You’re innocent until proven guilty, but when a sex crime is involved, the allegations against you can be devastating. At the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak, we have 15+ years of experience representing clients – just like you – as a trusted attorney for sex crimes in Katy.
The allegations against you are serious, and you may be facing a misdemeanor or felony charge.
Sex crime falls under multiple categories, each with its own set of consequences. The FBI’s most recent report suggests 20 rapes are committed in Katy each year, but a sex crime can include:
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Indecency with a child
- Indecent exposure
- Continuous sexual abuse of a child
- Public lewdness
- Invasive visual recording
- Prostitution
- Revenge porn
- Sexual coercion
- Voyeurism
If you’re facing sexual assault charges, you may be looking at a felony, decades in prison and hefty fines. Aggravated assault charges, especially of a child between 6 and 14 years old, have a minimum of 25 years in prison.
Our results speak for themselves – we fight for our clients’ rights.
Contact us for a consultation and let us defend your rights.
How Can a Sex Crime Attorney Help If I’ve Been Accused of a Sex Offense?
Every case revolves around facts and the law. Interpreting the law allows an attorney to build a defense that offers the best possible outcome in your case. Your attorney may:
- Question medical experts if one was involved in your case. For example, if a rape kit was entered as evidence or a doctor conducted an exam, it’s possible that the exam was done improperly. Cross-examination can help bring the exam into doubt.
- Bring experts in to analyze the evidence against you and find any inconsistencies that may strengthen your vase.
- Challenge testimonies of witnesses.
Your case is unique, and without the facts in front of us, we don’t know what defense offers you the best outcome. We may be able to argue that an illegal search and seizure was done or that consent was given.
Sex crime convictions can lead to decades of prison, hefty fines and the requirement to register as a sex offender. They can also impact your employment or ability to vote.
An attorney will explain the charges you’re up against, review the facts and fight on your behalf to minimize the penalties against you. In some cases, a dismissal or lesser charges may be possible, but you need an attorney with experience to help you overcome this serious legal matter.
An attorney can fight on your behalf, go to trial if necessary and work to prove your innocence.
Can a Sex Crime Attorney Help with Expungement or Record Sealing After a Case?
In Texas, a sex crime can only be removed from your record in specific circumstances. Convictions and deferred adjudications for sex offenses cannot be expunged. Sex crimes are taken very seriously, so expungement can be difficult.
However, if you are not convicted, you may be able to petition the court to expunge the arrest and charge from your record.
Expungement is typically only permitted if:
- The charges were dismissed or never actually filed
- The defendant was pardoned, acquitted, or was convicted and later proven innocent
- The prosecutor recommended expungement and the defendant was never tried
Whether or not the offense can be expunged will also depend on other factors, including but not limited to:
- Why the case was dismissed
- The statute of limitations
If you were placed on deferred adjudication and not officially convicted of the crime, it may be possible to have your record sealed, which would make it inaccessible to the general public. There are several conditions that must be met to be eligible for record sealing.
An attorney for sex crimes in Katy can help you understand whether you can pursue expungement or record sealing. Both processes can be complex and require the skill and experience of a criminal defense attorney.
Can A Sex Crime Attorney Negotiate Plea Bargains with the Prosecution?
Many criminal cases, including those involving sex crimes, never make it to trial because defendants and prosecutors come to a plea agreement. Plea agreements can be reached any time before a jury verdict, and your attorney can negotiate the details of this agreement.
For example, if you want to avoid sex offender registration, your attorney can negotiate to reach an agreement that reduces the charges to a non-registerable offense.
Generally, we only recommend a plea bargain if it’s in our client’s best interest. It’s important to understand all of your options before going the plea bargain route.
Sex crimes come with severe penalties in Texas. It is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to get ahead of the charges and start building your defense.
Attorney Nathaniel Pitoniak has extensive experience defending clients against sex crime charges. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
