Houston Sexual Assault of a Child Lawyer

Experienced Houston Sexual Assault Against Children Lawyer Defending Clients—Call (832) 720-7255 to Talk

If you have been charged with a sex crime — whether or not you are guilty — you may be facing serious penalties. Public outcry based on misinformation can cause prosecutors to ignore the facts. The government faces strong public pressure to prosecute alleged sex offenders aggressively. 

Children can be easily manipulated into making false allegations because they are often eager to please or because they are too young to understand what they are relaying. In such a sensitive and complex situation, a skilled criminal defense lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and fight for a fair resolution.

Sex offense charges, particularly offenses against children, are serious allegations with serious consequences. If you are convicted of a sexual offense, in addition to a probable prison sentence for a substantial period of time, you may also be labeled, and required to register, as a sex offender for the rest of your life. 

In such cases, it’s important to consult an experienced Houston sexual assault of a child defense attorney who can help you with the legal representation and protect your rights. Houston defense attorney Nicole DeBorde understands the consequences of a criminal conviction for sexual assault, and aggressively fights for your rights and defends you against the State’s allegations. 

Contact us online or call (832) 720-7255 to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation with our sexual assault of a child defense lawyer in Houston.

Sexual Assault Against Children Defense in Houston

In Texas, child sexual abuse is an umbrella term that covers several distinct and highly serious offenses under the Texas Penal Code. The specific charge filed against an individual depends on the age of the child, the nature of the alleged contact, and the frequency of the reported incidents. As your child sexual abuse attorney in Houston, we navigate the nuances of these specific statutes.

Sexual Assault of a Child, often referred to as Statutory Rape, applies when there is sexual penetration involving a child under 17. Even if the child "consented," Texas law dictates that a minor lacks the legal capacity to consent to sexual acts with an adult who is significantly older (generally three or more years older).

We know children sometimes lie, or are very impressionable and eager to please, and therefore susceptible to manipulation. Contact our sexual assault of a child defense lawyer in Houston at the earliest possible moment if you believe you are under suspicion for any sex crime involving children:

• Sexual assault of a child
• Indecency with a child
• Injury to a child
• Rape
• Statutory rape
• Child molestation
• Solicitation of a minor
• Internet sex crimes
• Online solicitation of a minor
• Child pornography
• Prostitution
• Sex crimes against children

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Sexual Assault of a Child in Texas

The consequences of a conviction for these offenses are designed to be permanent and life-altering. Texas law is notoriously "tough on crime," especially regarding offenses against children.

Direct Criminal Penalties

• Indecency with a Child: Typically a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
• Sexual Assault of a Child: Often a second-degree felony, but can be elevated to a first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life) depending on the circumstances.
• Continuous Sexual Abuse: A first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond prison, a conviction triggers the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. This is not a private list; it is a public database that includes your photo, address, and offense details.

• Lifetime Registration: Most child-related sex offenses require lifetime registration with local law enforcement.
• Housing Restrictions: You may be barred from living near schools, parks, or daycares.
• Employment Barriers: A "sex offender" status makes it virtually impossible to find employment in many industries, even those unrelated to children.
• Loss of Civil Rights: You will lose your right to own a firearm, your right to vote (while serving your sentence), and you may face professional license revocation.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Your Defense

At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we do not sit back and wait for the state to build its case. We are proactive from day one. Our strategy is built on:

• Utilizing Our Experience as Former Prosecutors: We have sat on the other side of the table. We know the "playbook" the state uses to elicit emotional responses from juries, and we know how to counter it with facts and logic.
• Expert Witness Collaboration: We work with forensic psychologists and medical experts who specialize in "false memory" and "suggestibility" in children to challenge the reliability of the allegations.
• In-Depth Investigation: We dig into the motives behind an accusation. Is there a pending custody battle? Is there a history of the accuser making similar false claims? We find the truth that the police often overlook.
• Discreet Representation: We understand the stigma attached to these charges. We work tirelessly to handle your case with the utmost discretion to protect your reputation while the legal battle unfolds.

Respected Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

The government is under extreme pressure to prosecute individuals charged with sex crimes against a child. Even if accusations are false or exaggerated, it is very difficult to get the government to come to the same conclusion.

Attorney Nicole DeBorde spent eight years as a Harris County prosecutor, and understands how the other side builds their cases. She is skilled at gathering the information necessary to fight against sex crime charges in Houston, TX.

If You Are Innocent

If you have been charged with a sex crime and you are innocent, you should speak to our sexual assault of a child defense lawyer in Houston as soon as possible. With so much on the line, it is critical to ensure that your rights and interests are protected through the criminal law process. 

It is important that your attorney mounts the most aggressive defense possible of the false accusations against you. In Texas, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side is essential to securing the best possible outcome in your case.

Hochglaube & DeBorde Law Firm — How We Can Help

In sexual assault cases, especially against women or children, a female defense attorney may have an advantage, especially in front of a jury. Former district attorney, Nicole DeBorde, from Hochglaube & DeBorde Law Firm, puts nearly 20 years of legal experience (including 8+ years as a prosecuting attorney) to work for you. 

She can call upon her extensive network of specialists and experts to assist in your defense, including:

• Forensic specialists
• Private investigators
• Psychologists
• Therapists
• Polygraph specialists

When accusations of sexual assault against children arise, it is important to get to the source of the information. Attorney DeBorde routinely interviews witnesses and examines forensic and physical evidence. In trial, she is skilled at cross-examining witnesses to build credibility and connect with the jury.

Ms. DeBorde recently coordinated and organized a seminar for the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association instructing other criminal defense attorneys how to fight charges of sex crimes against children.

Get Help with Your Child Sexual Abuse Case Today

To discuss any sexual assault accusations made against you, including sexual assault of a child, schedule a free confidential consultation and evaluation with former district attorney and criminal defense lawyer Nicole DeBorde by calling us. In child molestation or sexual assault cases, our experience can make all the difference.

Se habla español – Located in the Niels Esperson Building – For a free initial consultation and evaluation, please call us at (832) 720-7255 or reach out online now.