Pearland Child Sexual Abuse Defense Attorney
Being falsely accused of child sexual abuse in Pearland, Texas, is one of the most serious legal situations you can face in Texas. The damage begins the moment the accusation is made. Your reputation, your job, and your personal relationships can all unravel—before you even have a chance to defend yourself. These cases are emotionally charged, and the law is not always fair to the accused.
Our experienced Pearland child sexual abuse defense lawyers listen, investigate, and build strong defenses from the start. If this is happening to you, don’t wait. Call (713) 783-8998 now to speak with the skilled legal team at Scheiner Law. We understand how high the stakes are and how to fight for your future.
How a Child Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer in Pearland Can Assist
If you’re being accused of child sexual abuse, you need a lawyer who knows what they’re doing and isn’t afraid to fight for you. Here’s what we bring to the table at Scheiner Law Group:
- We know the law inside and out: Texas laws around child sexual abuse are complex and harsh. We understand how these cases work and where the system can go wrong—especially when the accusation is false.
- We’ve been doing this for more than 30 years: Our team has over three decades of real courtroom experience. We’ve handled serious cases and know how to deal with prosecutors, judges, and the pressure that comes with this kind of charge.
- Our track record speaks for itself: Attorney Grant Scheiner is Board Certified in Criminal Law. He’s been listed among the best trial lawyers in Texas and has earned top honors every year for over a decade. His extensive experience in defending victims of false child sexual abuse accusations has earned him a reputation of being an aggressive litigator who will not back down. Read these positive reviews from our clients here.
- We’ve successfully defended thousands of clients: That includes getting cases dropped, charges reduced, or not guilty verdicts at trial.
- Clients trust us—and it shows: We hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have dozens of five-star reviews from people we’ve defended.
- You’ll work with an experienced lawyer, not an assistant: We don’t hand off your case. You’ll get personalized attention and direct access to someone who’s handled these charges before—and won.
- Every case gets a custom plan: No two situations are alike. We look closely at the facts, review all the evidence, and build your defense around what’s actually true—not just what’s being claimed.
- We’re ready for trial from the beginning: We don’t wait to get serious. From the first day, we prepare as if your case is going to court, so we’re always a step ahead.
At Scheiner Law Group, we approach every child sexual abuse case with focus, precision, and respect. You’re not just hiring legal help—you’re hiring a team that knows how to handle tough situations with experience and determination. If you’re facing false allegations of child molestation or abuse, our child sexual abuse defense attorneys in Pearland, Texas, ready to stand between you and the full weight of the system.
Child Molestation and Abuse in Texas
Facing a charge of child molestation in Texas is overwhelming, both legally and personally. Even before a trial, the damage to your reputation, job, and family can be lasting. It’s critical to understand what’s involved—and what’s at stake—if you’re accused of this kind of offense.
What Is Considered Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse includes any sexual behavior involving a minor. This can mean physical contact, but it doesn’t have to. Actions like showing explicit images, talking about adult topics, or exposing oneself to a child are all considered abuse under Texas law. Serious charges like Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child are detailed under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, which outlines sexual offenses involving minors. Abuse may also involve coercion, manipulation, or threats—even without physical force.
Who Is Affected?
In most cases, the person accused knows the child or their family. Data shows that 93% of abused children are harmed by someone familiar to them—like a relative, friend, teacher, or coach. It’s also important to note that not all abusers are adults. A perpetrator can be another child or teen. These cases are often complicated, both emotionally and legally.
The Legal Consequences
Texas law takes these accusations seriously. Depending on the charges, penalties can include decades in prison, fines up to $10,000, and mandatory sex offender registration. The Texas Family Code 261.001 defines abuse broadly, and even a non-violent offense like online solicitation can carry felony charges.
Life After the Accusation
Even without a conviction, just being accused of child molestation can lead to job loss, social isolation, and family breakdown. If convicted, the fallout is even greater—limits on where you can live, work, or even spend time. These restrictions don’t just come from the court—they also come from public registries and community stigma.
If you’re facing this kind of charge, the right legal help can make a difference. You need someone who knows the law and can defend you every step of the way.
Even if the accusation is untrue, the consequences can last forever. You may be forced to register as a sex offender, face prison time, lose your right to carry a firearm, or be denied jobs and housing. That’s why it’s critical to act fast. Call (713) 783-8998 now to speak with our experienced child sexual abuse defense attorneys in Pearland, TX. We understand how high the stakes are and how to fight for your future.
Types of Child Sexual Abuse Cases Scheiner Law Handles
At Scheiner Law Group, we defend clients against some of the most serious and life-altering charges in Texas. Being accused of any sex crime involving a child can carry heavy penalties—even before a trial. Our firm handles a wide range of child sexual abuse cases, each requiring a clear understanding of the law and an aggressive defense strategy. Below are the types of cases we regularly defend.
