Facing any type of sex crime charge is a serious matter that demands the attention of reliable defense counsel, and this is especially true for any sex crime tried in a federal court. If you or a family member is facing such charges, an experienced Houston federal sex crime lawyer from Hochglaube & DeBorde Law Firm is the ideal resource to consult. The outcome of this type of case is likely to impact the rest of your life, and you need legal representation you can trust.
The attorneys at Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., have successfully defended many clients in a wide range of criminal cases in both state and federal court. If you or a family member has been charged with any federal sex offense, it is likely that a federal agency such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is handling your case, and federal agencies typically do not move to arrest an individual until they are certain they have a very strong case.
Your situation may seem dire, and you are likely to have many pressing legal questions you will be unable to answer for yourself. With our assistance, you can feel more confident about your position and have a greater understanding of the procedural rules that apply to your case. Our goal for every client we represent is to assist them in their efforts to avoid being convicted if possible or, at the very least, mitigate penalties if a conviction is unavoidable. Whether you are facing sex crime charges or need a fraud defense attorney, we are here to provide the expert legal guidance you need.
Under the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution, you have no obligation to answer any questions from arresting officers, nor are you required to make any statements. You have the right to remain silent, and it is crucial that you exercise that right until you have legal counsel you can trust on your side. The Sixth Amendment ensures your right to legal representation, and you should remain silent until you have an attorney present to defend you.
Taking full advantage of these rights will be crucial to your defense. Anything you say while in police custody can be used against you in your upcoming legal proceedings. Even if you know you have done nothing wrong and have been wrongfully arrested, say nothing until you have an attorney present. A Houston federal sex crime lawyer can help you formulate an effective defense and prepare you for the court proceedings ahead.
Most federal sex offense cases include child pornography, sex trafficking, or crossing state lines to complete sexual abuse of minors. These are very serious crimes that can lead to many years or even life in federal prison, heavy fines, and severe reputational damage. If you hold any professional licenses, you could lose them as well. If you are facing such charges, it is crucial to consult with a crimes trial and appellate lawyer who can provide you with the skilled defense you need to navigate the complexities of your case and protect your future.
In every criminal case, the prosecution must prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and this is a much higher standard of proof than many people realize. It will be your Houston federal sex crime lawyer’s job to prevent the prosecution from accomplishing this. Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., has the experience and professional resources necessary to provide comprehensive defense counsel in the most challenging federal criminal cases.
The penalties for federal sex offense conviction are usually quite severe and may include heavy fines and incarceration in federal prison. Additionally, many sex offenses prosecuted at the federal level are subject to mandatory minimum sentencing, meaning that if a defendant is convicted, they face a mandatory prison sentence regardless of whether they secure any type of plea agreement. Convicted defendants are also required to register as sex offenders.
In Texas, it is possible for sex offender registration to last for several years, or it may be permanent. The length of required registration will largely depend on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal record. Some sex offenders can qualify to be removed from the registry after completing a certain number of years of registration without committing further offenses, but some will be compelled to remain registered for the rest of their lives.
Yes, it is possible to be sentenced to probation for a sex crime in Texas. Probation may be assigned in lieu of jail time for certain offenses, or a defendant may qualify for an early release from incarceration under the condition they remain under probation for a specific period. Any violation of probation terms can lead to imprisonment and other penalties. However, probation is rarely an option for a defendant prosecuted for a sex offense in federal court.
You should hire a Houston federal sex crimes lawyer because it is crucial to take full advantage of your right to legal representation when you have been accused of any crime, especially one as serious as a federal sex offense. You need a defense attorney who is familiar with federal criminal court procedures and who can help you prove your innocence and avoid conviction or secure a more reasonable sentence than you could otherwise expect.
There generally is no statute of limitations for federal sex crimes, meaning it is possible for an individual to be prosecuted for a sex crime many years after the crime was allegedly committed. Many laws have been enacted to ensure the rights of victims, and federal law enforcement typically focuses its efforts on prosecuting sex offenses in very serious cases. Your attorney can explain whether any statute of limitations applies to your case.
The team at Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., has extensive professional experience defending clients facing criminal charges in federal court, and we know how daunting this situation can be for any defendant. If your future is at risk in the face of any federal sex offense charge, our team can help you build a viable defense. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Houston federal sex crime lawyer you can trust.