The Woodlands Sex Crime Defense Attorney
Sex crime allegations in The Woodlands, Texas, move faster than almost any other criminal case. Within hours of an accusation, you could face arrest, public exposure, and the loss of employment—all before anyone examines the actual evidence.
For over 30 years, our experienced The Woodlands sex crime defense lawyers have represented clients on the verge of losing their careers and community standing based solely on someone’s word.
The reality in Texas sex crime cases is stark: prosecutors can pursue felony charges based on nothing more than an accusation. Physical evidence isn’t required. Witness corroboration isn’t necessary.
A single statement from an accuser can trigger a prosecution that carries decades in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. This means innocent people face the same devastating legal process as those who are guilty.
Our sex crime defense attorneys in The Woodlands know exactly how these cases unfold in local courts. If you’re under investigation or have been arrested for a sex offense in The Woodlands, every hour matters.
The decisions you make right now will impact the rest of your life. Contact us today for immediate legal protection.
Why Our Board Certified Montgomery County Sex Crime Lawyer Makes the Difference
Attorney Grant Scheiner holds Board Certification in Criminal Law and has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer. We understand how Montgomery County prosecutors build these cases and which judges handle sex crime matters. This local knowledge directly impacts your defense strategy.
- Board Certification: Only achieved by attorneys who demonstrate exceptional competence through extensive trial work and peer evaluation
- 30+ Years Experience: Successfully defending sex crime cases throughout Montgomery County with proven results
- Trial-Tested Results: Multiple dismissals and not guilty verdicts in serious felony cases
- Immediate Response: Available 24/7 because legal emergencies don’t follow business hours
How Our Sex Crime Defense Lawyers Protect You From Day One
We begin working before charges are filed. Early intervention often prevents arrests or gets cases dismissed before they gain momentum in the system.
Our immediate actions include preserving helpful evidence like text messages or surveillance footage that could prove your innocence. We also prevent you from making statements that prosecutors could later use against you.
| Without Legal Representation | With Our Defense Team |
| Risk unknowingly providing incriminating statements | We handle all law enforcement contact |
| Helpful evidence may disappear or be destroyed | We immediately secure and preserve evidence |
| One-sided accusations lead to charges | We present your version to prosecutors early |
| Public arrest and media exposure | We work for discrete resolution when possible |
Sex Crime Charges We Defend in The Woodlands
Sex crime charges in Texas cover a broad range of allegations. Each carries specific legal elements that prosecutors must prove beyond reasonable doubt.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is intentional sexual contact without consent; as a second-degree felony, it carries 2 to 20 years in prison plus potential lifetime consequences.
Indecency With a Child
Indecency with a child involves sexual contact or exposure with someone under 17. These charges result in mandatory sex offender registration and lengthy prison sentences.
Online Solicitation
Online solicitation occurs when someone uses electronic communication to request sexual contact with a minor. This includes text messages, social media, or dating apps.
Child Pornography
Child pornography charges involve possessing, distributing, or producing sexual images of minors. These cases often involve both state and federal prosecution.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault includes additional factors like weapons, serious injury, or victims under 14. Convictions can result in life sentences.
Continuous Sexual Abuse
Continuous sexual abuse refers to repeated sexual acts against a child over an extended period; convictions can result in severe prison sentences and long-term consequences, including sex offender registration.
Penalties and Sex Offender Registration Requirements in Texas
Sex crime convictions create permanent consequences that extend far beyond prison time. The most devastating impact often comes from mandatory sex offender registration.
Sex offender registration makes your name, photo, address, and offense details public. The registration period ranges from 10 years to life depending on your conviction. You must report address changes, employment changes, and even temporary travel to law enforcement.
- Prison Sentences: Range from 2 years to life depending on the specific charge
- Public Registration: Your information appears in searchable online databases
- Residence Restrictions: Cannot live within specified distances of schools, parks, or daycare centers
- Employment Barriers: Many career fields become permanently closed to registered individuals
Registration violations themselves become new felony charges. Missing a single reporting deadline can result in additional prison time and driver’s license suspension.
Defense Strategies That Work in Sex Crime Cases
Every sex crime case has potential defenses. These allegations often lack physical evidence and depend entirely on witness credibility. The job of our experienced The Woodlands sex crime defense lawyers involves exposing inconsistencies and challenging the prosecution’s version of events.
Constitutional Violations and Evidence Suppression
Police must follow strict procedures when investigating sex crimes. Illegal searches of phones, computers, or homes violate your Fourth Amendment rights. We file suppression motions to exclude illegally obtained evidence from trial.
