Sugar Land Child Sexual Abuse Defense Attorney
Child sexual abuse allegations in Sugar Land, Texas, move through the system faster than most criminal cases. The moment an outcry surfaces, law enforcement begins building their case, prosecutors prepare charges, and protective orders can separate you from your family within days.
These accusations carry a unique presumption of guilt that follows you into every courtroom, workplace interaction, and conversation in Sugar Land.
Our experienced Sugar Land child sexual abuse defense lawyers defend clients against child sexual abuse charges throughout Fort Bend County, from the initial investigation through trial.
Our board-certified criminal defense team knows these cases rarely rely on physical evidence. Instead, prosecutors build their cases on forensic interviews, delayed outcries, and witness statements that can shift with each telling.
We act fast to secure phone records, preserve social media evidence, and document witness accounts before memories fade or stories change.
Your response in these first critical hours determines whether you face decades in prison or walk free. Our experienced child sexual abuse defense attorneys in Sugar Land handle all communication with Fort Bend County investigators and CPS, protecting you from making statements that sound innocent today but become evidence tomorrow.
While prosecutors rush to file charges, we work to present your defense to the grand jury, challenge questionable forensic interviews, and expose the motivations behind false accusations that often drive these cases in Sugar Land courts.
How Our Child Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyers Assist You
Being accused of child sexual abuse can destroy your reputation and freedom before you ever see a courtroom. Attorney Grant Scheiner protects your rights and challenges the government’s case from the moment an allegation surfaces.
We take immediate action to defend your case:
- Emergency Response: We answer calls 24/7 and start protecting your rights within hours of an accusation.
- Evidence Protection: We secure critical text messages, phone records, and witness statements before they disappear.
- Police Communication: We handle all contact with law enforcement and CPS so you don’t make damaging statements.
- Forensic Challenges: We attack flawed SANE exams and questionable digital evidence using our specialized training.
- Grand Jury Intervention: We present defense packets to stop charges before indictment occurs.
- Trial Readiness: We prepare every case for trial from day one, giving you maximum negotiating power.
As your Fort Bend County criminal defense lawyer, we understand the stakes. False accusations move fast, and your response must be faster.
Why Choose Our Board-Certified Defense Team in Fort Bend County
Attorney Grant Scheiner holds Board Certification in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This credential requires passing a rigorous specialty exam and proving extensive trial experience. Only a small percentage of Texas attorneys earn this distinction.
Our experienced Sugar Land child sexual abuse lawyers have successfully defended individuals accused of serious sex crimes in Fort Bend County courts. This experience gives us the knowledge to handle the most complex cases.
Trial Results, Forensic Expertise, and Board Certification
Our qualifications provide real advantages in your defense. Board Certification means you get a specialist who has been tested for criminal law expertise. Mr. Scheiner completed hands-on training in police procedures and forensic science, letting him spot errors other attorneys miss.
Fort Bend County Insight and Courtroom Strategy
We know Fort Bend County prosecutors, judges, and jury tendencies from decades of courtroom experience. This local knowledge helps us build strategies tailored to the Sugar Land courthouse. We anticipate the prosecution’s moves and position you for the best possible outcome.
Accused in Sugar Land? What Should You Do Now
Every minute matters after an accusation. The steps you take right now will either protect your future defense or cause permanent damage to your case.
Step 1: Should You Talk to Police or CPS?
Never speak to police or CPS without your attorney present. Investigators are trained to gather evidence against you, and innocent statements get twisted into admissions of guilt. Your Miranda rights give you the right to remain silent and request an attorney—use them immediately.
Let our attorneys handle all communications with law enforcement.
Step 2: How Do You Preserve Devices and Messages Without Risk?
You must preserve potential evidence legally without tampering with anything. Screenshot text messages showing dates and times, back up your phone to a secure location, and never delete social media accounts or messages.
Destroying evidence leads to separate felony charges for tampering or obstruction of justice. Even “deleted” data can be recovered by forensic experts.
