Sexual Assault Defense Attorney in Pearland, TX
If you or someone you love is facing sexual assault charges, it’s time to reach out to a defense attorney who is experienced and familiar with the legal system. Attorney John C. Caldwell, a sexual assault defense lawyer based in Pearland, brings over a decade of experience to your defense.
This includes his tenure as a felony prosecutor in Brazoria County. Understanding the legal system from both sides, his insights into how the prosecution works can be invaluable in building a robust defense strategy.
Don't face these charges alone. Call (361) 348-8483 or complete our online form to request a free consultation today. Virtual consultations are available.
Types of Sex Crimes
Sexual offenses encompass a broad range of potential offenses. Here are some of the most common charges we help defendants fight:
- Rape: This involves forced sexual intercourse without the victim's consent.
- Sexual assault: This includes any unwanted sexual contact or behavior without the explicit consent of the recipient.
- Statutory rape: This crime involves sexual activity with a person who is below the age of consent, regardless of whether the act was consensual.
- Indecent exposure: This pertains to the deliberate exposure of private body parts in a public setting.
- Possession of child pornography: This includes the possession, distribution, or creation of sexually explicit materials involving minors.
Penalties for Sex Crimes
Depending on the circumstances, these charges will usually be felonies. One exception is indecent exposure, which is often charged as a Class B misdemeanor. However, even this can result in jail time. Moreover, when the charges are felonies, at least some prison time will be a minimum of conviction.
What level of felony charges are brought will depend on the nature of the crime and the circumstances of each individual case:
- First-degree felony: The most serious of non-capital crimes, a conviction can result in a life sentence with a minimum of five years in prison.
- Second-degree felony: The sentencing for these crimes ranges from a minimum of two years to a maximum of 20 years in prison. Like first-degree felonies, fines can reach up to $10,000.
- Third-degree felony: Indecent exposure to a child will usually be a third-degree felony. Convictions mean a minimum of two years and a maximum of 10 years in prison. Fines can still reach up to $10,000.
Apart from these legal penalties, there are also significant social repercussions. Convicted sex offenders may struggle to find employment, housing, or educational opportunities. Moreover, they may also be required to register as sex offenders.
The Sex Offender Registry
This public registry is accessible to anyone and includes personal information such as the offender's name, address, and details of their conviction.
Being on the registry can significantly impact someone’s life. It can cause difficulties in finding housing and employment, and it can also lead to social stigma and ostracization. The length of time one must remain on the registry varies depending on the nature of their conviction.
The registry means that even after time has been served, the consequences still linger. It’s important to put our knowledgeable Pearland sexual assault attorney in the corner of you or your loved one.
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“Mr Caldwell is a great lawyer. He took the time to explain to me what I should expect in the situation I was in. He called me when necessary to update me with court updates.”- Regis N. -
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“I cannot recommend this office enough.”
“They are incredibly kind and transparent. There was no step of the process that I was not consulted with or involved in in some way, and they answered any question that I had in a coherent and friendly manner.”- Trent L.
