Sexual assault is a serious matter, and because of the importance of such events and the seriousness they convey, many states have strict laws against sexual assault. In Texas, sexual assault is generally considered a 2nd-degree felony, unless the crime was aggravated sexual assault, in which case it is considered a 1st-degree felony. These offenses are punishable with a sentence from two to ninety-nine years in prison. But what does one do if they've been accused of sexual assault in Houston? Or anywhere else in Texas for that matter? What are some steps that one could take to try and make things go smoothly? After all, being accused of such a serious crime isn't easy. There are many steps one should take after being accused, such as:
Find a Top Houston Criminal Attorney
Perhaps the most important step one should take after being charged or even accused of sexual assault in Texas would be to get an attorney. If your family or friends can help afford one, and if you are still being held, ask them to help you find a suitable attorney to represent you. During this interim, it's wise to offer very little information to authorities. In simple terms, be quiet until the lawyer arrives. You have to remember that in the early stages of an accusation and or charge, anything you say absolutely can and will be used against you, even if you're innocent. This is why finding a Top Houston Criminal Attorney early on is so very important. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at your request.
Keep Your Case To Yourself
It's best during this time to keep a low profile. Try not to draw too much attention to yourself and take special care to avoid places where people may question your appearance. If you were able to make bond and get out, it's wise to lead a very quiet life during this time. This means that you should try to keep outings to a minimum and that you should watch the moves you make. In today's world, this means staying off the internet or at least minimizing your activities on social media. It'll be wise to act as if you are always being watched because chances are that if police aren't, the community now is suddenly very aware of your existence. Though it may be frustrating, it's important to let things cool down before starting any sort of normal life back up.
Keep Communication Open With Your Lawyer
During this trying time, you'll find that you'll need a support system to rely on. Considering it's all too possible that you've been removed from your employment, you'll need others to not only help you financially but with emotional support as well. Though you may be going through plenty emotionally and mentally during this time, do try to keep communication with family and friends open. These people will be the ones who will be there for you should things become even rougher. These people could also be used in court as character witnesses or as alibi witnesses, so try not to shut anyone out who you may need later. It'll also help keep you a little more sane during this time if you have others to lean on.
Being accused of such serious criminal activity is taxing and saddening, whether innocent or not. No matter the outcome, it's important to try and keep some sort of semblance of normal life. This is easily done by keeping up communication and trying to act normally around your home and town. If the bond hasn't been met or isn't being offered, it's even more crucial to keep communication open as well as to follow your attorney's instruction exactly. Sexual assault cases in Houston, TX is a serious offense, and each move you make after such an accusation matters more than you'd imagine, because of this, you'll want to act carefully and remember that even if it doesn't seem so, there's always hope.
Find a Top Houston Criminal Attorney
Perhaps the most important step one should take after being charged or even accused of sexual assault in Texas would be to get an attorney. If your family or friends can help afford one, and if you are still being held, ask them to help you find a suitable attorney to represent you. During this interim, it's wise to offer very little information to authorities. In simple terms, be quiet until the lawyer arrives. You have to remember that in the early stages of an accusation and or charge, anything you say absolutely can and will be used against you, even if you're innocent. This is why finding a Top Houston Criminal Attorney early on is so very important. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at your request.
Keep Your Case To Yourself
It's best during this time to keep a low profile. Try not to draw too much attention to yourself and take special care to avoid places where people may question your appearance. If you were able to make bond and get out, it's wise to lead a very quiet life during this time. This means that you should try to keep outings to a minimum and that you should watch the moves you make. In today's world, this means staying off the internet or at least minimizing your activities on social media. It'll be wise to act as if you are always being watched because chances are that if police aren't, the community now is suddenly very aware of your existence. Though it may be frustrating, it's important to let things cool down before starting any sort of normal life back up.
Keep Communication Open With Your Lawyer
During this trying time, you'll find that you'll need a support system to rely on. Considering it's all too possible that you've been removed from your employment, you'll need others to not only help you financially but with emotional support as well. Though you may be going through plenty emotionally and mentally during this time, do try to keep communication with family and friends open. These people will be the ones who will be there for you should things become even rougher. These people could also be used in court as character witnesses or as alibi witnesses, so try not to shut anyone out who you may need later. It'll also help keep you a little more sane during this time if you have others to lean on.
Being accused of such serious criminal activity is taxing and saddening, whether innocent or not. No matter the outcome, it's important to try and keep some sort of semblance of normal life. This is easily done by keeping up communication and trying to act normally around your home and town. If the bond hasn't been met or isn't being offered, it's even more crucial to keep communication open as well as to follow your attorney's instruction exactly. Sexual assault cases in Houston, TX is a serious offense, and each move you make after such an accusation matters more than you'd imagine, because of this, you'll want to act carefully and remember that even if it doesn't seem so, there's always hope.