Houston Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer For Serious Sex Crime Accusations

Last updated on August 22, 2024

Being accused of a sex crime is one of the most serious, life-altering things that can happen to you. It is important to remember that while prosecutors will come down hard on you for these accusations, you are always innocent until proven guilty.

The Law Offices of Charles T. Ganz defends those accused of crimes in Greater Houston. I’m Charles T. Ganz, a sex crimes defense lawyer with decades of experience, and I believe everyone is entitled to a robust criminal defense when they need it most.

Definition Of A Sex Crime In Texas

In Texas, a sex crime is defined as any illegal act that involves forced or nonconsensual sexual conduct. The Texas Penal Code sets out various types of sex offenses, including:

• Sexual assault (rape): Nonconsensual sexual contact or intercourse, including sexual conduct involving a minor
• Aggravated sexual assault: Sexual assault involving a weapon, serious injuries, certain vulnerable victims or other aggravating factors
• Indecency with a child: Engaging in sexual contact or exposure with a person under 17 years of age, with or without their consent.
• Prostitution: Exchange of sexual services for money or other value, including solicitation of those services
• Possession or distribution of child pornography: Creation, distribution or possession of explicit material featuring minors
• Online solicitation of a minor: Intentionally engaging in sexually explicit interactions with a minor online or via text
• Sexual abuse: Ongoing sexual conduct involving a child or adult with disabilities

Your case may also be charged at the federal level, depending on what the crime entailed. Crimes involving child pornography typically go to the federal courts.

Each of these offenses carries specific legal repercussions that can include a lengthy term of imprisonment, significant fines, probation and mandatory sex offender registration. If you’ve been charged or are under investigation for any of these crimes, you need a sexual assault defense lawyer who is not only willing to defend you but also has experience defending these high-stakes cases. I believe in a fair legal process and will work tirelessly as your criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.

I also handle cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of a student, teacher or faculty at private or public schools. These allegations can lead to a separate set of proceedings under Title IX. I can fiercely defend you to protect your reputation, career, education and future.

Statutory Rape In Texas

Statutory rape is the most common rape charge because many times, the individuals involved probably did not know, nor need to know, it was statutory rape based on the age of consent in Texas. The mere sexual act is enough if it is proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the act occurred and the actors were in a prohibited class.

Texas Age Of Consent

Statutory rape is a sexual relationship between two individuals that is prohibited. The legal age for consent in Texas is 17 years of age. However, if the age difference between the actors is within three years of one another, the statutory rape law does not apply. It is not always the obvious age prohibition. A relationship with a student at a primary or secondary school is prohibited regardless of their age. 

What Happens After A Sexual Assault Conviction?

If a conviction for a sexual assault occurs, you will face sentencing by the judge or jury. For many sexual assault cases, there is no option to serve probation or house arrest. You could be facing life in prison or lengthy prison sentences.

For the majority of sexual assault crimes, you will be on the Texas sex offender registry. Often, this is for life.

If your conviction involves serious sentences, you will be taken back to jail and then sent to prison. This is an extremely difficult time that can make you feel hopeless.

In prison, you will be able to speak with your family and attorney. I will keep you abreast of changes to your case and new strategies we can utilize, including potential appeals and petitions for post-conviction relief. I can also work to reduce harsh sentences and time served for good behavior or make deals to stop similar crimes. With a knowledgeable lawyer at your side, you can be confident you will not be taken advantage of during the legal process.

Help For Individuals On The Sex Offender Registry

• Unlawful restraint of a minor
• The kidnapping of anyone under 17 years old
• Trafficking people
• Sexual abuse of a minor
• Indecent exposure or indecency with a child
• Sexual assault or sexual assault with a weapon
• Prohibited sexual conduct
• Online solicitation of minors
• Prostitution
• Possession or creation of child pornography
• Burglary with sexual intent

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sex Crimes

Below are answers to some questions about sex crime charges and allegations. For more personalized questions and answers, please reach out to me for a confidential consultation.

Can I be removed from the sex offender registry?

It may be possible to have your record expunged or sealed, which will remove you from the registry. However, many sex crimes and their penalties will never allow for removal from the registry. This depends on the circumstances and severity of the crime.

What are the penalties for sexual assault?

If convicted, you are likely facing a second-degree felony. You could be facing two to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Some criminal circumstances can make this a first-degree felony, which can mean five to 99 years in prison.

If a weapon or young victim is involved in the assault, it will be considered aggravated sexual assault. The minimum penalty for this is 25 years in state prison. When you face a sexual assault conviction, the judge or jury will decide your specific sentence.

What should I do if I am facing rape allegations?

Rape and sex crime allegations are serious. Do not contact the individual or family accusing you and try to “talk it out” or clarify the situation. Say nothing to anyone, and contact an attorney immediately. Do not try to delete computer history, emails, texts or pictures, as this can all be recovered and can make you look guilty.

You must stay calm, comply with police officers without divulging anything beyond your basic information, remain silent and contact an attorney right away.

What qualifies as sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse is different from sexual assault. Abuse involves someone intentionally having consensual or nonconsensual sexual activity with a minor or incapacitated adult. It may also involve this kind of activity on a repeated basis. Crimes like this tend to have a lasting impact on the victim for years.

Sexual abuse does not need to involve any physical contact. It can include exposing oneself, obscene texts, pornographic images, sex trafficking and other types of activity.

Sexual Assault Attorney Who Can Ensure That You Are Treated Fairly Under The Law

Whether or not you have committed a sex crime, you deserve fair treatment by the criminal justice system. Our laws, freedoms and protections are in place to protect us from a corrupt system and overzealous prosecutors.

As a lawyer, it is my job to fight for an outcome that is fair and just and to defend you before a judge and jury if it comes to that. As one of Houston’s most well-respected criminal defense lawyers, I know how to prepare a skilled defense against rape charges and other sex offense charges. I will ensure that you are not taken advantage of during the legal process.

Get in touch with me to discuss your case or explore your options. Call 713-364-0953 to get started or reach out online for a confidential consultation.