Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. For Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse cases, our top-rated defense attorneys lead the firm in providing exemplary legal representation.

Being convicted of a sex offense like Continuous Sexual Abuse can change your life in many negative ways. Don’t talk with the police or sign a plea agreement without first consulting with the Rockwall sex offense attorneys at Saputo Toufeixs | Criminal Defense. The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense attorneys thrive on serving individuals who are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes. Our clients recognize the value of our legal expertise and want to hire the top attorneys in the field.

We’re not just Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. When you hire us as your Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse attorney, we fight to win. From the courtrooms of Rockwall to the battleground of social media, we fight to clear your name and your record.

Our experienced team works tirelessly to build a strong defense and protect our clients in the face of serious child abuse charges like Continuous Sexual Abuse. We can provide you with an effective defense strategy for your Rockwall Homosexual Conduct case. When you’re facing an Continuous Sexual Abuse case, both your freedom and your reputation are at risk. Accordingly, the lawyers at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense aim to not only win your case, but also keep your name out of the public eye.

---

Contact a Rockwall
Continuous Sexual Abuse Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.

---

Choosing The Right Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

How do I get a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge dropped in Rockwall, Texas?

In order to get a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge dropped in Rockwall, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §21.02.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Continuous Sexual Abuse, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Continuous Sexual Abuse statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Continuous Sexual Abuse statute in detail on the Continuous Sexual Abuse offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Continuous Sexual Abuse cases in Rockwall.

One such case is Muzolf v. State.

Muzolf v. State

In Muzolf v. State, rendered on May 10, 2016, by the Court of Appeals of Texas Fifth District Dallas, William Leigh Muzolf was convicted of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child in Rockwall County and sentenced to life imprisonment. The conviction stemmed from allegations of Muzolf’s ongoing sexual abuse of a child under the age of fourteen over a period of thirty days or more. His appeal contested the designation of a forensic interviewer as the proper outcry witness and the admission of evidence about his taking the victim to a nudist colony, which he argued was irrelevant and prejudicial.

The appellate court upheld the conviction, finding that the forensic interviewer was appropriately designated as the outcry witness under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 38.072. The court reasoned that the interviewer was the first adult to whom the child described the abuse in a discernable manner, beyond mere allusions. Additionally, the court ruled that evidence of Muzolf taking the victim to a nudist colony was admissible under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 38.37 and Texas Rule of Evidence 403, supporting its relevance to Muzolf’s state of mind and the relationship with the victim, showing a pattern of ‘grooming’ behavior not inherently inflammatory.

This case highlights the complexities of legal standards in sexual abuse prosecutions, particularly in regards to the admissibility of outcry and other crimes, wrongs, or acts evidence. By affirming the trial court’s decisions, the appellate court underscored the latitude provided to trial courts in determining the relevancy and admissibility of evidence in cases involving allegations of continuous sexual abuse of children.

What does a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(b) A person commits an offense if:

(1) during a period that is 30 or more days in duration, the person commits two or more acts of sexual abuse, regardless of whether the acts of sexual abuse are committed against one or more victims; and

(2) at the time of the commission of each of the acts of sexual abuse, the actor is 17 years of age or older and the victim is:

(A) a child younger than 14 years of age, regardless of whether the actor knows the age of the victim at the time of the offense; or

(B) a disabled individual.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Rockwall that Make Continuous Sexual Abuse Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Continuous Sexual Abuse in Rockwall. Law enforcement agencies in Rockwall that most typically make Continuous Sexual Abuse arrests include:

• Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office: This agency handles law enforcement duties related to Continuous Sexual Abuse cases in unincorporated areas of Rockwall County and provides support to municipal police departments.
• Rockwall Police Department: Responsible for Continuous Sexual Abuse cases within the city of Rockwall.
• Royse City Police Department: Responsible for Continuous Sexual Abuse cases in the city of Royse City.

How do I win a Continuous Sexual Abuse case in Rockwall?

To beat a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge in Rockwall, Texas, you must understand both traditional forensic science and digitial forensic. You must challenge and confront the witnesses on cross-examination. Remember, victory hinges on your determination to fight relentlessly.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse Attorney Case Defense Strategy

The best defense strategy in Continuous Sexual Abuse cases demands a mix of cutting-edge science, traditional investigative resources and the mastery of digital and forensic technology. Some cases come down to science, but often cases come down to key witness testimony. Sometimes that witness is a sympathetic (but lying) victim. In any case, digital forensic evidence, science and the complex nature of human relationships all play an important role in crafting your defense. In pushing the defense envelope through the years, we have developed specialized methods for investigating these accusations.

