Continuous sexual abuse of a child is an extremely serious crime that should not be taken lightly, and the state of Texas heavily punishes individuals who are found guilty of this crime. Texas judges, prosecutors, and investigators are extremely protective of children, and rightfully so. Because of this, individuals who are found to be a threatening presence around children will face undoubtedly severe consequences for their actions.
Protecting the well-being of future generations is a task we all care about, but it is important to make sure this protectiveness does not lead to wrongful convictions. Certain laws surrounding the continuous sexual abuse of a child can be extremely complex and confusing, and at times, prosecutors may use these complex regulations to wrongfully convict an individual of this crime.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX
If you have been charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child, your number one priority should be contacting a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. Failure to do this can cause you to lag behind the prosecuting attorneys and investigators who are rapidly building their case in an attempt to put you behind bars, potentially for the rest of your life.
Serving Denton, Rockwall, Collin, Tarrant, and many other counties in Texas, the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy specializes in criminal defense. Led by experienced defense lawyer Richard McConathy, our team is here to make sure you have everything you need to properly dispute your charges. While criminal charges are extremely daunting, working with a defense attorney can help you potentially dismiss your case or reduce your charge. Contact us today at (940) 222-8004 to schedule your free consultation with a legal expert.
Elements of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
According to Texas Penal Code Section 21.02, an individual is guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child when they commit two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child over a time period of 30 or more days. To be convicted of this crime, the individual must be 17 years old or older, and the victim must be younger than 14 years old. The offender can still be charged with this crime even if they were unaware of the age of the victim.
Texas statutes contain a list of different types of sexual abuse that can be applied to this charge. According to these statutes, individuals can be charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child if they are found engaging in one of the following acts:
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Aggravated kidnapping with intent to sexually abuse a victim
- Sexual performance by a child
- Child sex trafficking
- Indecency with a child
- Burglary
- Compelling prostitution
Penalties for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
In the state of Texas, continuous sexual abuse of a child is classified as a first-degree felony.
Texas courts will have no mercy on individuals who are found guilty of committing this crime. If convicted, individuals will face a minimum 25-year prison sentence, but the maximum prison sentence is life. The prison sentence will vary depending on the events surrounding the alleged offense, but prosecutors and judges are known to harshly punish individuals who are convicted of child sex crimes. In addition to this, it is a well-known fact amongst law enforcement and legal professionals that convicted sex offenders are heavily targeted behind bars. There are numerous reports of offenders suffering serious bodily injury or death once they are placed in prison.
Defenses for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Continuous sexual abuse of a child can be an extremely hard case to deal with, but there are certain defenses that can be used to reduce the charge. However, accused individuals and alleged offenders must remain aware of the fact that building a strong defense starts with hiring a criminal defense attorney. If you are attempting to dispute your charges, there are countless statues and regulations you have to understand.
Defending yourself against continuous sexual abuse of a child will require you to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Keep in mind that prosecutors and investigators are on a mission to put you behind bars. From the moment you are officially charged with this crime, these parties will begin working to put together a case that is strong enough to convict you of a crime. The sooner you hire an attorney is the sooner you can begin working on creating a defense that can withstand the attack from the prosecution.
Resources for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child in Denton
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas – This link takes you to the official website of the CACTX organization. This association was founded in 1994, and it offers services and resources that support victims of child abuse. Here, you can find information regarding child abuse statistics in Texas, and where you can find a CACTX center near you.
RAINN – This link takes you to the official website of the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the country. This nonprofit organization offers numerous resources and services that assist individuals who are struggling with sexual violence. Here, you can find RAINN contact information, as well as ways you can get involved.
Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Continuous sexual abuse of a child is a felony charge that can completely hijack your future. Child sex crime accusations can cause others to see you as a deranged monster with no regard for the well-being of children. Even before you are formally charged, you may experience the consequences of being accused of committing such a crime.
From the moment you are accused of and charged with this crime, investigators and prosecuting attorneys will begin closely investigating the alleged crime, with the goal of collecting enough evidence to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you committed the alleged offense. Because of this, it is important to make sure you contact and hire a Denton sex crimes attorney as quickly as possible.
Postponing the hiring of a lawyer will not serve you well in the future. Doing this will waste precious time that your lawyer could have used to begin building your defense. If you have been made aware of your charges, it is time to call the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy. Since 2002, McConathy and his team of legal experts have assisted Texans with their criminal charges. We have a proven track record of success, and we will work tirelessly in hopes of reducing or dismissing your charges. For more information on how we can provide you with legal counsel and representation, contact us today at (940) 222-8004 to speak to an in-house expert about your free consultation. You can also get in touch with us by using our online contact page. Fill out the contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly after.