Houston Sex Crimes Attorney

Sex Crime Defense Lawyer in Harris County

Facing sex offense charges in Texas is a very serious legal problem, with extreme consequences in the event of a conviction. If you are accused of child pornography, online solicitation of a minor, or sexual assault, the allegations require a strong and persuasive defense.

At Drehner Law, we understand the complexities of these cases and work diligently to protect your rights. A conviction for a sex crime can lead to severe penalties, including prison time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and lasting damage to your reputation. The legal process can be intimidating, but taking immediate action can make a significant difference in your case. From investigating the evidence to challenging procedural errors, a sex crimes lawyer in Houston can help you navigate your legal options.

If you are facing charges, it is critical to understand your rights and build a compelling defense strategy. With the high stakes involved with any criminal charge, you need an experienced criminal trial attorney by your side. Shannon Drehner brings her years of experience as a chief felony prosecutor to defend you when you need it most.

Contact us at 832-626-0063 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case and how our Houston sex crimes lawyer can defend you.

How Can a Houston Sex Crimes Attorney Defend You Against Charges?

If you have been charged with a sex crime in Harris County, such as sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault, you could be facing serious consequences. Just the mere allegation of a sex crime can have ramifications for one’s career, personal relationships, and reputation. Depending on the charge, potential penalties for those offenses can range from probation to a life sentence. In addition, Texas has sex offender registration requirements upon a plea or conviction of sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and other sex crime charges.

At Drehner Law, Houston, sex crimes attorney Shannon Drehner knows how much is at stake when someone is falsely accused of sexual assault or misconduct. Whether you are under investigation or already charged, an effective and solid defense is necessary to protect your reputation, career, and freedom in Harris County.

Contact our criminal defense lawyer in Houston today to discuss your case and take the first step in protecting your future.

Sex Crime Investigations

The early investigation is usually about building a version of events. Investigators may try to determine who was involved, when the alleged conduct occurred, what relationship existed between the people involved, and whether the facts support a specific criminal allegation. Prosecutors may later review that information to determine whether the evidence is legally sufficient to support charges. In more sensitive or specialized cases, other professionals may become involved because the investigation requires medical, forensic, digital, or child-focused review.

For the defense, it is not just what investigators have gathered. Some evidence may back up the state’s case. Other pieces might be incomplete, unclear, or open to different meanings. The defense should review the file carefully, looking at the order, context, and reliability, especially when charges are based on information collected before the defense can respond.

Defense Strategies

In sex-crime cases, the defense must do more than challenge the prosecution’s arguments and evidence. They must paint the defendant in a sympathetic light despite the prosecution’s evidence. In the criminal justice system, guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. As a society, we view the harm of convicting an innocent person to be greater than the harm of failing to convict a guilty person because freedom is at stake.

A successful defense attorney must frame the right issues: What basis did law enforcement have to investigate? Did they have a legitimate reason to conduct personal searches, seize evidence, or investigate private records? Did authorities conduct searches within the scope of a valid warrant? These questions can be the ultimate issue between a guilty verdict and an acquittal.

Texas’s Laws on Rape: Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault

Texas prohibits persons from engaging in non-consensual sexual conduct with other adults. It also forbids sexual conduct with children regardless of whether the alleged offender was aware of the minor’s age at the time of the offense or whether the child consented. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, such acts are referred to as sexual assault (rape).

What is Texas Penal Code § 22.011?

Specifically, Texas Penal Code § 22.011 provides that it’s unlawful for a person to intentionally or knowingly:

• Penetrate an adult’s or child’s anus or sexual organ in any way.
• Penetrate an adult’s or child’s mouth with the actor’s sexual organ.
• Make an adult’s or child’s sexual organ contact or penetrate any other individual’s (including the alleged offender’s) mouth, anus, or sexual organ.
• Make a child’s anus contact anyone else’s (including the alleged offender’s) mouth, anus, or sexual organ.
• Make a child’s mouth contact anyone else’s (including the alleged offender’s) sexual organ or anus.

Under Texas Penal Code § 22.021, aggravated sexual assault is a more serious offense than sexual assault. Like sexual assault, it occurs when someone has non-consensual sex with an adult or engages in sexual conduct with a child.

What Counts as Severe Circumstances in a Sexual Offense Case?

The charges may be elevated because more severe circumstances were present, such as:

• Causing serious bodily injury or attempting to cause death to the alleged victim or another person.
• Placing the other person in fear of becoming a victim of a violent offense.
• Threatening to commit a violent crime against the other person.
• Using or exhibiting a deadly weapon.
• Commit the offense with another individual.
• Facilitating the offense by administering a substance hinders the alleged victim’s awareness of what’s happening.

Our Houston sexual assault attorney is ready to vigorously defend you, no matter your situation. Recognizing that charges can arise from misunderstandings or false allegations, we want to hear your side of the story and ensure that your voice is heard.

What Are the Penalties for Rape in Texas?