Several defense strategies are available for Continuous Sexual Abuse charges, with the primary approach being to challenge the credibility of the allegations. This includes scrutinizing the initial outcry statement and any statements gathered by CPS or police investigators. Our team, composed of attorneys with specialized knowledge in these cases, will explore potential biases and motivations for deceit, such as coaching, recent disciplinary actions, transference, and complications with the other parent, including ongoing divorce proceedings. Our attorneys have extensive experience managing these cases in both pre-trial and trial settings.

Getting the best result in a Continuous Sexual Abuse case also requires being prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. When you hire us as your Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the state knows that we are getting ready for trial and that we are going for an outright acquittal.

But the preparation often starts even before the case begins. From the moment that the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we have work to do. If you want to win your case, then we must do our own investigation. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. We can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted. As a client, you will benefit from the investigative resources of the entire law firm. We have a team of dedicated professionals, including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts. Our attorneys utilize our team’s extensive investigative experience to perform the ground work that makes our cases strong.

How much does a lawyer charge for a Continuous Sexual Abuse case in Rockwall, Texas?

Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $15,000 to $60,000 on average for Continuous Sexual Abuse cases in Rockwall. Some Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Rockwall case. But be wary of lawyers who charge surprisingly low fees.

When consulting with a lawyer, remember to ask whether any any hourly fees apply. Additionally, most lawyers charge extra fees for trial, travel and expenses.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Continuous Sexual Abuse in Rockwall

Even when falsely accused of Continuous Sexual Abuse, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

If the Rockwall District Attorney has charged you with Continuous Sexual Abuse, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse attorneys.

How can you modify your Rockwall bond conditions after a Continuous Sexual Abuse arrest?

Texas judges have broad power to set bail and bond conditions. However, sometimes judges impose overly harsh bond conditions and astronomically high bail. To modify the conditions of bond or lower bail, you will need to file a motion in court and schedule a hearing. The judge will ultimately make the final decision. To get the best result, you should hire an attorney to help.

Practically speaking, if the police in Rockwall have arrested you for Continuous Sexual Abuse, then the judge will typically impose a “no contact with the victim” bond condition. Frequently, judges will also impose a “no contact with minors” condition for these cases as well. Clients often hire us to try to get these conditions removed. If you want to remove a no contact condition, then please book a consultation with us, and we will discuss what we can do for you.

What happens at a Rockwall arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Rockwall judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Rockwall, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for Continuous Sexual Abuse, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Rockwall judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Rockwall Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for a Continuous Sexual Abuse charge in Rockwall, Texas?

The Texas Penal code classifies Continuous Sexual Abuse as a first degree felony for any Texas conviction. You can get 5-99 years in prison or a life sentence. However,Continuous Sexual Abuse carries a special minimum punishment of 25 years.

You would also have to decide if you want to have the judge or the jury assess punishment. Furthermore, all good Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Continuous Sexual Abuse conviction.

With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions and probation eligibility for Continuous Sexual Abuse here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Sex Offender Registration Requirements for Continuous Sexual Abuse Cases

Continuous Sexual Abuse convictions require sex offender registration unless special circumstances apply. Deferred adjudication plea deals (where a judge never finds you guilty and ultimately dismisses the case) have the same impact as convictions for the purposes of these registration requirements. If you have any questions about what a plea means for your permanent record, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your case.

Are you under investigation for Continuous Sexual Abuse? Should you cooperate with the police investigation?

We have assisted our clients through many difficult police interrogations. Although we do not typically recommend consenting to a police interrogation or interview, there are circumstances when we consider it. However, you should never do a police interview without your Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse lawyer present.

When police bring you in for an interview, they already believe that you committed the offense. Accordingly, this belief will inform their interpretation of your answers. Generally, when people believe something, they will only see things that confirm their belief. This is called confirmation bias, and this is what leads to police charging innocent people with crimes.

An arrest for Continuous Sexual Abuse can drastically change your life, even if a court dismisses your case. Do not hesitate to contact us immediately if you are under investigation.

In addition, remember that people do not usually communicate perfectly clearly under intense pressure. The extreme stress of a police interview can cause you to say something that police then misinterpret. And even the way you look during the interview significantly impacts the police decision to arrest you. For all of these reasons, we carefully consider the decision to interview because it will have a huge impact on the ultimate outcome your case.

In some cases, we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. As your Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.

Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…

Awards

Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:

• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.

Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

More Awards & Recognition…

Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.

• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.

Victories

The Rockwall Continuous Sexual Abuse attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.

For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.

Reviews

One example review from a real client:

Nick did a Great job! Was always available and very professional! I would recommend him and this law firm to any and everybody! If you find yourself in bad situation and don’t think you have a way out! Hit Saputo Toufexis Law Firm and they will go to war for you! Thanks Nick I truly appreciate you and my family thank you!

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

---

Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §21.02.