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Last Modified on Sep 01, 2026
No one wants to face charges for a sex crime, but there are many people who find themselves in this unfortunate position. Find out what to do if you are accused of a sex crime in Texas so that you can protect your reputation, freedom, and future.
Step One: Seek Legal Representation
The first step you should take if you have been arrested for a sex crime or if you believe you are being investigated is to seek legal representation for your sex crime case. A skilled attorney can explain the relevant sex crime laws, the charges you are facing, and what to expect during the initial steps of the investigation and prosecution. They can help you avoid common mistakes, such as talking to the police without a lawyer present, and protect your constitutional rights.
You can contact our office to schedule an appointment with an experienced sex crime attorney today. In the meantime, don’t talk to the police investigating your case without an attorney. Exercise your right to remain silent under the law.
Step Two: Understand the Charges
You can also do some research about the charges you are facing on your own. The Texas Penal Code lists sexual offenses in Chapter 21, which you can read through for yourself. Most of them are charged as felonies, which means Texas sex crime penalties can be severe. Knowing what you are up against can help you understand the importance of hiring qualified legal counsel and taking your case very seriously.
Step Three: Stay Off Social Media
Social media posts can be used as evidence against you. You may not even realize that you have said anything incriminating, so it’s wise to avoid discussing your case online entirely. Don’t make any public statements regarding the case without speaking to your lawyer, either.
Step Four: Avoid the Accuser
You should not have any direct contact with the accuser. In many sex crime cases, bond conditions or protective orders prohibit contact. Even when that’s not the case, contacting your accuser directly can damage your defense.
Step Five: Gather and Preserve Evidence
Your legal team can conduct an in-depth investigation to build an effective defense strategy in your case. You can help by preserving any relevant documents, messages, emails, or witness contacts. The prosecutor must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and your attorney may be able to use evidence you procure, or even evidence or witnesses introduced by the prosecution, to expose weaknesses in their case.
What Happens When You’re Accused of a Sex Crime?
While all sex crime cases are a little different, they typically follow the same set of procedures. You can expect:
- An investigation: By the time that you learn that you have been reported for a sex crime, the police may have already been investigating you for days or weeks. They may interview the alleged victim and witnesses, conduct a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam to gather biological evidence, and obtain your phone records or other digital evidence before you are contacted by a detective.
- Arrest and bond: An arrest warrant and bond hearing typically follow the investigation.
- Prosecutorial review: The detectives present the case to the DA’s office. Your lawyer may be able to intervene by providing exculpatory evidence before the prosecutor decides to file charges.
- Grand jury and indictment: Felony sex crime charges are presented to a grand jury, which hears evidence and determines whether there is probable cause. Your attorney may have another opportunity to present exculpatory evidence before you are officially charged.
- Court settings and trial dates: After a case is indicted, the court will typically have court settings for your attorney to discuss resolution with the prosecutor. If there is no resolution, a trial date is usually set, and you should start preparing to go to trial.
At this point, you are facing charges and should take steps to protect your reputation and freedom. Working with an attorney from the moment you become aware that charges may be filed can help you construct a more effective defense or even get the charges dropped.
FAQs
Is Texas Tough on Sex Offenders?
Yes, Texas is tough on sex offenders. In fact, it is considered one of the strictest states for prosecuting and regulating sex offenses and is also home to almost 10% of all registered sex offenders nationwide. Most sex crimes are charged as felonies, which can carry significant prison sentences, and some lesser or non-violent offenses may still require lifetime sex offender registration, depending on the crime.
What Are the Rules for Sex Offenders in Texas?
The rules for sex offenders in Texas are codified under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. These rules require most sex offenders to register for the sex offender database, and most cities ban sex offenders from living near schools or parks. Registered offenders can’t work with children. You may also be barred from obtaining a professional license. Some offenders are even prohibited from using the Internet.
Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer in Texas
If you’re facing charges for a sex crime in the Lone Star State, you need to hire a sex crime lawyer to assist with your defense right away. You can trust the team at Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC. We have over 40 years of combined experience, and our firm focuses on providing personalized attention to every client. We know how difficult it can be to face charges for a sex crime, and we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.
