Dallas Sexual Exploitation Defense Lawyer
Police and prosecutors consider sexual exploitation one of the most serious criminal offenses and aggressively pursue investigations into individuals they suspect of exploiting minors.
If you’re facing sexual exploitation charges, you need our Dallas sexual exploitation defense lawyers as soon as possible to help you protect your interests, reputation, and future. A criminal defense attorney from our law firm can investigate the allegations, prepare a defense strategy that’s tailored to the circumstances, and advise you to help you make informed choices about how to handle your charges.
Contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, to discuss your case with a Dallas sex crimes defense attorney at no cost or obligation.
Why Choose Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, for a Dallas Sexual Exploitation Defense?
The seriousness of the consequences from a conviction for a sexual exploitation offense makes it essential to have experienced legal representation on your side. Turn to an online exploitation defense lawyer from Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, for knowledgeable counsel when facing charges in Dallas because:
- Our team has over 60 years of combined experience representing clients facing serious criminal charges.
- Our firm includes specialists in criminal law and criminal appellate law certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
- We offer comprehensive legal representation at the trial and appellate levels in state and federal criminal courts, as well as in post-conviction proceedings.
Our firm has an extensive record of vigorously defending individuals charged with sexual exploitation offenses. In one case in Navarro County, our firm secured a mistrial and ultimate dismissal of charges for our client after cross-examining the investigating detective, who was later convicted of perjury. Although our past successes do not guarantee specific results in future cases, our record reflects our aggressive legal advocacy for clients facing charges.
As a past client wrote of their experience with our firm:
“My family were referred to Mick Mickelsen by another attorney. From day one we met Mick, we felt he knew what he is doing!! Most of all I appreciate his honesty, diligence, professionalism and his extent [sic] knowledge of the law! He is a great attorney with great tactics. What I also appreciated was that he always responded with timely manner, even when I texted him after hours! We won the case and we are grateful to him. Every penny spent on Mick was worth it! Highly recommend Mr. Mickelsen!!!!”
What Charges Can Be Related to Sexual Exploitation?
Sexual exploitation typically refers to conduct intended to induce a minor to engage in sexual conduct, including engaging in sexual behavior with others or participating in the creation of child pornography. As a result, a Texas sexual exploitation charge may involve offenses such as:
- Sexual performance by a child – Texas law makes it a crime to induce a minor to engage in sexual conduct or a sexual performance or for a parent or guardian to consent to their child’s participation in a sexual performance.
- Possession of child pornography – Criminal law prohibits the possession or accessing of visual media, including computer-generated depictions, of minors engaged in sexual conduct or that depict the lewd exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of a minor.
- Indecency with a child – A person may also face charges related to sexual exploitation if they commit indecency with a child by engaging in sexual contact.
What Evidence Do Prosecutors Use in Sexual Exploitation Cases?
State and federal prosecutors may use various kinds of evidence to prove a sexual exploitation case against a defendant, such as:
- Copies of text messages, online communications, or social media posts
- Digital evidence, such as recovered data and files from hard drives
- Testimony from undercover officers
- Copies of sexually explicit materials recovered from a defendant
Victim or eyewitness testimony
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction?
A conviction for an offense related to sexual exploitation can have significant, life-altering consequences in addition to potential penalties. State and federal criminal laws impose harsh penalties for convictions related to sexual exploitation and other such charges.
A conviction can lead to years-long prison sentences. After release, a person convicted of sexual exploitation may also have to register as a sex offender. Sex offender registration and a criminal record can have a stigma that makes it challenging for an individual convicted of an offense to pursue licensing, employment, or housing opportunities.
Contact a Dallas Sexual Exploitation Defense Lawyer Today
If the police have arrested you and charged you with a sexual exploitation offense in Dallas, get the experienced legal counsel you need to guide you through the criminal justice process.
Contact the law office of Broden & Mickelsen, LLP today for a free, confidential case evaluation with a Dallas child sex crime defense lawyer to discuss your legal options and to learn how our firm can protect your rights and reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sexual exploitation charges be filed in both Texas state court and federal court?
In certain circumstances, both state and federal prosecutors can pursue sexual exploitation criminal charges against the same defendant. When a criminal offense violates both Texas and federal law, both the state and federal governments may prosecute the individual in their respective legal systems. However, state prosecutors may defer to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for sex crime allegations that cross state lines or national borders, or involve the internet. The U.S. Department of Justice may also decline to prosecute a defendant already convicted in state court under Texas law for the same offense.
What should I do if police want to search my phone or computer?
When investigators ask to search your electronic devices, you should always decline to consent to a search. Investigators can use evidence they find in a consensual search to help their investigation of an alleged offense and find other evidence that incriminates a defendant. However, if police have a search warrant for your device, you should not attempt to interfere with the search.
Can online messages or social media be used as evidence?
Prosecutors frequently use direct messages and social media posts as evidence of a defendant’s efforts to solicit and exploit a victim in a sexual offense. Messages and posts to alleged victims or undercover officers can prove the defendant’s intent to commit an offense. However, online messages or social media evidence must meet authenticity and reliability requirements.
Can a sexual exploitation case be challenged before trial?
Defendants may seek to get sex crime charges dismissed before trial by filing motions to exclude critical evidence from the prosecution’s case and to reduce or dismiss charges. A motion to dismiss can challenge whether the prosecution has enough evidence to bring a defendant to trial