Protecting You From The Devastating Effects Of A Sex Offense Accusation
When you are accused of a sex crime in Harris County or anywhere in Texas, the consequences can have a more lasting impact on you and your family. Just the mere allegation of a sex offense can ruin your reputation, your standing in the community and your relationship with your family and loved ones.
Allegations of sexual assault, even sexual assault of a child, can arise from false accusations or from situations where the accuser has a very high motive to lie or could have been manipulated into telling a falsehood against you, including in divorce and custody disputes.
A conviction or even a plea deal for charges such as sexual assault, child sex abuse, possession of child pornography or any sex offense can result in lengthy prison sentences and a requirement of lifetime registration as a sex offender. Defenses or other mitigating factors may be available to help you avoid a conviction for the charges against you.
Yet sex offenses can be the most defensible cases. If you have been charged with a sex offense or are under investigation for a sex offense, contact your experienced criminal defense lawyer, Jason Luong. As a former felony judge and former prosecutor, Jason has experience prosecuting sex offenses, defending people charged with sex offenses and presiding over jury trials for people charged with sex offenses. He has extensive, successful experience handling these cases from start to finish and from all angles.
Jason Luong Will Fight To Protect Your Reputation And Freedom
Jason Luong knows how the evidence against you will be viewed by the prosecutor and by the jury. Jason knows that witnesses in sex assault cases often have motives to lie or are manipulated into making false accusations. He has seen the mistakes that the police and prosecutors make in collecting the evidence that can benefit your case. He knows what evidence can get into a trial and what evidence must be excluded at trial.
Jason Luong is eminently qualified to handle the full spectrum of sex crimes under Texas and federal law, including:
- Solicitation of prostitution or promotion of prostitution
- Prostitution
- Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault
- Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault of a child
- Indecency with a child
- Solicitation of a child
- Possession of child pornography
- Indecent exposure
- Sex offender registration and failures to comply with sex offender registration requirements
Attorney Jason Luong will use his years of experience as a former prosecutor, former felony district court judge and experienced criminal defense attorney to provide you with the most favorable defense.
Penalties For Sex Offenses In Texas
Texas sex offenses are prosecuted under Texas Penal Code Chapter 21 and can carry severe criminal penalties. The exact punishment depends on the specific offense, the age of the complainant, whether force or coercion was used, the defendant’s prior criminal history, and whether the case involved aggravating factors such as a child victim, bodily injury or use of a weapon.
Third-Degree Felony
- Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility
- Fine of up to $10,000
Second-Degree Felony
- Punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison
- Fine of up to $10,000
First-Degree Felony
- Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison
- Fine of up to $10,000
Some offenses may also be enhanced beyond the standard felony range, including eligibility for life imprisonment in particularly serious cases. Anyone facing a sex offense allegation in Texas should consult a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately.
Sex Offense Defense Experience You Can Trust
If authorities accuse you of a sex crime in Harris County or anywhere in Texas, police may ask to “hear your side of the story.” You may want to explain why you are innocent, but investigators often use these interviews to collect evidence that supports criminal charges.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can protect you before prosecutors file charges. Jason Luong has represented clients during pre-charge sex offense investigations and has helped prevent charges, secure grand jury no-bills and obtain dismissals. As a former prosecutor and former felony judge, he understands how the state builds these cases and how to challenge the allegations against you.
Anyone facing a sex offense allegation in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery or Galveston County should avoid answering questions from police or prosecutors until Jason Luong has reviewed the situation and advised them on the next steps.
Understanding The Special Laws Governing Sex Offenders
In Texas, there are numerous special laws that apply to different sex offense cases. It is vital that you work with an attorney who understands these laws and how they may impact your case.
In Texas, some of these varying laws include:
- Texas law gives child sex abuse cases priority over many other criminal cases, which may move the case to trial more quickly.
- In child sex abuse cases, courts may admit certain outcry statements that they would normally exclude.
- Certain sexual abuse convictions carry a minimum prison sentence of 25 years without parole.
- Once a judge sets the length of deferred adjudication or probation, the judge may not end or shorten it early.
At The Law Office of Jason Luong, PLLC, attorney Luong understands how these factors affect your defense and the outcome of your case.
Steps To Take After A Sex Offense Accusation
If you have been accused of a sex offense in Texas, the most vital step is to contact a sex crime defense lawyer as soon as possible. These cases can move quickly, and anything you say to police and investigators may affect the outcome. By seeking counsel early, you can get guidance before making statements, responding to allegations or taking any action that could create additional legal risk for you.
When you hire The Law Office of Jason Luong, PLLC, attorney Jason Luong will review the allegations, explain the charges and help you understand what to expect at each stage of the case. He can also gather important facts, identify possible defenses and begin building a strategy tailored to your specific situation.
If there are deadlines, hearings or conditions of release, he can carefully explain what they mean and help you stay compliant while the case is pending. With his Houston firm on your side, you can focus on protecting your future while he handles the legal process and works to pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
Sex Offender Registration Violations
Texas requires registered sex offenders to update their information each year and register again immediately after any address change. Anyone who fails to follow these requirements may face felony charges, imprisonment and other serious penalties.
If you are facing sexual assault charges in Houston or anywhere in Texas, securing a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is crucial. A sexual assault conviction carries severe repercussions, such as imprisonment, mandatory sex offender registration, substantial fines and potential damage to both your professional and personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Sex Offense Charges
Sex offense allegations often raise urgent questions about possible penalties, court procedures and the time available for prosecutors to file charges. The answers below provide general information, but the facts of each case can affect how Texas law applies:
What is a sex offense?
A sex offense is a criminal charge involving alleged unlawful sexual conduct, exploitation or sexually explicit material. Texas law covers many offenses, including sexual assault, indecency with a child, solicitation, prostitution-related crimes, possession of child pornography and failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements.
How long does a sexual assault case take in Texas?
A sexual assault case may take several months or more than a year to resolve. The timeline depends on the complexity of the allegations, the amount of evidence, forensic testing, witness availability, pretrial motions and the court’s schedule. Cases involving children may receive priority over other criminal matters. An attorney can review the circumstances and provide a more specific assessment.
Is sexual assault a felony in Texas?
Yes. Texas generally treats sexual assault as a second-degree felony. A conviction can carry a prison term of two to 20 years and a maximum fine of $10,000. The penalties may become more severe based on factors such as the alleged victim’s age, the circumstances of the offense and the accused person’s prior record.
What is the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Texas?
The filing deadline depends on the charge and the facts. Texas generally gives prosecutors 10 years to file certain adult sexual assault charges. However, some offenses carry no statute of limitations, including aggravated sexual assault and certain offenses involving children. Texas may also remove the filing deadline when authorities collect biological evidence but cannot yet identify the person responsible.
Do most sexual assault cases go to trial in Texas?
Many sexual assault cases do not reach a jury trial. A case may end through dismissal, a grand jury no-bill, a negotiated plea or another pretrial resolution. However, every case is different, and accepting a plea can carry serious consequences, including imprisonment and sex offender registration. Jason Luong prepares each case carefully and remains ready to take the matter to trial when that approach serves the client’s interests.
Contact The Law Office of Jason Luong, PLLC, For A Free Consultation.
The Law Office of Jason Luong, PLLC, offers a confidential consultation so that you can protect your rights and discuss your options. Contact former prosecutor and former judge Jason Luong at 281-400-1605 today or fill out his Houston office’s online contact form to learn how he can help.