Miranda rights violations also provide defense opportunities. If officers questioned you without proper warnings, those statements cannot be used against you.
False Accusations and Ulterior Motives
False accusations stem from various sources including custody disputes, relationship revenge, or financial motivations. We investigate the accuser’s background and circumstances surrounding the allegations.
Children sometimes make false statements due to coaching, confusion, or pressure from adults. We examine interview techniques used by investigators and social workers for leading questions or improper influence.
Consent and Relationship Context
In cases involving adults, consent becomes the central issue. We gather evidence like text messages, emails, or witness testimony that demonstrates the encounter was consensual.
Dating app conversations, social media interactions, and communication history often contradict accusations of non-consensual contact.
What to Do If Detectives or CPS Contact You
Detective or CPS contact means you’re under investigation. Your response in these moments significantly impacts your case outcome; invoke your Fifth Amendment right and never speak with investigators without your attorney present.
They use psychological techniques designed to obtain confessions, even from innocent people. Politely state that you won’t answer questions without your lawyer.
CPS investigations follow different rules but create the same dangers. Anything you say can be used in criminal court later. Request that all communication go through your attorney.
Critical Steps in Your First 72 Hours
Your actions immediately after learning about accusations determine how effectively our The Woodlands sex crime defense attorneys can defend you.
Remain Silent With All Investigators
Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. This applies to police, detectives, CPS workers, and prosecutors. Any statement you make can be twisted and used against you later.
Preserve All Potential Evidence
Don’t delete anything from your phone, computer, or social media accounts. Text messages, photos, emails, and browsing history might prove your innocence. Save receipts, tickets, or other documents that could establish your whereabouts.
Contact Our Team Immediately
Contact Scheiner Law before speaking with anyone about your case. The sooner we intervene, the more options we have to protect you. We can often prevent arrests or get cases dismissed before formal charges are filed.
Where Your Case Will Be Heard in Montgomery County
Montgomery County handles sex crime cases through different court levels. Misdemeanor charges like public lewdness proceed through County Courts at Law located at 1520 Lake Front Circle in Conroe.
Felony cases move to District Courts in the same courthouse complex. More serious charges like aggravated sexual assault or child abuse cases typically involve grand jury proceedings before formal indictment.
We know the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures in Montgomery County. This familiarity helps us develop more effective defense strategies tailored to your specific court assignment.
Our Proven Track Record and Client Success
Grant Scheiner’s recognition as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Texas by the National Trial Lawyers Association reflects his courtroom success. H-Texas Magazine has recognized him as one of Houston’s Top Lawyers.
Our firm maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. More importantly, we have achieved dismissals and not guilty verdicts in serious sex crime cases throughout Montgomery County.
Client testimonials consistently highlight our aggressive defense approach and personal attention to each case. We treat every client with dignity while fighting vigorously to protect their rights and reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly will my case be heard if arrested in The Woodlands?
Your case will be processed through Montgomery County courts at 1520 Lake Front Circle in Conroe, with misdemeanors in County Courts at Law and felonies in District Courts.
Should I speak with detectives before hiring a lawyer?
Never speak with law enforcement without your attorney present, as even innocent explanations can be misinterpreted and used against you in court.
Can I contact the person accusing me to clear things up?
No, any contact with your accuser could result in additional charges like witness tampering or harassment, regardless of your intentions.
What happens to my electronic devices after a search warrant?
Police will conduct forensic examinations of your phones and computers, but we can challenge the warrant’s validity and scope to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
Does Texas have exceptions for close-in-age relationships?
Yes, Texas’s Romeo and Juliet law provides an affirmative defense for consensual relationships with age differences of three years or less under specific circumstances.
Can I avoid sex offender registration requirements?
Avoiding registration is a primary defense goal that we pursue through plea negotiations, charge reductions, or trial victories, as removal after conviction is extremely difficult.
How quickly can you contact prosecutors on my behalf?
We typically engage with Montgomery County prosecutors within 24-48 hours of being retained to present your side before formal charges are filed.
Do you offer confidential consultations and payment plans?
All consultations are completely confidential under attorney-client privilege, and we offer flexible payment arrangements to help secure experienced representation.
Knowledgeable Sex Crime Law Firm in The Woodlands, Texas
Your freedom and reputation depend on immediate action. Sex crime allegations in The Woodlands require experienced legal representation from day one.
Our Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist has over three decades of experience defending these cases. We understand the prosecutors, judges, and investigation techniques used in Montgomery County sex crime cases.
Don’t let false accusations destroy your life. Contact us now for your confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to start protecting your rights immediately.