Step 3: Should You Avoid Any Contact With the Accuser?
You must avoid all contact with the accuser, their family, and potential witnesses. Any communication attempt, even with good intentions, becomes witness tampering or intimidation. This includes sending messages through friends or family members.
What Is Considered Sexual Assault of a Child Under Texas Law?
Sexual Assault of a Child means intentionally engaging in sexual contact with someone under 17 years old. Texas Penal Code § 22.011 defines this crime clearly. Since Texas sets the age of consent at 17, a child cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
The prosecution must prove these elements:
- The alleged victim was under 17 at the time
- Sexual contact occurred
- You acted intentionally or knowingly
Aggravated Sexual Assault applies when the victim is under 14 or when threats, violence, or weapons are involved. A Sugar Land sex crime defense attorney can challenge each element of the prosecution’s case.
What Is Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child in Texas?
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is among the most serious non-capital offenses in Texas. The prosecution must prove at least two separate sexual acts occurred over 30 days or more against a child under 14. This charge carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison with no probation possible.
| Charge | Victim Age | Prison Range |
| Sexual Assault of Child | Under 17 | 2-20 years |
| Aggravated Sexual Assault | Under 14 | 5-99 years or life |
| Continuous Sexual Abuse | Under 14 | 25-99 years or life |
Our criminal defense attorneys in Sugar Land, Texas, know how to attack each element of these serious charges.
What Penalties and Collateral Consequences Are You Facing?
A conviction destroys more than your freedom. The consequences reach every part of your life permanently.
Prison Ranges and Fines in Child Sex Cases
Depending on the specific charge, you face decades or life in prison. Judges can also impose fines up to $10,000. Many offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences that limit judicial discretion.
Sex Offender Registration and Real-Life Limits
A conviction almost certainly requires lifetime sex offender registration. This public registry creates permanent barriers:
- Housing: Legal bans from living near schools, parks, and daycare centers
- Employment: Most employers won’t hire registered individuals, and many career fields are completely off-limits
- Travel: You must report address changes and may face travel restrictions
- Internet: Your online activities may be monitored with restricted access
Can You Avoid Indictment in Fort Bend County?
Yes, you can avoid indictment with immediate action. Before formal charges are filed, a grand jury reviews the evidence to decide if the case should proceed. We can intervene before prosecutors present their one-sided story.
Grand Jury No-Bill Strategy and Defense Packets
A “no-bill” from the grand jury means they refused to indict, stopping the case completely. Our Fort Bend criminal defense team prepares comprehensive defense packets for the grand jury. These packets include witness affidavits, alibi evidence, timeline documentation, and proof of the accuser’s motive to lie.
The grand jury gets the full story, not just the prosecution’s version.
What Defenses Work in Child Sexual Abuse Cases?
Every case has weaknesses, and thorough investigation uncovers powerful defenses. We explore every angle to challenge the prosecution’s story.
False Allegations, Motives, and Identity Challenges
False accusations happen frequently in emotionally charged situations. We investigate the allegation’s source to expose the truth:
- Custody Battles: Parents coach or manipulate children to gain family court advantages
- Mistaken Identity: Children misidentify the accused due to stress, suggestion, or poor memory
- Revenge or Anger: Teenagers make false claims from anger or revenge desires
- Misunderstanding: Innocent actions like helping with bathing get misinterpreted as sexual
Digital Forensics, SANE Findings, and CAC Interview Challenges
The state’s scientific and procedural evidence often contains flaws. We challenge Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) work and Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) interviews. Our team spots suggestive interview techniques, flawed medical conclusions, and contaminated digital evidence.
Fourth Amendment and Statement Suppression
Your constitutional rights protect you from illegal police actions. If law enforcement searched without warrants or failed to give Miranda warnings before interrogation, we can suppress the evidence. This includes coerced statements and evidence from illegal phone, car, or home searches.
