Austin Child Sexual Abuse Attorney

At CMK Defense, PLLC, our Austin child sexual abuse attorneys approach these cases with care, clarity, and a commitment to protecting both your rights and your family. We focus on careful investigation, understanding the full context of the allegations, and responding strategically at every stage of the case. Call (512) 375-3303 or contact us online to speak with an attorney today.

Facing child sexual abuse allegations in Texas can bring fear, disbelief, and deep uncertainty. Suddenly, your family life, parental rights, and future may feel at risk as investigations begin and authorities step in, sometimes with little explanation or warning. The process can feel invasive and fast-moving, with lasting consequences tied to every decision made along the way. An accusation alone does not define the truth, and everyone deserves a careful, balanced evaluation before judgment is passed.

Understanding Texas Child Sexual Abuse Laws

Texas law addresses child sexual abuse through several statutes, each carrying severe penalties:

• Sexual Assault of a Child (Texas Penal Code §22.011): Involves sexual contact with a child younger than 17 who is not the defendant’s spouse. When the victim is under 14, this becomes an aggravated offense with enhanced penalties.
• Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (Texas Penal Code §22.021): Charged when the victim is under 14 or when certain aggravating factors are present, such as causing serious bodily injury, threatening deadly force, or administering drugs.
• Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (Texas Penal Code §21.02): Involves committing two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child younger than 14 during a period of 30 or more days. This charge carries some of the harshest penalties in Texas law.
• Indecency with a Child (Texas Penal Code §21.11): Covers sexual contact or exposure to a child younger than 17 with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.

What Prosecutors Must Prove

The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• The alleged conduct occurred
• The victim was under the applicable age threshold
• You engaged in the prohibited sexual conduct
• The required mental state existed (which varies by charge)

These cases often rely heavily on the child’s testimony, forensic interview recordings, medical evidence, and witness statements. The lack of physical evidence does not prevent prosecution, making these allegations particularly challenging to defend against.

Types of Child Sexual Abuse Cases We Defend

Here is additional information about the above charges that our firm can address.

Sexual Assault of a Child

These cases involve allegations of sexual contact with a minor. Many arise from misunderstandings, false accusations motivated by custody disputes, or claims that lack corroborating evidence. We have successfully defended clients facing these charges, including obtaining not guilty verdicts in Travis County.

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child

This charge alleges a pattern of abuse over time and carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years upon conviction. These cases require particularly thorough investigation and aggressive defense strategies. Our firm has achieved not guilty verdicts in continuous sexual abuse cases in Travis County.

Aggravated Sexual Assault

When prosecutors allege aggravating factors such as the victim’s young age or the use of force, charges escalate to aggravated sexual assault. These cases demand immediate attention and comprehensive defense preparation.

Indecency with a Child

Allegations may involve inappropriate touching or exposure. These charges often stem from misinterpreted innocent conduct, malicious accusations, or situations lacking proper context.

Penalties and Life-Changing Consequences

All child sexual abuse charges are felonies carrying severe prison sentences:

• Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child: First-degree felony with a mandatory minimum of 25 years, up to life in prison. No probation is available.
• Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child: First-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life). When statutory minimum provisions apply, the minimum sentence may increase to 25 years with no probation available.
• Sexual Assault of a Child: Second-degree felony (2 to 20 years) when the victim is 14-16 years old.
• Indecency with a Child: Second-degree felony if by contact (2 to 20 years); third-degree felony if by exposure (2 to 10 years).

Sex Offender Registration

Conviction generally requires lifetime registration as a sex offender under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62. This means:

• Quarterly registration with local law enforcement
• Public disclosure of your address, employer, and vehicle information
• Restrictions on where you can live and work
• Community notification in many cases
• Severe restrictions on contact with minors

Collateral Consequences

Beyond prison time and registration, convictions create lasting impacts:

• Inclusion in the DFPS child abuse registry
• Permanent separation from your children
• Complete loss of custody and parental rights
• Inability to work in most professional fields
• Housing restrictions and landlord denials
• Loss of firearm rights
• Barriers to education and professional licensing
• Social stigma and community ostracism

Understanding Grand Juries in Child Sexual Abuse Cases

Felony child sexual abuse cases typically go before a grand jury before formal charges proceed. A “true bill” results in indictment, while a “no bill” means dismissal.

We prepare thoroughly by gathering exculpatory evidence and consulting with forensic interview experts, child psychologists, and medical professionals. We craft detailed presentations showing inconsistencies in allegations, interviewing problems, or alternative explanations, giving you the strongest chance of a “no bill” before indictment.

Building Your Child Sexual Abuse Defense Strategy

Our Austin child sexual abuse defense attorneys challenge allegations through demonstrating any of the following that apply to your case:

• False allegations
• Unreliable forensic interviews
• Lack of physical evidence
• Inconsistent statements
• Witness credibility issues
• Improper conduct by investigators
• Innocent explanations
• Alibi and timeline challenges

Every defense strategy is tailored to your specific situation and the unique facts of your case.

Our Investigation Process

We obtain all discovery materials, including police reports, forensic interview recordings, medical records, and witness statements. Our attorneys consult with forensic interview experts to identify improper techniques, child psychologists to assess suggestibility and reliability, and medical experts to challenge injury interpretations.

We gather alibi evidence, phone records, electronic communications, and witness statements that provide context often missing from the prosecution’s narrative. We also investigate the background and motivations of accusers to identify reasons for false allegations.

Why Choose CMK Defense?

Proven Results in Child Sexual Abuse Cases

Our attorneys have obtained not guilty verdicts in some of the most serious child sexual abuse cases prosecuted in Travis County, including:

• Sexual Assault of a Child in Travis County: Not Guilty
• Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child in Travis County: Not Guilty

These results demonstrate our ability to defend the most challenging cases and achieve successful outcomes even when the stakes are highest.

More Than 30 Years of Combined Experience

Our attorneys bring decades of courtroom experience defending challenging felony cases across Texas. We leverage trial-tested strategies specifically designed for child sexual abuse allegations, where the evidence often relies heavily on testimony and forensic interviews rather than physical proof.

We Challenge the System

We don’t rely on automatic pleas. Our attorneys push back, question evidence, challenge forensic interviewing methods, cross-examine alleged victims and expert witnesses, and demand accountability from prosecutors with creativity and strategy. We understand how these cases are built and where they fall apart.

We Understand the Real Story

Child sexual abuse allegations often involve false claims motivated by custody disputes, coaching by adults, suggestive questioning during forensic interviews, or innocent conduct misinterpreted through an investigative lens. Our team investigates every detail, consults with child psychology experts, and challenges the reliability of evidence that prosecutors take at face value.

Contact Our Austin Child Sexual Abuse Defense Attorneys

If you are facing child sexual abuse charges, taking swift action can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. Our Austin child sexual abuse attorneys provide strategic guidance, protect your rights, and help preserve your family relationships throughout the process.

Call CMK Defense, PLLC at (512) 375-3303 or contact us online today for a confidential consultation. We are here to provide clarity, strategy, and support when you need it most.