Have you been charged with a crime against a child in McKinney, Texas? Call Chiles McGuire Criminal Law for a free consultation at (214) 432-6540. Our McKinney crimes against children lawyers can vigorously defend your rights throughout the legal process, aiming for the most favorable outcome possible.
We are a trusted criminal defense firm built on trial preparation and courtroom presence. Our attorneys have more than 11 years of experience handling serious felony cases in Collin County and throughout Texas. We are not a volume practice; we take on a limited number of cases at a time so that every client receives the focused attention their situation demands.
Why Hire Chiles McGuire Criminal Law if You’re Facing Crimes Against Children Charges in McKinney, TX
Being accused of a crime against a child can have immediate and lasting consequences. A skilled McKinney criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work to build the strongest defense possible. At Chiles McGuire Criminal Law, we provide strategic representation for clients facing serious criminal charges throughout McKinney, TX.
When you choose our firm, you benefit from:
- More than 11 years of criminal defense experience handling serious felony cases.
- Recognition as one of The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
- Membership in respected organizations, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA).
- A deliberately limited caseload so every client receives the time and attention their case deserves.
- Representation at every stage of your case, from investigation and pretrial proceedings through trial, when necessary.
If you have been accused of a crime involving a child, a McKinney crimes against children attorney can explain your legal options and begin protecting your rights immediately. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
A Brief Overview of Crimes Against Children in Texas
Texas law treats offenses involving children very seriously. These cases can involve allegations of physical abuse, child endangerment, sexual offenses, online solicitation, and child exploitation. While these laws are designed to protect children, allegations alone do not establish guilt. False accusations and misunderstandings can lead to serious criminal charges, making experienced legal representation essential.
Injury to a Child
Injury to a child is prohibited under Texas Penal Code § 22.04 and generally involves intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causing bodily injury to a child. Depending on the facts of the case, the offense may be charged as anything from a state jail felony to a first-degree felony.
Abandoning or Endangering a Child
A person may face criminal charges for placing a child in circumstances that expose them to an unreasonable risk of harm. Depending on the allegations, these offenses may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies under Texas law.
Sexual Assault of a Child
Texas law prohibits certain sexual conduct involving minors. These allegations often carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Texas Penal Code § 22.021 addresses aggravated sexual assault, including cases involving young children or other aggravating circumstances. A conviction can result in decades in prison or even life imprisonment.
Indecency with a Child
Indecency with a child charges may involve allegations of sexual contact or exposing oneself to a minor. The level of the offense depends on the alleged conduct and other circumstances.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child
Texas law provides enhanced penalties when prosecutors allege repeated acts of sexual abuse involving a young child over a period of time. These cases carry some of the harshest penalties available under Texas law.
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Texas Penal Code § 33.021 prohibits certain online communications with a minor, or someone believed to be a minor, for unlawful sexual purposes. Depending on the facts, these charges may range from a state jail felony to a second-degree felony.
Texas also criminalizes offenses involving child sexual abuse material, compelling prostitution of a minor, and prohibited relationships between educators and students. The specific charges and potential penalties depend on the facts of each case and the applicable statute.
No matter the allegation, a conviction can have life-changing consequences. Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing the full range of charges involving crimes against children and work to protect their rights at every stage of the criminal process.
What Are the Potential Penalties for Crimes Against Children in McKinney, TX?
The penalties you could face depend on the specific offense and how it is charged.
Texas uses a structured felony system, and crimes against children can fall anywhere on it:
- State jail felony: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility, and a fine up to $10,000
- Third-degree felony: 2 to 10 years in prison, and a fine up to $10,000
- Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison, and a fine up to $10,000
- First-degree felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison, and a fine up to $10,000
Some offenses carry enhanced minimums that go beyond these standard ranges. Aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 and continuous sexual abuse of a young child both carry a minimum of 25 years with no eligibility for probation. A conviction for most sexual offenses against children also triggers mandatory sex offender registration as well as other severe collateral consequences.
What Defenses Can Be Raised Against Crimes Against Children Charges in Texas?
Crimes against children cases are emotionally charged by nature, and that can sometimes lead to rushed investigations and unreliable evidence that doesn’t hold up under legal scrutiny. Regardless of how serious the allegations are, the state must still build a case that can withstand a vigorous defense. Our attorneys will review every piece of evidence and every detail of the investigation to determine the best possible strategy for your situation.
Possible defenses to crimes against children charges in McKinney include:
- The accusation is false: False allegations in these cases are more common than many people realize. They can stem from custody disputes, personal conflicts, coaching by a parent or other adult, or simple misunderstandings.
- Your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation: If law enforcement obtained evidence through an illegal search or otherwise failed to follow proper procedures, that evidence may be excluded from the case.
- The forensic evidence does not support the charges: Physical and digital evidence must be collected and analyzed properly. Flaws in the forensic process can be used to challenge the reliability of the prosecution’s case.
- The alleged conduct does not meet the legal definition of the charged offense: Each statute has specific elements that must be proven. If the state’s evidence falls short on any one of those elements, a conviction cannot stand.
- Mistaken identity: In some cases, the wrong person is identified as the perpetrator due to unreliable witness testimony or flawed investigative techniques.
Other defenses may be available depending on the unique facts of your case. During your consultation, we can discuss the defense strategies that may apply to your situation. Whenever possible, we will seek to have your charges reduced or dismissed, but no outcome can be guaranteed in advance.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our McKinney Crimes Against Children Attorneys
Charges involving crimes against children are among the most serious in the Texas Penal Code, but it’s important to remember that a charge is not a conviction. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and you have the right to a meaningful defense with an experienced attorney on your side.
At Chiles McGuire Criminal Law, we deliberately limit the number of cases we take so that each client receives the thorough, focused representation their future depends on. Contact our McKinney crimes against children lawyers today to learn more and set up an initial consultation.