Under Texas Penal Code §§ 22.011 and 22.021, sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault carry harsh penalties. The punishments the court can impose are tied to the nature of the offense.

Below are the potential penalties for rape in Texas:

• Sexual assault – Second-degree felony:
  • 2 to 20 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Sexual assault of a person the actor was prohibited from marrying or engaging in sexual intercourse with – First-degree felony:
  • 5 to 99 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Aggravated sexual assault – First-degree felony:
  • 5 to 99 years of imprisonment (with a minimum term of 25 years if the alleged victim was a child under a certain age) and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines

Various defenses can be raised to fight a sex crime charge. Allow our Houston sexual assault lawyer to evaluate your case and develop a strategy for your unique situation.

Texas’s Laws Concerning Other Sex Crimes

Texas’s Penal Code enumerates various offenses considered sex crimes. Generally, they involve acts with some element of sexual conduct or contact committed against adults or children. Because of the seriousness of these allegations, it’s crucial to retain the services of an attorney who knows how to handle these cases.

Comprehensive Defense for Various Sex Crimes

Our sex crimes lawyer in Houston fights all types of charges, including:

• Continuous sexual abuse of a child (Texas Penal Code § 21.02)
• Indecency with a minor (Texas Penal Code § 21.11)
• Sexual performance by a child (Texas Penal Code § 43.25)
• Online solicitation of a minor (Texas Penal Code § 33.021)
• Aggravated kidnapping (Texas Penal Code § 20.04)
• Display of harmful materials to a minor (Texas Penal Code § 43.24)
• Improper relationship between a teacher and a student (Texas Penal Code § 21.12)
• Manufacture, possession, or distribution of child pornography (Texas Penal Code § 43.26)
• Indecent exposure (Texas Penal Code § 21.08)
• Public lewdness (Texas Penal Code § 21.07)
• Promotion of Prostitution (Texas Penal Code § 43.03)

A criminal charge is no conviction. You can fight the allegations and seek to protect your good name and future. Our Houston sex crimes attorney recognizes the seriousness of these charges and can zealously advocate on your behalf to pursue a just outcome.

Digital Evidence in Texas Sex-Crime Cases

Digital evidence is often important in Texas sex-crime cases. The accusations may involve people who met online, used apps, shared pictures, or sent messages. Digital records can show timelines, keep conversations, and provide details that witnesses might forget.

Common forms of digital evidence may include:

• Text messages: Text threads may show communications before or after the alleged incident. They may also show tone, timing, relationship history, plans, apologies, accusations, or statements that require review in full context.
• Dating-app communications: App messages may matter when the people involved meet through a dating platform. These records may show initial contact, expectations, locations, timing, and later changes in communication.
• Social media records: Public posts, direct messages, deleted content, tags, comments, and account activity may become relevant. Prosecutors or investigators may use these records to support a timeline or connect people to locations.
• Photos, videos, and metadata: Images and videos may contain information beyond what appears on the screen. Metadata, upload times, device information, and file history may require technical review.
• Location and account data: Phone location information, login records, cloud account data, and call logs may help establish where people or devices were at certain times. These records can be incomplete or open to more than one interpretation.

Penalties for Other Sex Crimes in Texas

The penalties for sex crimes will vary depending on the conduct involved, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors.

Examples of potential sex crime penalties include, but are not limited to:

• Continuous sexual abuse of a child – First-degree felony:
  • Imprisonment for life, or
  • 25 to 99 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Indecency with a child – Second-degree felony:
  • Up to 20 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child – Third-degree felony:
  • Up to 10 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Public lewdness – Class A misdemeanor:
  • Up to 1 year in jail and/or
  • Up to $4,000 in fines
• Indecent exposure – Class B misdemeanor:
  • Up to 180 days in jail and/or
  • Up to $2,000 in fines

For the legal representation you need, contact our sex crimes lawyer in Houston. We are prepared to seek an optimal result on your behalf.

Protect Your Rights

Sex crime charges can have life-changing consequences, affecting your reputation, career, and personal relationships. Even without a conviction, an accusation alone can lead to social stigma and lost opportunities. A conviction may lead to prison time, steep fines, and mandatory sex offender registration, which can limit where you live and work. Protecting your rights from the start is critical to minimizing these consequences.

Building a strong defense involves challenging the prosecution’s evidence, questioning witness credibility, and ensuring law enforcement followed proper procedures during the investigation. Taking a proactive approach can help prevent wrongful convictions or excessive penalties. Legal representation can also help you navigate the legal system, negotiate plea deals when appropriate, and present a strong case in court. If you are facing sex crime charges, do not wait to take action. Protect your future by seeking legal guidance as soon as possible.

Consent, Age, and Context in Sexual Assault Allegations

Not all sexual assault cases in Texas are decided by the same legal question. The main issue depends on the charge, the ages of those involved, what is alleged to have happened, and the evidence the state says it has. Sometimes, the dispute is about whether the conduct happened at all. Other times, it is about whether the situation makes the conduct a crime under Texas law.