Fort Bend County Process: Arrest Through Pretrial
Understanding the legal process reduces anxiety and uncertainty. We guide you through every timeline step.
Arrest, Bond, and No-Contact or Protective Orders
After a Fort Bend County arrest, you go to county jail for processing. Judges set high bond amounts for sex offense charges. Courts almost always issue no-contact orders and may require GPS monitoring as release conditions.
Indictment, Arraignment, and Pretrial Settings
If the grand jury indicts, your case moves to arraignment for entering a “not guilty” plea. The case then proceeds through pretrial conferences where your Fort Bend criminal lawyer negotiates with prosecutors and files evidence-challenging motions.
Fort Bend County uses a fast-track docket for sex crimes, making immediate legal representation critical.
What to Do—and Avoid—Right Now
Protecting your case starts with avoiding common mistakes that destroy winnable defenses.
Do Not Delete Messages, Photos, or Device Data
Deleting phone or computer information can lead to separate felony charges for evidence tampering. Forensic experts often recover “deleted” data anyway, and the deletion act itself becomes evidence of guilt.
Limit Social Media and Third-Party Communications
Everything you say or post can be used against you. Only attorney conversations are legally protected and confidential. Avoid discussing your case with friends or family, and never post anything about it on social media.
Case Results in Child Sexual Abuse Defense
Proven results measure a law firm’s true ability. We prepare every case for trial and have successfully defeated false accusations:
- Continuous Sexual Abuse: Grand jury “no-billed” client after we presented a comprehensive defense packet.
- Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child: Jury found client “Not Guilty” at trial
- Indecency with Child: Case dismissed after we successfully challenged child’s videotaped forensic interview
- Sexual Assault of Child: Charge reduced to non-sex offense, avoiding prison and sex offender registration
Our success as a criminal lawyer in Sugar Land comes from meticulous preparation and aggressive sex crime defense.
Confidential Consultation With a Child Sexual Abuse Defense Lawyer in Sugar Land
Your first step is the most important part of your defense. Your consultation with us is completely confidential, whether you hire us or not. We represent clients throughout Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Richmond.
Before meeting with us, gather any court or police paperwork you’ve received, write down an event timeline, and list potential witness names for our meeting.
FAQ: Sugar Land Child Sexual Abuse Defense
Can Fort Bend County Prosecutors Still Indict If the Child Recants Their Statement?
Yes, prosecutors often proceed with cases even after a child recants, claiming the victim was pressured to change their story. You need experienced defense counsel to properly document and present the recantation to the grand jury for maximum impact.
How Long Can Fort Bend County Wait to File Child Sexual Assault Charges?
Texas has no statute of limitations for most child sex crimes, meaning charges can be filed years or decades after the alleged incident. This makes early evidence preservation and witness documentation critical to your defense.
Do I Have to Register as a Sex Offender If My Case Gets Dismissed?
No, sex offender registration only applies after conviction or deferred adjudication plea deals for qualifying offenses. A dismissal or grand jury no-bill means you will not have to register.
Can Children’s Advocacy Center Interview Videos Be Used in My Criminal Trial?
Yes, child statements to CPS or CAC interviewers are often admissible under special hearsay exceptions in Texas courts. Your attorney must challenge improper and suggestive interview techniques to keep unreliable statements out.
Can Bond Conditions Be Changed So I Can Have Contact With My Own Children?
Courts may modify no-contact orders, but your attorney must file a motion showing proper safeguards are in place. The judge must be convinced that allowing contact serves the children’s best interests and poses no risk.
What Happens If I Already Gave Statements to Police Before Hiring an Attorney?
We immediately obtain all recordings and reports of your statements, then assess potential damage and develop strategies to minimize their impact at trial. Early statements can often be challenged or suppressed.
How Do You Get My Seized Phone or Computer Back After Police Extract Data?
We file motions limiting forensic search scope to relevant time periods and data only. Once necessary information is extracted, we petition the court for prompt device return to minimize life disruption.