Sex Offenses
Allegations of sexual assault or other sex offenses can be difficult to deal with and difficult to defend in Texas, but the criminal defense attorneys at McLemore, Reddell & Story, P.L.L.C. work hard to clear our clients’ names and make sure they are not unjustly convicted of a crime they didn’t commit.
A person may find oneself wrongly accused of a sex offense in a number of ways. A young or distraught victim or witness may make an innocent misidentification, or one’s actions and intentions may be misunderstood. There are times when sexual relations are consensual, but one party later regrets the act or casts it in a different light to cover up an infidelity or maintain a reputation. There are even times when one may be accused of sexual misconduct in retaliation for a relationship that has gone bad or other perceived offense.
Such allegations are justifiably taken very seriously, but these accusations can be very difficult to defend against. In most criminal prosecutions, juries tend to start out with a belief that the defendant is probably guilty, despite our bedrock principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty. This preconception can be a difficult hurdle to overcome for the defense, and it is particularly pronounced in the case of sex offenses, which are particularly distasteful in the minds of the average juror. In addition, the defense must be sensitive to the feelings of the alleged victim and the jury’s natural sympathies for him or her. A strong defense is essential, but it must often be approached delicately.
A Lifetime of Negative Consequences
Sex offenders face some of the toughest punishments in the criminal justice system. In addition to tough criminal penalties such as fines and lengthy prison sentences, most sex offenders must register with the Texas Sex Offender Registry, a publicly accessible database showing their picture, home address, place of employment, and more. Under Texas’ Megan’s Law, registration is a lifetime requirement in most cases, although juveniles required to register may be removed ten years after they have been discharged from supervision.
Seek Experienced Legal Representation
The rules of evidence and court procedure, such as witness testimony and the use of medical records, must be approached differently in the area of sex offenses as compared to other criminal prosecutions. Many criminal defense attorneys decline to handle sex offenses because of their difficulty, while others simply do not have the experience to handle them effectively. At McLemore, Reddell & Story, P.L.L.C., we have the experience and ability to prepare and present an effective defense to sex offense prosecutions. Contact our office to find out how we can help you clear your name and take back your life.
