Right after capital murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child is one of the most severe criminal charges in Texas. A conviction not only carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole but also imposes lifelong consequences, including mandatory sex offender registration and permanent social stigma. These cases are emotionally charged and heavily prosecuted, making it critical to have an experienced legal advocate by your side.
At M|C Criminal Law, we understand the stakes and the complexities of defending against such serious allegations. Our priority is to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future. Reach out for a confidential consultation and let us discuss what the most efficient defense strategy is for your circumstances.
Continuous sexual abuse of a child is a severe offense outlined under Texas Penal Code, Section 21.02. This law applies to individuals accused of committing multiple acts of sexual abuse against a child under the age of 14 over an extended period. It is designed to address cases where repeated abuse has occurred and is considered one of the most serious non-capital criminal charges in Texas.
To meet the criteria for continuous sexual abuse of a child, the prosecution must establish the following elements:
Notably, the prosecution is not required to prove specific dates or instances of abuse, nor must the jury unanimously agree on which specific acts occurred. The jury must only agree that at least two acts of sexual abuse were committed within the specified time frame.
This statute allows for the aggregation of offenses into a single charge, making it easier for the state to secure convictions, even when there is limited evidence of individual incidents. However, it also underscores the complexity of these cases and the need for an experienced continuous sexual abuse of a child attorney to challenge the allegations effectively.
Because this offense involves children, Child Protective Services (CPS) often leads the initial investigation alongside law enforcement. Once an allegation is made, CPS may contact the accused to gather information, and law enforcement officers may follow up with interviews or requests for statements.
It is critical to understand that any interaction with CPS or the police can be used against you. Do not speak to investigators without first consulting an attorney experienced in continuous sexual abuse of a child charges. Even if you believe you are innocent, a misstatement or misunderstanding could severely jeopardize your case.
Protect your rights by seeking legal counsel immediately.
A conviction for continuous sexual abuse of a child carries some of the most severe penalties under Texas law. This is a first-degree felony with a punishment range of 25 to 99 years or life in prison. Additionally, there is no possibility of parole or deferred adjudication for this offense. On top of that, every convicted person must register on the sex offender list, which impacts everything from housing to employment. For repeat offenders, the penalties are even harsher, with a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
When facing a charge as serious as aggravated sexual assault, you need a lawyer with extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Texas court system to help navigate this complex and high-stakes legal process.
Our aggravated sexual assault attorneys have the unique advantage of having previously worked as former prosecutors, giving them invaluable insight into how the other side builds their case. Now as defenders, they use that knowledge to craft strong, strategic defenses tailored to the specifics of your case.
If you are accused of continuous sexual abuse of a child, your future is on the line. At M|C Criminal Law, we provide an unwavering defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case. Our expert child abuse lawyers have extensive experience in criminal defense and have previously served as prosecutors, giving us invaluable insight into the prosecution’s strategies.
We leverage our deep understanding of the law and the Texas court system to craft a strong defense aimed at protecting your rights and freedom. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us fight to safeguard your future.
