Houston Child Molestation & Sexual Abuse Defense

Have you or a loved one been falsely accused of child sex abuse?
Texas child sex crimes defense attorney Neal Davis will fight for your rights and freedom.

Under the U.S. Constitution, every person is "innocent until proven guilty." Unfortunately, while the law is obligated to follow this just declaration, American society is not so unbiased - meaning your coworkers, friends and family may turn on you well before you ever even have the chance to dispute the terrible charges against you.

In the case of child molestation and child sex abuse, the mere allegations of such a horrendous crime are often enough to damage your personal and social relationships as well as cause you to endure a wave of backlash from the media. Other areas of your life that may suffer due to a false child molestation charge include your job (current or future), privacy, citizenship status (if you are not an American citizen) and finances.

At the Neal Davis Law Firm, we believe you are innocent until proven otherwise and we have a history of successfully defending our clients from false charges. A rigorous defense is your constitutional right, and we have been able to secure positive outcomes in thousands of cases like yours.

What are Real Reasons Behind False Child Molestation Allegations?

While catching the real culprits of child sex crimes is beneficial to ensure the safety of society, it is often the innocents who suffer. Misunderstandings and false accusations of child molestation or sexual abuse are more common than you might think. Every day innocent people are wrongfully charged with a child sex abuse crime.

In many child molestation cases, ulterior or underlying motives are to blame, as the following common scenarios show:

• Child Custody Disputes. One parent in a child custody battle may accuse the other parent of child molestation in order to win custody and force them to pay child support.


• Contentious Divorce. When a marriage ends in a bad way, one person might attempt to hurt the other by claiming alleged child molestation, causing the defendant to lose their job and go to prison.

• Teacher / Student Relationship. A student with a grudge or who didn't get the grade they wanted can accuse their teacher or other school employee of improper sexual contact.


• Stepchild Syndrome. In blended families or situations where a stepparent is assuming a disciplinary role, a begrudging child may attempt to react against this new dynamic by falsely claiming that child molestation occurred.

It was once widely believed that children could be taken at their word when they accused someone of child molestation because they lacked sufficient knowledge of such a crime to invent a false allegation. In fact, many judges and officials continue to believe this misconception. The reality is that today's children often have access to sexually explicit material (i.e. movies, internet, magazines, television, etc.) from an early age and young kids can easily be influenced by manipulative adults with an ulterior motive.

What is the Definition of Child Molestation in Texas?

The state of Texas defines child molestation as a crime involving "indecency, sexual contact, or sexual abuse…of anyone under the age of 17." Molestation of a child under the age of 14 is more severely punished, even for first-time offenders. Actions that are considered "child sex abuse" or "molestation" in Texas include:

• Allowing, creating, distributing or possessing child pornography
• Online solicitation of a minor
• Participating in conduct of a sexual nature with a child that harms their physical, mental or emotional well-being
• Failing to take reasonable action to prevent the sexual abuse of a child
• Coercing or compelling a child to engage in sexual behavior

A child sex offense also occurs when an individual or group attempts to "arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person" by exposing their anus or any part of their genitals while knowing a child is present or causing the child to expose any part of their genitalia.

Other terms used to refer to child molestation include pedophilia, child sex abuse, child sexual assault, statutory rape and indecent contact.

How Are Child Sex Offenders Punished in Texas?

Under Texas sex crime law, engaging in sexual contact, abuse or indecency with anyone under the age of 17 is punishable as a felony.

Being convicted for a third-degree felony like indecency with a child by contact or indecency with a child by exposure can earn the defendant up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

More abusive cases of child molestion, such as continued or aggravated sexual assault, are categorized as first-degree felonies and penalties can range anywhere from 5 to 99 years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

Individuals convicted of child molestation must also register as a sex offender.

Unlike other crimes, there is no statute of limitations for child molestation charges and child sex offenses - meaning an investigation can be started at any time for a suspected criminal act that occurred in an individual's past.

What Should You Do If Accused of Child Molestation?

If you or a loved one have been falsely accused of sexually molesting or abusing a child, then it is important for you to understand this truth: There is nothing you can say to prove your innocence. Many people's first instinct is to try pleading their case to police investigators, Child Protective Services and other authorities. This is a huge mistake. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you in court.

When facing an investigation or charge for child molestation, individuals in Houston and throughout Texas should immediately contact experienced sex crime defense lawyer Neal Davis of the Neal Davis Law Firm. He is often able to favorably resolve sex crime cases quickly and quietly, without the need for trial. If a trial is necessary, Neal has experience obtaining acquittals and mistrials (followed by dismissals) and winning reversals on appeal.

The time to act is now. Serving the greater Houston area - including Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend counties - Neal Davis specializes in defense strategies for both state and federal cases throughout Texas. Contact the Neal Davis Law Firm to schedule your free case evaluation.