Steps to Take if Accused of a Sex Crime in Fort Worth, Texas
Protect Your Rights and Your Future
Facing an accusation of a sex crime is one of the most stressful and life-altering situations a person can experience. In Fort Worth—and throughout Texas—the legal, social, and professional consequences can be severe even before charges are filed. Whether the allegation is related to sexual assault, indecent exposure, online solicitation, child pornography, or any other sex-related offense, acting strategically in the earliest moments is critical.
This guide walks you through the essential steps to take immediately if you are accused of a sex crime in Fort Worth, Texas, helping you protect your rights and preserve your future.
1. Do Not Speak to Police Without an Attorney
When accusations surface, law enforcement may contact you casually or unexpectedly. They may “just want to get your side of the story,” but anything you say can and will be used against you.
What to do instead:
Politely decline to answer questions.
State clearly: “I want to speak with my attorney.”
Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.
Invoking your right to counsel is not an admission of guilt—it is one of your strongest legal protections.
2. Avoid Contact With the Accuser
Even if you believe the accusation is the result of a misunderstanding, do not reach out to the accuser, their friends, or their family. Any communication—including texts, calls, social media messages, or attempts to “explain your side”—can be misinterpreted and used against you.
Violating a protective order, even unintentionally, can lead to additional charges and weaken your defense.
3. Preserve All Evidence Immediately
Sex crime allegations often hinge on credibility, timelines, and digital communications. Evidence can make or break your case.
Preserve:
Text messages, emails, and social media conversations
Phone logs and call history
GPS or location tracking data
Photos, screenshots, or videos relevant to the relationship or event
Any witnesses who can speak to the nature of the interaction
Do not delete anything—deletion can be portrayed as destruction of evidence.
4. Do Not Discuss the Case With Anyone but Your Attorney
Friends and family may seem like safe people to confide in, but prosecutors can subpoena them. What you say in private can become evidence in court.
Do not:
Post online
Vent on social media
Try to explain yourself to coworkers
Make statements recorded in texts or messaging apps
Your attorney is the only person legally bound to protect your statements.
5. Understand the Severity of Sex Crime Penalties in Texas
Texas aggressively prosecutes sex offenses, and the consequences can be life-altering. Depending on the allegation, you could face:
Felony charges
Mandatory sex offender registration
Prison time
Loss of employment and professional licenses
Social and reputational damage
Even an unproven allegation can complicate your life. That’s why an immediate, strategic legal response is essential.
6. Hire a Fort Worth Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Immediately
Sex crime cases require rapid intervention from a lawyer with experience handling sensitive, high-stakes accusations. An experienced attorney can:
Intervene before charges are filed
Communicate with investigators on your behalf
Protect your constitutional rights
Build a proactive defense strategy
Challenge weak evidence or unreliable statements
Work to prevent your case from going public
Not all criminal defense attorneys have the knowledge or skill set required for sex crime cases. Choose one with proven experience in Tarrant County courts.
7. Follow All Legal Advice and Court Requirements
Once you have obtained counsel:
Attend all court dates
Avoid new legal trouble
Follow your attorney’s instructions precisely
Your behavior during the investigation and prosecution process can strongly influence the outcome.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
In sex crime cases, speed and strategy matter more than almost any other area of criminal defense. Early mistakes—like talking to police, deleting messages, or confronting the accuser—can severely harm your defense.
But with the right legal guidance, you can protect your rights, your reputation, and your future.
Protect Your Future With Routledge Law Firm
If you or someone you love has been accused of a sex crime in Fort Worth, time is critical. You need an attorney who understands the stakes and has the experience to stand between you and life-changing consequences.
Routledge Law Firm provides aggressive, knowledgeable, and strategic defense for individuals facing sex crime allegations across Tarrant County. Our team knows how to handle these cases discreetly and effectively—often intervening early to prevent charges from ever being filed.
Contact Routledge Law Firm today for a confidential consultation.
Your future deserves a powerful defense. Let us fight for you.
