Few things can be worse than being charged with child sex abuse. If convicted, you could face a wide range of extremely serious consequences. They range from prison term to loss of employment, loss of reputation, loss of social status, and many more.
So, this is why it is crucial for you to be represented by a capable Austin criminal defense attorney. Certainly, he can fight hard to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. How exactly does a child sex abuse conviction affect your life? Let us take a look.
Prison Term and Fines
Depending on what you are charged with (child molestation, child pornography, or continuous sexual abuse), you could face anywhere from 20 to 99 years in prison. You might also have to pay up to $10,000 in fine. In order to protect your rights in the face of these serious potential consequences, you need to have a competent criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Loss of Reputation
As any experienced criminal defense attorney can tell you, a conviction in a child sex abuse case can irreparably ruin your reputation. Also, you will have to register yourself as a sex offender; a tag which will probably haunt you for the rest of your life.
Loss of Employment
As a registered sex offender, you cannot get any job which requires you to work with or around children. For instance, it means you cannot work in a school, daycare center, hospital, theme park, mall; or any other place which is frequented by children. It can limit your employment opportunities severely.
Also, most employers these days run a background check on applicants. The fact that you are a convicted felon and a registered sex offender can make any employer think twice about hiring you. That is the case even if you are qualified for the job. This is one of the main reasons why you should hire an experienced criminal defense attorney and fight as hard as you can to safeguard your freedom and reputation.
Loss of Parental Rights
If you are married, your spouse can file for fault-based divorce; since felony conviction is one of the seven grounds for divorce under Texas law. They might also try to deny you custody or even visitation rights – by making the argument that you are a danger to your own children.
Loss of Right to Own Firearms
As a convicted felon, you are allowed to get a firearm only after five years – from the date on which you were granted parole or released from prison. Also, you are allowed to possess a firearm only while you are in your home. If you are found with a firearm at any other place, you can be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, which is a third-degree felony.
Facing Child Sex Abuse Charges? Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney who will Fight for You!
If you are facing child sex abuse charges, the board-certified criminal defense attorneys at Hines & Holub can help you. We have over 85 years of combined experience in handling cases ranging from DWI to sexual assault of a child. We have a reputation for defending our clients fiercely and getting results that many of our peers cannot. To discuss your case with a dependable Austin criminal defense attorney, call us today at 512-883-5386 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.
