When you are faced with a sex offense, working closely with an attorney who will explain clearly all rights, options and consequences can help to ensure that you make decision that are in your best interests. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
San Antonio Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of committing a sexual offense in Texas, you are facing some of the harshest penalties in the United States. The public has made it clear: State and federal prosecutors are expected to do everything possible to seek a conviction. A conviction often requires long-term or lifelong sex offender registration. As a former judge and prosecutor, criminal defense attorney Joe Gonzales knows the strategies prosecutors use. Our firm is ready to stand up and fight to protect your rights and keep you out of prison.
We invite you to learn more about sex offenses on this page. Contact our offices in San Antonio, Texas, to schedule a free initial consultation. We represent clients throughout Texas.
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Playing on societal outrage, legislators and prosecutors have drastically stepped up enforcement and penalties for sex crimes involving children. You need an attorney who can mount a credible defense for any child sexual offense.
Any rape charge carries potentially harsh penalties as well as a social stigma that can prevent you from living a normal life. Contact Joe D. Gonzales immediately to safeguard your rights if you have been arrested or questioned.
False Allegations
False allegations may occur, most often in child sex-abuse situations. An adult may have influenced a child's allegation or the child may have based his or her accusation on an overactive imagination. Public awareness of child abuse has increased and more reports of possible abuse are being made, but not all reports are substantiated. Also, even good-faith accusations may not be true and false allegations may be made to harm the accused. If you find yourself the victim of false allegations, Joe D. Gonzales Law Office in San Antonio, Texas, can help you take immediate action to defend yourself.
What to Do Legally?
If you are innocent of claims brought against you, you may assume that the truth will prevail. However, you must not passively sit back and wait if false accusations are raised. Even if you know that you are innocent, trust that the truth will win or believe that the accuser will change his or her mind, you must immediately consult with an attorney who can safeguard your interests and assist you in the charge being brought against you.
Upon contacting your attorney, apprise him or her of all relevant facts, voice your questions and concerns and keep him or her up to date of all developments after your meeting. Your attorney may ask you to get in touch with friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members and other individuals who may be willing to testify on your behalf. Also, do not admit to anything you did not do. Sometimes, admitting to a lesser charge may seem easier than defending yourself, but a sex-offense conviction has many long-lasting and far-reaching implications that can affect your future employment, friendships and family relationships. If you are falsely accused of a sex offense, you cannot risk delaying your defense. A criminal defense lawyer can help you fight your false charge.
What Else Should I Do?
If the false accusation involves a custody dispute, maintain a positive relationship with your children. They may not understand the allegations they have made against you and are not likely to be ultimately responsible for the false allegations. If the accusations involve children other than your own, remove yourself from situations where the children are present. If such situations are unavoidable, have another adult in attendance at all times that you are around children.
Even if you know the accusations are false, take them seriously and obtain legal help, but try to continue your normal life. It may be helpful to remind yourself that societal interests require that all child sexual-abuse accusations be investigated. Keep a positive attitude toward the situation and be cooperative with authorities, but firm in your position. With the strong legal support of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you will be in a better position to overcome the false allegations.
Conclusion
Other than serious violent crimes, child molestation carries the greatest risk for state prison sentences, even for first-time offenders and in many states registration as a sex offender for life. Unfortunately, child molestation also carries a great risk of false accusations, whether influenced by an adult or arising out of the child's imagination. Contact Joe D. Gonzales Law Office in San Antonio, Texas, to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to begin preparing your defense against false allegations.
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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
