Sex offenses are considered to be some of the most heinous crimes anyone can commit, and the mere accusation of sexual assault or a related offense can be incredibly damaging to the accused in many ways. It’s possible for these cases to arise through various situations, and it is possible for someone to be wrongfully accused of a sexual assault they did not commit. A Montgomery County, TX sexual assault lawyer can help if you find yourself in any such situation.
The team at Surginer Stewart PLLC, has years of experience helping clients throughout Montgomery County with all types of criminal cases, including sex crime cases. We can help you make clearer sense of your defense options if you have been accused of any such crime, and the sooner you contact our team after an arrest, the better we can respond to your situation and begin investigating the details of your case.
It is important to know and exercise your constitutional rights in any criminal case, especially one that can be as damaging as a sexual assault case. If you are convicted, you not only face potentially severe penalties assigned by the court but also a wide range of personal and professional consequences. Such a case can severely damage your reputation, strain interpersonal relationships, and even result in losing your job and being forced to move to a new home.
Ultimately, every case is different, and every defendant will face unique challenges when it comes to building their defense against a sexual assault charge. The team at Surginer Stewart PLLC offers client-focused legal counsel. We know there is no single defense formula that will work for every case, so we take time to learn as much as we can about our client to ensure we can address the specific details of their situation as efficiently as possible.
Sexual assault and related sex crimes in Texas tend to result in severe penalties when these cases end in conviction. The term “sexual assault” can apply to any type of unwanted sexual contact against another person. Texas also enforces strict laws for many other types of sex crimes, and most of these crimes can lead to severe penalties.
A convicted defendant could face years in prison, and very large fines, and they may be forced to pay restitution to their victim. Additionally, a victim may have grounds to file a civil suit against them to seek compensation for specific economic damages and for their pain and suffering.
In addition to these criminal and civil consequences, a defendant is also likely to be forced to register as a sex offender. This will prevent them from working in certain jobs and living in certain places, and they will be required to disclose their sex offender status in various situations. Additionally, their registration is public record, so anyone can view the registry and see limited details about their prior conviction.
The defendant is likely to also face personal and professional consequences. They could be stripped of any professional licenses they hold, and their case is also likely to influence personal relationships and negatively impact their standing within their community. The defendant could also lose custody or visitation rights and face many other unpredictable negative effects.
If you have been arrested for sexual assault or any other related offense, it is imperative to know what to do in this situation in order to ensure the most positive possible outcome to your case. Everyone has constitutional rights that come into play upon arrest, but many are unaware of what these rights actually entail and how to properly exercise them. You have the right to remain silent, and you have the right to an attorney when you are charged with a crime.
The right to remain silent is far more crucial than many people realize. Once you are placed under arrest, you have no obligation to answer any questions or say anything to the police. Do not attempt to explain your way out of this situation, even if you are certain that you have done nothing wrong. Assume that anything you say will later be held against you and remain silent until you are able to speak with an attorney.
After arrest and booking, you will be permitted to make phone calls, and it is crucial that you contact a Montgomery County, TX sexual assault lawyer as quickly as possible. The team at Surginer Stewart PLLC, can respond to your request for defense counsel immediately and begin investigating the details of your case. We can meet you to hear your side of the story and examine the police department’s handling of your arrest and booking.
The right to legal counsel means that you have the right to an attorney who can defend you in the legal proceedings ahead of you. An experienced Montgomery County sexual assault attorney from Surginer Stewart PLLC can determine whether you have been wrongfully arrested for a crime you did not commit and help you obtain exculpatory evidence or establish an alibi. We may also be able to help you secure a reduced sentence if you did commit the offense.
In some criminal cases, prosecutors offer plea bargains to defendants. If the prosecution is convinced they can secure a conviction, they may attempt to avoid a lengthy trial by offering reduced penalties in exchange for an immediate guilty plea. However, it is not always an option for every case, and your attorney can be invaluable when it comes to deciding whether accepting such an offer would suit your interests.
The standard of proof for securing a conviction in any criminal case is quite high for any prosecutor, and you may have more opportunities to dismantle a prosecutor’s case than you initially realize. You need to consult a sexual assault lawyer in Montgomery County, TX as quickly as possible after arrest so they can build your defense. Contact Surginer Stewart PLLC, today to schedule your consultation with our team and learn how we can assist you.