FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T
DO WHEN CHARGED WITH A SEX CRIME
In the state of Texas, accusations involving sex crimes, including rape, sexual assault, statutory rape, prostitution, or sodomy, are often punished seriously. A sex crime conviction results in massive fines, lengthy imprisonment, a criminal record, registration as a sex offender, loss of certain civil rights, and other life-altering consequences. Nonetheless, knowing what to do – and what to avoid – is crucial to ensure that you do not hurt your case inadvertently or end up in the worst possible situation.
The Linder Firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal counsel and aggressive representation to clients facing sex crime charges. As a skilled Texas criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Phillip Linder has the resources to investigate every detail of your case thoroughly and enlighten you about what you shouldn’t do. The firm is proud to represent clients in Dallas, Texas, and throughout Dallas Metro and North Texas.
Brief Overview of Sex Crimes in Texas
Sex crimes involve various forms of non-consensual or unwanted sexual conduct, including sexual assault, rape, public lewdness, indecent exposure, and other sexual acts exhibited towards someone else. Some common examples of sex-related crimes in Texas include:
Sexual assault
Rape
Statutory rape
Public lewdness
Indecent exposure
Online solicitation of a minor
Improper relationship between educator and student
Indecency with a child
Aggravated sexual assault
Voyeurism
Prohibited sexual conduct
Obscenity
Prostitution
Sexual offenses against minors
If you or someone you know has recently been arrested and charged with a sex crime, you need to reach out to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. Your defense counsel can investigate all of the facts of your case thoroughly and enlighten you about the possible consequences of a criminal conviction.
Possible Penalties
In the state of Texas, sex-related crimes usually carry severe and life-changing implications. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, a sex crime conviction could result in any of the following possible penalties and consequences:
Lengthy-time in prison (ranging from months, years, or decades)
Huge fines
Lifetime registration as a sex offender
A criminal record/history
Loss of certain civil rights
Loss of your rights to possess, carry a firearm or gun
Loss of voting rights
Increased difficulty in finding employment or housing
Loss of personal freedom and social prospects
Increasing difficulty in getting some loans
Increased difficulty in security government assistance
Deterioration of professional relationships
Loss of scholarships, educational, and professional opportunities
However, retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney can make a massive difference between whether you are charged, or your case is being filed. Your lawyer can strategize an effective defense for your unique situation and educate you about what you should do or avoid doing to help with your legal battle.
Things NOT To Do After Being
Charged With a Sex Crime
According to statistics from the 2020 Crime in Texas report, there were 13,327 total reported rape incidents statewide. Facing sexual misconduct allegations can be a terrifying experience. Nonetheless, knowing what NOT to do is just as crucial as preserving the evidence. In order not to hurt your case unintentionally, here are some things to avoid when facing sex crime charges:
Don’t Talk to The Police
When facing a sex crime charge, do not talk to the police or any other investigator without your attorney’s consent. The police will act like they’re on your side and try to make you open up to them. Conversely, they can take your statements out of context or use any information you provide against you.
Don’t Post on Social Media
Furthermore, you should refrain from posting anything on social media. When your case is ongoing, your private messages are no longer private. Hence, it is advisable that you stay away from social media.
Don’t Contact the Alleged Victim
Also, do not reach out to the victim, their family members, or friends through any means of communication. There should be no conversation between you and the victim about your case. With sensitive emotions, your words will be used against you.
Don’t Agree to Testing Before the Arrest
Unless you’ve been arrested, you’re not under any obligation to agree to any testing (DNA testing). Before providing any type of evidence to law enforcement, always consult with your lawyer. Even if the police convince you that such evidence will help your case, you should speak with your lawyer first.
Don’t Take the Charges Lightly
Being convicted of a sex crime can have devastating and long-lasting effects on your life. In fact, the Texas criminal justice system is specifically strict with defendants facing sex crimes charges. Hence, ensure that you have an experienced lawyer on your side who will listen to you and enlighten you about your possible legal defenses.
An experienced sex crimes defense attorney can fight vigorously to defend your legal rights, attempt to establish your innocence, and increase your prospects of the best possible outcome in your case.
Seek Reliable Representation from an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Being convicted of a sex crime can jeopardize your personal reputation, freedom, quality of life, career, professional relationships, and future opportunities. Even if the allegations against you were false, any slight mistake could inadvertently hurt the outcome of your case. Therefore, when facing sex crime charges, retaining a skilled criminal defense attorney is imperative for proper guidance and to help build your defense.
With more than 30 years of extensive legal experience, Attorney Phillip Linder has the diligence, knowledge, and resources to defend and represent individuals wrongfully accused of sexual assault or misconduct. Attorney Phillip Linder has the resources to navigate the Texas criminal justice system and the experience to represent you diligently in every stage of the legal proceedings.
Contact The Linder Firm today to schedule a simple case assessment with a trusted sex crime defense lawyer. Attorney Phillip Linder has the reliable representation and personalized legal counsel you need in your case. The firm is proud to represent clients in Dallas, Texas, and throughout Dallas Metro and North Texas.