In adult sexual assault cases, the main issues are often consent and the details of the alleged encounter. Texas Penal Code § 22.011 defines sexual assault with specific legal elements, so the charge is based on more than just whether sexual contact happened. Prosecutors must link the alleged actions, the circumstances, and the required mental state to the evidence they say supports the charge.

Cases with minors are particularly touchy, and the prosecution must prove the added element of age. For example, Penal Code § 21.11 covers indecency with a child under 17. Because sex crimes involving minors are particularly heinous, defense strategies may be limited.

Evidence in these cases is not always clear. A message, medical record, photo, location record, or witness statement might support one idea but leave other questions unanswered. The defense should look at what the evidence really proves, what it does not, and whether the state is using context to make its case or to fill in gaps with assumptions.

A good defense does not start with guesses about what happened or what the evidence means. It starts by finding out what the charge is, breaking down what the state must prove, and comparing those points to the real evidence. The main questions are whether the evidence supports the charge, where proof is missing, and which facts are still in dispute.

Sex Offender Registration and Long-Term Restrictions

Sex offender registration can become one of the most serious consequences in a Texas sex crime case. Registration is separate from jail, prison, fines, and probation. A person may face registration duties even when the sentence does not involve prison, depending on the charge, plea, conviction, deferred outcome, or other case result.

Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the Texas sex-offender registration program. Registration can affect housing, employment, travel, internet use, public records, and personal reputation. Some people may have to report personal information, addresses, employment details, online identifiers, or other required information to law enforcement.

The length and terms of sex offender registration depend on the offense and outcome. Some duties may last for many years. Other duties may last for life. The registration analysis should happen before a person evaluates any proposed plea or sentence because the long-term consequences may outweigh the immediate courtroom result.

Registration can affect your family and community life. You may have fewer housing options. Some jobs may be harder to get. Travel may take more planning. Public registry information can affect your reputation long after the case is over.

It is important to think beyond the possible sentences. Even if you do not go to prison, you might still have to register, face restrictions, and deal with public record problems. A good defense review should look at the charge, the evidence, possible outcomes, and how registration could affect your life.

Why Sex-Crime Defense Requires Careful Courtroom Judgment

Sex-crime cases are challenging because the alleged events often happen in private. There are usually few direct witnesses besides those involved. The main questions often focus on consent, capacity, intoxication, pressure, or how the encounter is understood. Jurors must consider testimony, messages, timing, relationship context, and actions before and after the alleged incident. In sex-crime cases, the jury is in a very tough spot.

This makes presenting the case in court a delicate task. The defense must challenge the evidence and safeguard the accused person’s rights without appearing to attack the complainant. The appearance of victim-blaming can quickly turn a jury against you. At the same time, the prosecution cannot rely on the gravity of the allegation alone as proof. The case demands careful judgment, honoring both the defendant’s presumption of innocence and the complainant’s account.

Jurors do not hear testimony without evaluating the individual. They notice how someone tells their story, if their account stays the same, whether vital details are missing, and how all the evidence fits together. In sex-crime cases, credibility is especially important, but it is not just about confrontation. It is evaluated by comparing testimony to all the evidence and seeing where the story does not hold up.

Why Hiring Drehner Law Makes a Difference in Your Case

Being faced with sex crime charges in Texas can be overwhelming, but hiring Drehner Law can make a significant difference in your defense. Our firm thoroughly evaluates each case, examining the charges and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. We develop aggressive defense strategies, challenging questionable evidence, unlawful searches, and procedural errors that could impact the outcome.

Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication, ensuring you understand your legal options and can make informed decisions. Whether negotiating a resolution or representing you in court, we stand by you and work to protect your rights. If you are facing charges, do not wait to seek legal counsel. Let’s discuss your case and start building your defense.

Contact Our Sex Crimes Lawyer in Houston, TX

Sexual assault is one of the few crimes in Texas where someone can be charged with zero evidence, relying solely on testimonials. It’s the proverbial “he said/she said” case. Jurors are told they can base their conviction exclusively on the accuser’s words if they find them credible. A simple “he did it” can doom a person to life in prison and a lifetime of sex offender registration. This can put the accused at a great disadvantage.

In Texas sex crimes cases, minute details of an incident become important. At the end of the day, everything comes down to determining the parties’ credibility. Often, difficult, personal questions must be asked of the accuser. A male attorney asking these questions can come across as a bully, especially when asking questions of someone seen as a victim.

Houston sex crimes attorney Shannon Drehner knows how to ask tough questions without appearing offensive. In any trial case, the key to victory is challenging the state’s evidence by a credible lawyer. This is especially true for sexual assault cases. Attorney Shannon Drehner has the experience, poise, and credibility needed when much is at stake.

For legal representation from a hardworking sex crimes lawyer in Houston, contact us online or call 832-626-0063.