Sexual Offenses
Criminal accusations come with a presumption of innocence. The accusation of a sexual motiviated offense results in the immediate judgment of family, friends and the community at large. Often these cases are based soley on the accusation of the alleged witness with no evidence that corroborates the accusation. Once the allegation has been made, the alleged victim may be under tremendous pressure to stick to the false allegation. The most important thing you can do after an allegation is contact an experienced attorney to defend you against the charges.
Your criminal defense attorney can make sure that you properly invoke your right to remain silent. Your attorney can gather and preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost with the passage of time. Your attorney can work with the District Attorney's Office so that all exculpatory and mitigating evidence is presented before any formal charges are filed.
In Texas, an attorney experienced in fighting false allegations of a sexually motivated offense can help you clear your name. Aside from the social stigma that comes with being accused of sexual offenses, Texas has serious legal penalties that include long prison sentences, stiff fines and an official registry for convicted sexual offenders. Once a person is convicted of a sex crime and placed in the registry, the person has oppressive restrictions related to where the person accused of the crime can live or work. A Houston sex crime attorney can act as a trusted confident for the defendant accused of sexual offenses in addition to helping minimize the gravity of the sexual offenses’ consequences.
Perhaps no criminal charge under Texas law comes with more devastating consequences than a sexual motivated crime. False accusations are common in these offenses for any number of reasons. Obtaining experienced legal representation after an accusation is critically important. Some common sexual offenses include:
- Public Lewdness
- Indecent Exposure
- Prohibited Sexual Conduct *
- Improper Relationship Between an Educator and Student
- Sexual Assault
- Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Rape / Statutory Rape
- Aggravated Kidnapping
- Criminal Solicitation of a Minor Under 17 Years of Age
- Indecency with a Child Under 17 Years of Age *
- Molestation
- Obscenity
- Improper Visual Recording or Photography
- Obscene Distribution or Display
- Display, Distribution or Sale of Harmful Material to Minor under 18 years of age
- Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography *
- Employment Harmful to Children
- Prostitution / Solicitation *
- Compelling Prostitution
- Promotion of Prostitution
- Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution
- Federal Sex Crimes
Houston Sex Crimes Lawyer
Matt Horak has the experience and ability to fight for you. Mr. Horak has represented countless Texans. He understands how being accused of a sexual offense can affect your family and your entire life. Mr. Horak will do everything possible to protect your good name and exonerate you from the charges or get a lesser sentence if convicted. If you have been accused of a sexual offense in Harris or Montgomery County, call The Law Offices of Matt Horak today at (713) 225-8000 or toll-free at (800) 225-8009.
Sexual Offenses Information Center
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Someone falsely accused me of a sex crime. What are my options?
False accusations are more common than you might imagine especially when it comes to sexual relationships. For example, it might be convenient for pregnant teenager to claim she was sexually assaulted instead of confessing to her parents she was engaged in an unprotected sexual relationship. Most people make false allegations out of fear or due to pressure from peers or police. For the falsely accused, it is crucial to get legal representation right away. You are mistaken to think that you cannot be prosecuted for a false allegation. Many people are in jail for crimes they did not commit because they did not act quickly to obtain a good legal defense.
There is a wide array of sexual offense crimes in Texas. It is necessary to have a well informed and knowledgeable lawyer to help you navigate the Texas legal system. Being a victim or accused of a sexual offense can be a devastating experience, but with competent legal representation you can put these sexual offense charges behind you and move on with your life.
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Sex Offender Registration in Texas
What are the laws regarding sex offender registration in Texas?
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.005, Texas has implemented a Sex Offender Registry. The registry is run and maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Registration is mandatory for convicted adults and juvenile sex offenders whose cases are adjudicated after September 1, 1970.
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How much personal information do I need to provide to the sex offender registry?
Typically the state of Texas requires sex offenders to provide the following information:
- Legal full name and aliases
- Date of Birth
- Physical Description
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s License Number
- Home Address
- Photograph
- Fingerprints
- Type of Offense
- Employment Status
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How much sex offender information can the general public see?
Texas does want to strike a balance between sex offender privacy and the safety of the community. The Registry is open to the public so anyone can find out general information about the sex offender such as:
- Photograph
- Risk level of the offender
- Detailed physical description
- Employment Status
- Type of Offense
- Home Address
- Date of Birth
- Full name and aliases
The registry will NEVER disclose:
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s License Number
- Telephone Number
- Victim’s Personal Information
Under the Texas law, the Texas Department of Public Safety is required to disclose this information. The information is public record and anyone could run a criminal background check or run a people search and find this information. It is up to the sex offender to make sure this information stays current and up to date.
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Does a nonresident sex offender have to register in Texas?
A nonresident sex offender only has to register in Texas if they have a reportable conviction or adjudication and works or attends school in Texas. Non-resident sex offenders register only for only as long as they work or attend school in Texas.
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What happens if I fail to register as a Sex Offender?
If you are a registered sex offender it is vital to contact an attorney regarding the specific facts of your case and your specific requirements. In general if you fail to register as a sex offender in Texas for a sexually violent offense you are looking at jail time. Texas considers it a felony not to register as a sex offender so it is a good idea to get legal representation to ensure that additional felonies and charges are not added to your record.
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Resources
Texas Department of Public Safety - Sex Offender Registry: Official TXDPS-Sex Offender Registry Program Information and details about requirements for sex offender registration
Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas: TXDPS partnered with FAST to provide fingerprinting service to assist you with requirements the requirements and locations for fingerprinting.
Public Record Center Search: This page allows you to pay for a background search or utilize some public record information to find out general criminal history.
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Matt Horak, Attorney at Law | Texas Sex Crimes Attorney
There are no minor criminal offenses or proceedings. If you are charged with a sexual offense the time you have to defend yourself is limited. You should contact the Law Offices of Matt Horak immediately to schedule a consultation. Call us today at (713) 225-8000 or toll-free at (800) 225-8009. Houston criminal defense attorney, Matt Horak, represents sex crime defendants in Houston Texas and the surrounding areas, including Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, and Waller Counties.