Sex Crime Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County
Sex crime charges in Texas carry some of the most serious long-term consequences of any criminal offense, including mandatory sex offender registration that can follow a person for decades or for life. An accusation alone can damage a reputation before any charge is formally filed. The Law Office of Timothy Rose defends people accused of sex offenses in Conroe and across Montgomery County, including charges of sexual assault, indecent exposure, and online solicitation.
Act immediately:
If you have been accused of a sex offense — even if no formal charges have been filed yet — contact a criminal defense attorney before speaking with law enforcement. Statements made during an investigation are frequently used against defendants. You have the right to counsel before answering questions.
What to Do If You Are Accused of a Sex Offense in Montgomery County
Do not speak with law enforcement, investigators, or the accuser about the allegations without an attorney present.
Do not contact the alleged victim or anyone connected to them — even to explain your side of the story. Contact can be used against you and may violate bond conditions if charges are filed.
Preserve any evidence that may be relevant to your defense: messages, emails, social media records, location data.
Write down a detailed account of the relevant events while your memory is clear.
Contact a sex crime defense attorney as soon as possible — including before charges are formally filed if an investigation has begun.
Types of Sex Crime Charges We Handle
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault in Texas is defined as intentional or knowing sexual contact with another person without their consent, or contact with a person incapable of consent due to mental disease or defect, or physical incapacity. Sexual assault is generally a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in state prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault involves additional elements such as the use of a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or acts committed against a child, elderly person, or disabled individual. It is a first-degree felony, with potential sentences of 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure involves exposing one's genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire while reckless about whether someone is present who would be offended. It is typically a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, but a second conviction is a state jail felony.
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Texas law prohibits communicating with a minor in a sexual manner or soliciting a minor to meet for sexual purposes online. Online solicitation of a minor under 14 is a second-degree felony. Online solicitation of a minor 14 to 17 is a third-degree felony. These charges often arise from undercover law enforcement operations.
Possession or Promotion of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Possession or promotion of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in Texas is a serious felony. Federal charges are also common in these cases and carry mandatory minimum sentences. If you are under investigation for CSAM charges, contact an attorney immediately before speaking with anyone.
False or Wrongful Accusations
Not every allegation is accurate. False accusations of sexual offenses do occur, and the consequences of a conviction are severe enough that a vigorous defense is critical regardless of the circumstances. If you have been falsely accused, an attorney can help gather and preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and build a defense.
Types of Sex Crime Charges We Handle
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault in Texas is defined as intentional or knowing sexual contact with another person without their consent, or contact with a person incapable of consent due to mental disease or defect, or physical incapacity. Sexual assault is generally a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in state prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault involves additional elements such as the use of a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or acts committed against a child, elderly person, or disabled individual. It is a first-degree felony, with potential sentences of 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
Possession or Promotion of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Possession or promotion of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in Texas is a serious felony. Federal charges are also common in these cases and carry mandatory minimum sentences. If you are under investigation for CSAM charges, contact an attorney immediately before speaking with anyone.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure involves exposing one's genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire while reckless about whether someone is present who would be offended. It is typically a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, but a second conviction is a state jail felony.
False or Wrongful Accusations
Not every allegation is accurate. False accusations of sexual offenses do occur, and the consequences of a conviction are severe enough that a vigorous defense is critical regardless of the circumstances. If you have been falsely accused, an attorney can help gather and preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and build a defense.
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Texas law prohibits communicating with a minor in a sexual manner or soliciting a minor to meet for sexual purposes online. Online solicitation of a minor under 14 is a second-degree felony. Online solicitation of a minor 14 to 17 is a third-degree felony. These charges often arise from undercover law enforcement operations.
Sex Offender Registration in Texas: What It Means
A conviction for many sex offenses in Texas requires registration as a sex offender under the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program (SORN). The registration requirement can last for a set number of years or for life, depending on the offense. Registered sex offenders face significant restrictions on where they can live, work, and travel. The registry is publicly accessible.
In some cases, a person placed on deferred adjudication for a sex offense may still be required to register, even if the case is ultimately dismissed. Speak with an attorney about how registration requirements apply to your specific situation.
Penalties for Sex Crimes in Montgomery County
Second-Degree Felony (Sexual Assault)
- 2 to 20 years in state prison
- Fine up to $10,000
- Sex offender registration — typically 10 years or lifetime depending on circumstances
First-Degree Felony (Aggravated Sexual Assault)
- 5 to 99 years or life in state prison
- Fine up to $10,000
- Lifetime sex offender registration in most cases
Third-Degree Felony (e.g., Online Solicitation of Minor 14–17)
- 2 to 10 years in state prison
- Fine up to $10,000
- Sex offender registration requirements apply
Beyond the Criminal Sentence
- Loss of the right to vote and possess firearms (felony conviction)
- Restrictions on housing near schools, parks, or daycare facilities
- Employment consequences — many employers conduct background checks
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Civil commitment in some cases involving repeat or predatory offenders
How a Sex Crime Case Typically Moves Through Montgomery County Courts
Investigation
Many sex crime cases begin with an investigation before any arrest. Law enforcement may contact you for questioning. Do not agree to an interview without speaking to an attorney first.
Arrest and booking
If charges are filed, you will be arrested and processed at the Montgomery County Jail. Bond may be set at a high amount for serious offenses.
Grand jury (for felonies)
Felony charges in Texas typically go to a grand jury, which determines whether there is probable cause to proceed. Your attorney may have an opportunity to present information to the grand jury in some cases.
Arraignment
You are formally informed of the charges and enter a plea.
Discovery
Your attorney requests all evidence the prosecution intends to use, including forensic reports, communications records, medical evidence, and witness statements.
Pretrial motions
Your attorney may challenge the admissibility of evidence, the legality of the investigation, or other procedural issues.
Negotiation or trial
The case may be resolved through negotiation or, if necessary, proceed to trial. Your attorney will advise you on the strength of the evidence and your options at each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Crime Charges in Montgomery County
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Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. An investigation may already be underway. Law enforcement may contact you for questioning before making an arrest. Anything you say during that process can be used against you. An attorney can advise you on how to respond and begin building a defense before charges are filed.
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In some cases, yes. Under Texas law, a person placed on deferred adjudication for certain sex offenses may still be required to register as a sex offender, even if the case is ultimately dismissed. This is one of many reasons why the outcome of a sex offense case must be handled carefully. Speak with an attorney about how registration applies to your situation.
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Sexual assault is generally defined as sexual contact without consent. Aggravated sexual assault involves additional elements such as use of a weapon, serious bodily injury, or the victim being a child, elderly person, or disabled individual. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony with more severe penalties and more likely lifetime registration requirements.
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Yes. False accusations do occur. A defense attorney can investigate the circumstances of the allegation, gather evidence, identify inconsistencies in the accuser's account, and build a defense based on the facts. Acting quickly is important — evidence can be lost and witnesses' memories fade over time.
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Registration requirements vary by offense. Some offenses require registration for 10 years. Others require lifetime registration. The specific requirement depends on the statute of conviction and any prior history. An attorney can explain the registration consequences of the specific charge you are facing.
Contact a Sex Crime Defense Attorney in Montgomery County
Sex crime charges move quickly and the consequences of a conviction are severe and lasting. If you or someone you know has been accused of a sex offense in Conroe or Montgomery County, contact the Law Office of Timothy Rose. Consultations are confidential.
Request a consultation. If you are under investigation or have been charged, call as soon as possible.