Houston Sexual Assault Lawyer

Facing sexual assault allegations, or navigating the aftermath of an assault, can be overwhelming, emotionally taxing, and legally complex. Many individuals feel isolated, worried about privacy, reputation, and potential long-term consequences. Whether you are a survivor seeking civil justice or an accused professional concerned about your career and personal life, obtaining experienced legal guidance early is crucial.

At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, our team provides strategic, evidence-driven support designed to help clients navigate these high-stakes situations with clarity and confidence. The first few hours following an allegation or incident are critical, and our attorneys focus on protecting your rights while leveraging every available procedural safeguard.

Call our Houston sexual assault lawyer at (832) 720-7255 for a confidential consultation. Our team is available 24/7 and provides Spanish-speaking representation and virtual consultations to ensure accessibility and privacy.

Why Hire a Lawyer with Prosecutor Experience?

Selecting the right attorney can significantly influence the outcome of a sexual assault case. At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, our team includes former prosecutors with years of experience inside the court system. This perspective gives us an insider understanding of how local courts and prosecutors evaluate evidence, anticipate defense strategies, and make charging decisions.

Our prosecutor-informed approach allows us to:

Anticipate prosecution tactics. Understanding procedures and strategies used by specialized units in Harris and Montgomery Counties.
Identify evidence weaknesses. Spotting gaps in investigations, including chain-of-custody issues for digital evidence or the reliability of forensic interviews.
Strategic pre-arrest intervention. Often, the most effective work occurs before charges are filed, presenting exculpatory evidence early to authorities.

Our approach is evidence-driven, including handling complex digital forensics and AI-generated evidence.

Sexual Assault Charges Explained

Sexual assault in Texas covers a broad range of allegations, and the laws continue to evolve to strengthen victim protections and clarify penalties. In Harris County, these cases are often handled by specialized units with extensive experience and resources.

Key offenses include:

Aggravated sexual assault. Involves serious bodily injury, use of weapons, or offenses against minors. Certain cases carry mandatory minimum sentences and strict parole considerations.
Continuous sexual abuse (§21.03). Addresses patterns of abuse involving two or more acts against multiple victims over a specified period, typically prosecuted as a First-Degree Felony.
Sexual assault of a child. Charges carry mandatory sex offender registration and significant prison terms. Consent laws include provisions related to intoxication or impairment.
Digital sexual misconduct (§21.165). Prohibits producing or distributing manipulated images or videos, including AI-generated content, depicting non-consensual sexual acts.

Even allegations that seem minor can escalate quickly, especially with digital forensics playing a central role in modern investigations.

How to Protect Your Rights & Career After an Accusation

Facing allegations of sexual misconduct can have serious legal and personal consequences. Acting promptly is essential to protect your rights, manage interactions with law enforcement, and safeguard your future opportunities.

In Texas, judges can set or deny bail for certain violent or sexual crimes based on public safety considerations. Bail decisions often rely on risk assessments and evaluations of the alleged conduct. Our attorneys can challenge these determinations when appropriate, potentially reducing the time a client spends in custody.

Legal matters can also affect professional standing. Convictions, or even deferred adjudications, may lead to automatic revocation of licenses for doctors, nurses, teachers, and other licensed professionals. Additionally, students, faculty, or staff at schools and universities may face Title IX investigations, administrative proceedings that review allegations of sexual misconduct in educational settings. Our team coordinates criminal defense strategies alongside these proceedings to help minimize disruptions to your career and academic standing.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Timing is critical in sexual assault cases. Contacting a lawyer early allows our team to preserve crucial digital evidence, such as social media messages, GPS data, and metadata, which can be lost or altered if not secured promptly. We provide guidance on communication to help clients avoid statements that could be misinterpreted. Additionally, early engagement ensures any opportunities to clear records under Chapter 55A, through expunction or non-disclosure for dismissed or acquitted cases, are handled properly, protecting your future.

Support & Justice Options for Survivors

Survivors often seek accountability not only from the individual involved but also from institutions like schools or employers that failed to act. At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we guide clients with practical legal strategies and empathetic support.

Recent Texas law changes prevent confidentiality agreements from silencing survivors of sexual abuse. This allows survivors previously restricted from speaking out to pursue accountability without fear of retaliation.

Paths to recovery may include:

Investigating whether institutions ignored prior complaints or failed to take appropriate precautions.
Seeking support to cover therapy, medical bills, or relocation.
Accessing extended timeframes to file civil claims against public organizations when applicable.

FAQs

Can Digital Messages Be Used as Evidence?

Yes. Digital communication often plays a central role in these cases. We collaborate with forensic experts to examine collection methods, authenticity, and potential challenges.

What Is the Difference Between an Expunction & a Non-Disclosure?

An expunction completely removes an arrest record as if it never existed, while a non-disclosure keeps the record but prevents the public from accessing it. Both processes allow certain individuals to limit the long-term impact of a case on their personal and professional life.

Can I Hold My Employer Liable for an Assault by a Coworker?

Possibly. If an employer ignored known risks or failed to provide a safe environment, a civil negligence or premises liability claim may apply.

Houston Sexual Assault Attorney

Sexual assault allegations require immediate, strategic guidance. At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we combine legal rigor with compassionate advocacy to protect your rights, reputation, and future.

Call (832) 720-7255 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance and support throughout every stage of your case.

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At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (832) 720-7255 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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“Nicole goes above and beyond the “call of duty” both in and out of the court room. Her statement to us when my husband and I hired her was that she would treat us like her family. She most certainly has done that. It has been almost 5 years since adjudication and she has continued to help us with any need that may arise. In this world of uncertainty, there is no one else I would rather have as our counsel than Nicole DeBorde. She truly is an anomaly and has no equal.”

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