in child sexual abuse cases include challenging false allegations, arguing lack of evidence, and asserting mistaken identity. Other defenses may involve claims of consent (in certain circumstances), improper investigation procedures, or mental health issues affecting the defendant’s understanding of their actions. Additionally, if the statute of limitations has expired, the charges may be dismissed. A skilled Houston child sexual abuse defense attorney will thoroughly investigate the case and explore all potential defenses.

We are driven advocates for our clients. We believe in the concept of innocent unless proven guilty. We know that justice can be trampled when a rush to justice occurs. When retained to handle your case, we will stand on your behalf and hold the prosecution to its burden of proof. We will do everything in our power to make sure that rumors, innuendo, hearsay, false allegations and personal vendettas do not determine your future.

Contact Us Today

Our founding attorney, Jed Silverman, has been defending the rights of the criminally accused for more than 20 years. He has defended many clients who have been accused of child molestation. 

He has learned many things during his years of practice:

• False allegations are more common than people think
• Many false allegations arise in the context of divorce and custody battles
• Children do make false allegations in some cases
• Young children may be coached or manipulated into thinking they were molested
• Innocent touching can be confused for inappropriate touching in some cases

Ready to discuss your legal rights? Contact our Houston sexual abuse defense lawyers today at (713) 597-2221.