Standing Up For Those Accused Of Sex Crimes

The mere connection of your name to any type of criminal sexual activity can destroy your reputation and your relationships with family and friends. If you are in any way involved with a sex crime investigation, it is essential to your freedom and your reputation to get help immediately from an experienced defense attorney. Bob Jarvis has prosecuted and defended multiple sex crimes in his 30-year career. As a Sherman criminal defense lawyer, he uses the skill and insight gained through years of experience to protect people from having their lives ruined by association with criminal sexual conduct. He will do everything possible to protect your reputation as the situation develops and will wage the strongest possible defense on your behalf if the case goes to trial.

Powerful Defense For A Range Of Sex Crime Allegations

Bob Jarvis understands the devastating effects of sex crime convictions and sex offender registration. He will do his best to protect you by challenging the prosecution’s case on every level. Please call the Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm if you need to defend yourself against allegations of:

• Sexual assault (rape): Sexual relations with a nonconsenting partner
• Aggravated sexual assault: Sexual assault committed in conjunction with another felony or when the victim is under 14 years of age, elderly or disabled
• Indecency with a child: Inappropriate exposure of sexual organs to a child under age 17 or engaging in sexual contact with a child under 17 years of age
• Child pornography: Creation, possession or distribution of child pornography
  • This offense, if filed in federal court, is considered a crime of violence and is punished with lengthy prison sentences.
• Internet sex crimes/online solicitation of a minor: Typically, solicitation cases are investigated by federal agencies and filed in federal court. A conviction can lead to a lengthy term in prison.

Is your teenage son accused of having sex with an underage girl? Such allegations are very serious and could cause the young person convicted to serve time in prison. It is not a defense if the underage girl consented because the law says an underage person cannot legally give consent. You should seek legal representation the moment an allegation is made, as these types of accusations will not just go away. District attorneys actively seek felony convictions for such behavior, so please do not delay.

“I have successfully handled all types of sex crimes. You need an attorney who will investigate these allegations in-depth in order to protect you. That’s what we do at this law firm.” – Bob Jarvis

False Allegations Of Sexual Abuse

Often, we see false allegations of sexual abuse of a child, especially in divorce and custody cases. If you are accused of sexually assaulting a child, how can you defend yourself? There are only two witnesses – the child and you – and often the child is coached or forced to lie by an opposing family member. The Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm has a proven plan in place for your defense and a 100% win record in cases of false sexual assault allegations.

Sex Offender Registration

One of the harshest consequences of a sex crime conviction is the requirement to register as a sex offender. Registration greatly restricts where you can live and where you can work, and generally disrupts your life. Failure to register can result in serious prison time. If you are accused of failing to register for any reason, please call us for help.

Insight For Those Facing Accusations Of A Sex Crime

Facing allegations of a sex crime is a frightening ordeal, especially with potential consequences that can impact every aspect of your life. Our legal team brings decades of experience and a profound commitment to defending our clients through these challenging times. We understand the critical importance of safeguarding your good name and establishing a formidable defense from the very first accusation. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about sex crime allegations. Please keep in mind that this information does not constitute legal advice. For personalized counsel, it is essential to consult directly with an attorney.

What immediate steps should I take if law enforcement contacts me about a sex crime investigation?

If law enforcement contacts you, politely inform them that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Do not make any statements, sign any documents or consent to any searches without legal counsel present. You have the right to remain silent and exercising this right will be vital to protect your interests.

What types of evidence are commonly used by the prosecution in sex crime cases?

The prosecution may use various types of evidence, including victim and witness testimony, and forensic evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, or physical injuries. In addition, your text messages, emails, social media posts and other digital evidence from computers or phones may be subject to collection for use as evidence. An experienced attorney can challenge the admissibility and reliability of this evidence.

Can a sex crime charge or conviction ever be expunged or sealed from my record?

In Texas, removing or sealing sex crime records is exceptionally difficult and, in many cases, legally impossible. Generally, expunction, which is the permanent destruction of records, is only available for arrests that did not result in a conviction or specific types of dismissals.

For those who successfully completed deferred adjudication, an order of nondisclosure may be an option to seal the record from the public; however, Texas law strictly prohibits nondisclosure for any offense requiring sex offender registration. A conviction for a sex offense typically remains on your public record permanently.

What is the typical process from accusation to trial in a sex crime case?

The process usually begins with an investigation, followed by arrest and booking. Charges are then filed. In Texas, felony cases, which sex crimes typically are, require a grand jury indictment before a case proceeds to district court for arraignment. An arraignment is held where you enter a formal plea.

Next, discovery, or the disclosure of evidence, occurs. Upon a timely request from the defense, the state must disclose its file and evidence as required by law. This “open-file” policy ensures the defense can review police reports, witness statements and electronic recordings. Following this review, pretrial motions may be filed to challenge the legality of the state’s evidence.

If no agreement is reached through negotiations, the case proceeds to trial. While you have a constitutional right to a jury trial, in certain circumstances, a bench trial, where the judge decides the verdict, may be strategically preferred. In Texas, a bench trial is only possible if both the prosecutor and the judge agree to waive the jury. If a “guilty” verdict is returned, the case moves to a sentencing phase where punishment is determined.

Contact The Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm If You Are Accused Of A Sex Crime

If you have been charged with a sex crime in Sherman, Gunter, Van Alstyne or any nearby area, call the Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm now at 903-202-0516 or send us an email.