Houston Child Molestation Attorney
Paul Darrow Proudly Serving as a Child Molestation Lawyer in Houston
Accusations of inappropriate behavior between an adult and a child are deeply disturbing, and even the mere suggestion of child molestation can cause friends and family to distance themselves from the accused—often without any evidence to support the claim. Although anyone charged with a crime is legally presumed innocent until proven guilty, child molestation cases often lead to immediate judgment and condemnation. Unfortunately, some people quickly assume guilt based on unsubstantiated allegations. As a result, many defense lawyers hesitate to take on these cases, finding it difficult to represent those accused of such serious offenses. However, Houston Child Molestation Attorney Paul Darrow is prepared to stand by your side and defend your rights.
Defending Against False Allegations of Child Molestation
False accusations of child molestation can be devastatingly unfair to innocent individuals. Sadly, innocent people face such charges every day for various reasons. One common scenario occurs during heated child custody battles in contentious divorces. In some cases, a stepchild might falsely accuse a stepparent of molestation if they feel resentment towards that person’s disciplinary role. Similarly, a student may make up allegations against a teacher they hold a grudge against.
In the past, it was often believed that children couldn’t invent sexual abuse claims due to their lack of understanding about such matters. However, in today’s world, many children are exposed to sexually suggestive or explicit content through movies, TV, websites, and magazines. This exposure gives them a level of familiarity with sexuality that previous generations would find shocking. Children are also highly suggestible and can be influenced by adults who may have ulterior motives, using the child as a pawn to achieve their own goals.
At the Darrow Law Firm, PC, we understand that an accusation of child molestation is not the same as guilt. Houston Child Molestation Attorney Paul Darrow is committed to ensuring that every client is presumed innocent, and he will provide a thorough and assertive defense to prove that innocence.
Definition of child molestation in Texas
Child molestation is a serious offense under Texas law, involving any form of sexual abuse, sexual conduct, or indecency with a minor—defined as anyone under the age of 17. According to Texas Penal Code Section 21.11, the severity of the charge depends on several factors, including the age of the child (whether they are under or over 14), the nature of the alleged abuse, and the number of incidents reported. Depending on these specifics, the crime can be charged as a third, second, or first-degree felony.
Degrees of Felony Charges Explained
- Third-Degree Felony: This is typically charged when the alleged incident involves indecency with a child without physical contact. This can include inappropriate gestures or verbal exchanges meant to engage a child sexually. A conviction could result in significant prison time, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- Second-Degree Felony: When physical contact occurs but is limited to indecent touching, the charge can escalate to a second-degree felony. This charge carries more severe consequences, including a longer prison sentence and lifelong restrictions that accompany sex offender registration.
- First-Degree Felony: The most serious charge is reserved for cases involving sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 or when the allegations include multiple incidents of sexual contact. A conviction for a first-degree felony can result in decades of imprisonment or even a life sentence.
The Impact of These Charges
It’s important to understand the gravity of these charges in Texas. The state takes child molestation cases very seriously, with law enforcement and prosecutors aggressively pursuing convictions. Even being accused of such a crime can have life-altering consequences, including damage to one’s reputation, employment difficulties, and social ostracization, regardless of the outcome.
GET IN TOUCH WITH HOUSTON CHILD MOLESTATION ATTORNEY PAUL DARROW
If you suspect you might face child molestation accusations, it’s crucial to act quickly. The sooner you reach out to Attorney Paul Darrow, the better your chances of avoiding serious consequences. Even if law enforcement hasn’t yet become involved, we can step in at the first sign of trouble to protect your future. Early intervention can often prevent charges from being filed in the first place. By presenting the facts to prosecutors before they decide to press charges, we may be able to stop the process entirely. If charges are unavoidable, our proactive approach can potentially result in a lesser charge, ensuring your Constitutional rights are upheld and improving the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
We will thoroughly investigate every detail of your case, challenging witness credibility, objecting to improper “expert” testimonies, and examining all evidence to build a strong defense. We leave no stone unturned to protect your rights and defend you vigorously.
If you believe a child molestation accusation might arise or if you’ve already been accused, don’t wait to see how things unfold. Contact a Houston sex crimes attorney today. Your reputation, freedom, and future are on the line.
