This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Brian LaVine following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Brian LaVine the Founding Partner, 10+ years of legal experience as criminal defense attorney.
At LaVine Law Firm, our Pasadena child sexual assault defense lawyer provides aggressive defense for clients facing these serious allegations. Sex crimes involving children rank among the most devastating charges a person can face. According to Child Maltreatment 2022, national data show that many child abuse investigations result in findings that do not support the original allegations. In Texas, for example, only about 19% of investigated reports in 2023 were substantiated. Yet, even an accusation without a criminal conviction can destroy your career, your relationships, and your reputation.
The presumption of innocence applies to every accused person. Public opinion often moves faster than the court. Our law firm offers immediate criminal defense representation throughout the Houston area and Harris County.
We approach every case with dedication to protecting your constitutional rights. Our defense lawyer team understands the emotional weight these allegations carry for you and your loved one. Sex crime charges can lead to years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. We handle each case with discretion and work to shield you from unnecessary public exposure during the criminal case.
Our law office brings extensive criminal law experience to courts in Pasadena and throughout Harris County. We know how the Pasadena Police Department handles these investigations. Our attorneys work tirelessly to challenge weak evidence and question unreliable testimony. We build the strongest possible defense on your behalf in the Pasadena area and beyond.
Texas law defines child sexual abuse as conduct involving sexual assault or sexual exploitation of a minor. Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.011, sexual assault of a child includes penetration of the mouth (oral copulation), anus, or sexual organ of a child under 17. The law also covers indecency with a child, continuous sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation through child pornography. Other sex offenses, like indecent exposure, date rape, and aggravated sexual assault, fall under related criminal law statutes.
Allegations alone do not equal proof of guilt. The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Texas Family Code Section 261.101 requires teachers, doctors, and other professionals to report suspected abuse. These reports trigger investigations that move forward even when the evidence is weak. A person accused of a crime is not the same as a person who committed the crime.
Investigations often begin with reports from school districts, daycare centers, or medical professionals who suspect abuse. Texas law requires these mandatory reporters to contact authorities when they have reasonable cause to believe abuse occurred. A single phone call can launch a full investigation.
Family disputes and custody conflicts generate many allegations. Research by the National District Attorneys Association shows that, while false allegations are rare overall, they may occur more frequently in high-conflict divorces. An angry spouse may use accusations as leverage, making a misdemeanor defense for related charges like domestic violence essential.
Prosecutors in Harris County file a range of sex offense charges based on child sexual abuse allegations. The specific charges depend on the alleged conduct, the child's age, and the evidence available. Sexual assault of a child under Texas Penal Code Section 22.011 is a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in state prison. Continuous sexual abuse of a young child under Penal Code Section 21.02 can result in 25 years to life. A person convicted becomes a registered sex offender for life.
Felony charges dominate these cases. Misdemeanor charges apply only in limited situations. These include certain statutory rape cases where the age difference is small. Prosecutors have discretion in choosing which sex crime charges to file. They often pursue the most serious offenses the evidence might support.
Common forms of charges related to child sexual abuse include:
These charges carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Texas law.
Child sexual abuse cases often involve overlapping accusations. Domestic violence charges may arise when the alleged victim lives in the same household. Protective orders can separate you from your family and restrict contact with your children. These orders take effect immediately upon filing.
Family law proceedings run parallel to criminal cases. A civil case or civil claim may follow criminal charges. The outcomes in one court can affect other cases. Coordination between your criminal defense and any family law matters becomes essential.
An arrest for child sexual abuse creates immediate consequences. You may face jail time before your case even goes to trial. News of the accusations spreads fast. Public stigma attaches to your name regardless of the outcome. Employers often suspend or terminate workers facing sex crime charges.
Your family suffers alongside you during this difficult time. Spouses, children, and other relatives experience stress and confusion. They may face social isolation because of the accusations against you. The well-being of everyone close to you depends on how you respond. Legal assistance from the start helps protect both you and your loved one from unnecessary harm.
These cases involve complex investigations that span weeks or months. Detectives interview witnesses and gather physical evidence. They build a case before you even know you are under investigation. The emotional stakes run high for everyone involved. Investigators may develop biases early in the process, which can affect how they view the evidence.
The risk of self-incrimination threatens defendants who try to explain themselves. Anything you say to the police can become evidence against you. You do not have to prove you did not commit the crime. The burden rests on the prosecution. Structured defense planning from an experienced attorney protects you from mistakes that could strengthen the prosecution's case.
Our defense begins with a complete evaluation of your case. We review all evidence the prosecution plans to present, including witness statements, forensic reports, and any physical evidence collected during the investigation. We analyze timelines, identify inconsistencies, and look for weaknesses in the state's theory.
Witness analysis plays a central role in these cases. Children can be influenced by adults, and their statements may reflect coaching or suggestion rather than actual events. We examine how interviews were conducted and whether proper protocols were followed. Challenging these inconsistencies protects your due process rights and exposes problems with the evidence.
The criminal process moves through several stages from arrest to resolution. Your first court appearance at the Pasadena Courthouse sets the tone for the entire case. We appear with you at every hearing and advocate for reasonable bail so you can return home while your case proceeds.
Key aspects of our defense throughout the legal process include:
Our firm takes a personalized approach. We understand that accusations affect every area of your life. Our testimonials reflect our dedication to restoring our clients' reputations. We also help clients explore options, such as expungement, if a case is dismissed.
Reasons to choose LaVine Law Firm include:
Contact a defense lawyer immediately. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
Yes. Prosecutors often rely solely on witness testimony in cases where a child has been sexually assaulted or in incidents involving indecent exposure. However, cases without physical evidence may be easier to defend against with proper legal representation.
Courts often issue protective orders that restrict contact with the alleged victim and sometimes other family members. Your attorney can request modifications in appropriate circumstances.
No. Politely decline to answer questions and request an attorney. Voluntary statements often harm defendants more than they help, even when you believe you are innocent.
Yes. Research shows that false allegations occur in about 2 to 10 percent of cases. Rates rise to 36-56% in custody disputes. Children can be coached or confused.
Immediately. Early legal representation gives your attorney time to intervene before charges are filed and protects your rights throughout the investigation. Our Pasadena child sexual assault defense lawyer is dedicated to helping clients navigate these challenging situations. Many clients have found that early and experienced legal assistance makes a significant difference in their case outcomes
These allegations demand immediate action. Every day without legal representation puts you at greater risk. Our Pasadena child sexual assault defense lawyer offers a free consultation to review your case. We explain your legal options and treat every conversation with complete confidentiality.
We serve clients throughout Pasadena and the greater Houston area. Our firm stands ready to fight on your behalf. We seek justice for those wrongly accused of sex crimes. Contact LaVine Law Firm today to speak with an attorney who will defend your rights and protect your future during this difficult time.
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