Allegations of child molestation can cause severe harm to your personal and professional reputation before you are convicted of a crime. The suggestion that you could be guilty of child sexual abuse can cause life-altering consequences. If you are facing child molestation charges in Fort Worth, Texas, you need to prepare an aggressive defense to the charges.
Our criminal lawyers at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers protect the rights of the accused in Texas. We have over 60 years of combined legal experience. Our attorneys have extensive experience in criminal matters. We have defended clients in all types of criminal cases.
Contact us online or call (682) 777-3336 to discuss your case with a Fort Worth child molestation lawyer. We can help you prepare a defense against criminal charges to protect your rights.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You With Child Molestation Charges in Texas
Sexual mistreatment of a child is a serious matter. Children need to be protected from sexual predators. However, child molestation charges can involve adults in positions of trust with children, including teachers, family members, religious leaders, parents, and coaches. Unfortunately, these allegations may be false or made because of mistakes.
You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight for your rights and protect your interests as you defend yourself against the charges in Fort Worth, TX. When you hire our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Explain the criminal charges against you, including the potential penalties for a conviction
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to the child molestation charges
- Hire expert witnesses when necessary to assist with your defense
- Explore the options for a defense and develop a defense strategy that gives you the best chance of success
- Gather evidence to support your defense
- Aggressively negotiate a plea deal if that is the best option to resolve your case
- Litigate your case at trial if a plea agreement is not in your best interest
Our legal team includes three attorneys who are Board-Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Attorneys Cody Cofer and James Luster are former prosecutors. They bring their knowledge of the criminal justice system to your defense. Our lawyers have been included in Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Attorneys for multiple years.
Call Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to speak with a Fort Worth Child molestation attorney and get started on your case.
Overview of Texas Child Molestation Laws
Texas Family Code Chapter 261 outlines the laws to protect children from child abuse or neglect. Child molestation is also known as child sexual abuse or sexual assault of a minor. Any sexual conduct to a minor under the age of 17 years old could result in child molestation charges.
Performing a sexual act on a child that includes penetration can result in charges of sexual assault of a minor. This offense is a second-degree felony that could result in a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment from two to 20 years. If the child is younger than 14 years old, the potential prison sentence is five years to life in prison.
If the evidence proves that you have committed two or more sex crimes involving a child under the age of 14 years over a period of at least 30 days, you could be charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child. Sexual child molestation could also result in other criminal charges, including but not limited to indecency with a child, sexual performances with children, child pornography, child abuse, enticement of a child, or online solicitation of a minor.
Potential Defenses to Child Molestation Charges in Fort Worth, TX
Defense strategies depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. Potential defenses to child molestation include:
- You were married to the minor in question
- You have been falsely accused by someone with a motive to see you convicted, such as an ex-partner seeking child custody
- You have an alibi for the time and date of the alleged offense
- There was a misunderstanding by the complaining witness of your actions
- The Romeo and Juliet defense applies in your case (i.e., close in age defense)
- There are credibility issues for the witness testimony and/or forensic evidence
- Your rights were violated, and/or you are the victim of entrapment
- The prosecution has a lack of evidence proving all legal elements of the crime
An aggressive defense gives you the best chances of avoiding a conviction for child molestation charges in Fort Worth, TX. Sex crimes involving children are severely punished.
Collateral Consequences for a Conviction of Child Molestation Charges in Texas
In addition to fines and lengthy prison sentences, a defendant faces numerous collateral consequences for a child molestation conviction. Collateral consequences include:
- Registration as a sex offender which could impact numerous areas of your life forever
- Restrictions on where you can live and difficulty finding a place to live
- Loss of child custody and the potential for restricted or supervised visitation
- Difficulty finding a job and loss of employment
Talk with our criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible if you are charged with sex crimes against a minor. Do not talk to the police or the prosecutor without an attorney present.
Contact a Fort Worth Child Molestation Defense Attorney for Help
You do not have to face criminal charges alone. Call Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers today to discuss your legal options with a Fort Worth child molestation lawyer. Our Fort Worth, Texas, legal team provides compassionate, trusted, and skilled legal representation.