Sexual Assault of a Child
This charge involves any form of sexual contact or penetration with a minor under 17. In Texas, a child cannot legally consent, regardless of the situation. These cases often involve family members, acquaintances, or individuals in positions of trust. Convictions can lead to years in prison, lifetime sex offender registration, and a permanent criminal record.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
This offense involves serious factors such as the child being under 14, use of violence, threats, or the presence of a weapon. It’s considered a first-degree felony and can result in a sentence of 5 years to life in prison. These cases often arise in emotionally charged situations and require immediate legal intervention.
Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
This is one of the most severe charges under Texas law. It typically involves a child under 6, or a combination of extreme circumstances, such as the use of drugs to subdue the child or a prior history of abuse. This crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years with no parole.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
This charge applies when a person is accused of committing two or more acts of sexual abuse over a period of at least 30 days. The child must be under 14. This is a first-degree felony with no parole eligibility, even for a first offense.
Indecency with a Child by Contact
This involves inappropriate touching of a child’s body with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. It includes touching over or under clothing and is a serious felony under Texas law.
Indecency with a Child by Exposure
This charge involves exposing oneself to a child or causing a child to expose themselves for sexual purposes. While it doesn’t involve physical contact, it’s still treated as a felony offense.
Possession of Child Pornography
Even a single image can lead to felony charges. Texas law punishes both possession and storage of explicit material involving minors. Cases often involve digital evidence that must be handled carefully.
Promotion or Distribution of Child Pornography
This includes sending, sharing, or selling explicit material involving children. Penalties are severe and can involve long prison terms and federal charges.
Sexual Performance by a Child
This charge applies when a child is made to perform in a sexual manner for video, photo, or live audiences. It includes producing or directing any type of performance involving sexual content.
If you’re facing one of these charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. We’re here to help you fight back with experience, discretion, and a full understanding of how these cases work in Texas courts.
Penalties for Being Convicted of Child Sexual Abuse
In Texas, the penalties for a child sexual abuse conviction are severe and long-lasting. The exact punishment depends on the charge, but most of these offenses are felonies that carry serious prison time and other life-altering consequences.
Prison Sentences and Felony Levels
If you’re charged with sexual assault of a child you’re likely looking at a second-degree felony. That could mean two to twenty years behind bars, plus up to $10,000 in fines.
Aggravated sexual assault of a child—especially when the child is under 14—is a first-degree felony. That sentence starts at five years and can go all the way to life in prison.
If the charge is continuous sexual abuse of a child under Texas law, the minimum sentence is 25 years. Parole isn’t an option.
Indecency with a child can mean different things depending on the behavior. If there was physical contact, that’s a second-degree felony. If it involved exposing oneself, it may be charged as a third-degree felony.
In cases involving child pornography or sexual performance by a child, the penalties also fall into the felony range. Some first-time charges carry decades in prison, depending on what’s alleged.
Lifetime Registration and Other Limits
Convictions usually require registering as a sex offender. That affects where you live, who you’re around, and where you can work—for the rest of your life. In some cities, you can’t live within 2,500 feet of places where kids gather.
Even after serving time, people with these convictions often face job loss, custody issues, and permanent damage to their reputation.
Defense Against False Allegations of Child Molestation and Sexual Abuse
Not every accusation of child molestation is based in truth. In fact, some cases start with a lie or a misunderstanding—and the person being accused can lose everything before they even get a chance to explain.
There are a few common reasons people get wrongfully accused of these crimes:
- Custody battles: One parent may claim abuse during a fight over custody to gain full control or avoid child support.
- Divorce conflict: When a relationship ends badly, a false claim can be used to punish the other person emotionally and financially.
- Problems at school: A student who feels wronged—whether it’s about grades, discipline, or attention—might lash out with an allegation.
- Stepfamily tensions: A child upset by a new family dynamic, especially when a stepparent becomes a disciplinarian, may make a false claim out of anger or confusion.
Some people still believe that children can’t make up these kinds of stories. But kids today are exposed to a lot—online, on TV, and through peers. They also may be manipulated by adults with their own agendas. That’s why every accusation must be carefully examined and not just taken at face value.
Skilled Child Molestation Defense Lawyer in Pearland, Texas
At Scheiner Law Group, we understand what’s at stake when you’re facing a child molestation charge—especially if the accusation is false. These cases move fast, and the damage to your life can begin long before your day in court. That’s why our Pearland sex crime defense lawyers fight hard from day one. We know how to challenge weak evidence, expose false motives, and protect your rights at every stage.
If you’ve been accused in Pearland or the surrounding area, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact Scheiner Law now for a confidential consultation or call us at (713) 783-8998. We’re here to defend your future—no matter how tough the case.
Locations near Pearland that Scheiner Law serves includes Houston, League City, Sugarland, The Woodlands, Friendswood, Katy, and Bellaire.