Texas Sex Crimes And Community Supervision
Sex crimes charges in Texas, and throughout the nation, can result in serious penalties. If you have been arrested, talk to a Houston sex offense lawyer about what options you have. In some instances, prison sentences can be avoided. Alternative penalties could be possible, such as pursuing deferred adjudication.
Deferred Adjudication or Community Supervision
Depending on the situation, deferred adjudication could be an option. Also referred to as probation or community supervision, deferred adjudication is possible when a defendant admits guilt and participates in correction alternatives. The probation can last for years. Two years is possible if the charge is misdemeanor. For felony charges, community supervision could last for a decade.
Some are not able to completely avoid jail time. Community supervision could follow a month or more in jail. Then, once the probation begins, the defendant must adhere to all of the rules and terms. Breaking with the agreed upon terms will result in the individual being locked up again.
A sex offense charge could lead to the following community supervision terms:
- Being registered as a sex offender
- Not having any contact with under age individuals
- Submitting DNA as needed
- Allowing electronic monitoring
- Completing community service tasks
- Keeping regular meetings with a probation officer
- Consistent testing for alcohol and drugs
The terms will depend on the details of the arrest and could include educational and treatment programs as well.
Once a defendant has completed all of the terms, the case is dismissed. The charge does remain on the person’s record but there is not a final conviction. Instead, deferred adjudication compliance is recognized.
An Experienced Defense Lawyer Can Help
An attorney can help you whether you are facing felony charges or misdemeanor charges. Some misdemeanor sex charges include public lewdness, prostitution solicitation, and indecent exposure. Conviction for sex crimes can result in criminal penalties along with reputation loss and the destruction of your daily life. Marriages have been broken and jobs have been lost, for example.
While there are paths to avoiding prison or jail time following a sex crime arrest, it is not always simple. To fully understand what alternatives could be available for you or someone you care about who has been arrested, talk to a Houston sex offense lawyer.
Experienced attorneys have helped defendants through difficult situations. You have rights and a skilled lawyer has likely worked on similar cases to your own. For this reason, they can assess the details of your arrest and let you know what the results have been for others who have been in similar situations. Contact a legal professional as soon as possible to protect and defend yourself.
Do you have questions about how to avoid jail time following an arrest? Our experienced legal team can defend you against criminal charges. We have the knowledge to protect you whether the alleged crime was minor or serious. Reach out to the legal team at Ayson Law Firm to understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston criminal defense attorney today.
