Defending Against a Child Sex Abuse Allegation in Dallas, TX

child sex abuse allegation

Are you facing a child sex abuse allegation in Dallas, Texas? Few experiences in life carry the weight of a criminal charge like this. The stigma alone can destroy careers and families before a single day of trial, and state prosecutors pursue these cases with relentless determination. Alleged abuse, whether ultimately proven or not, is treated with utmost seriousness by the criminal justice system, and understanding the nature of these allegations is critical for anyone accused.

At Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, we understand what you’re up against, and we’re ready to fight for you. Our highly respected criminal defense firm has successfully defended clients against the most serious felony charges Texas courts handle, including charges of child sex abuse and sexual assault. If you’re searching for a Dallas child sexual assault defense attorney with a genuine track record of results, look no further. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation, and let us give you an honest assessment of your case.

How Broden & Mickelsen, LLP Defends Clients Accused of Child Sex Abuse in Texas

The legal team at Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, has achieved acquittals, case dismissals, and even reversals of prior convictions in numerous high-stakes criminal cases, including several involving child sexual abuse charges. Those kinds of outcomes don’t happen by accident. They require deep legal knowledge, a willingness to take difficult cases to trial, and the kind of relentless preparation that separates trial lawyers from plea lawyers. Here’s what one family had to say after putting their trust in our firm:

“My family was referred to Mick Mickelsen by another attorney. From day one when we met Mick, we felt he knew what he was doing!! Most of all, I appreciate his honesty, diligence, professionalism, and his extent knowledge of the law! He is a great attorney with great tactics. What I also appreciated was that he always responded in a 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!!!!”
– Former Client

If you’re facing an accusation this serious, the actions you take in the hours, days, and weeks after charges are filed can shape the outcome of your entire case. The most important thing you can do in this context is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you by:

  • Conducting an independent investigation before the prosecution builds its narrative
  • Scrutinizing the methods investigators used to interview the alleged victim
  • Retaining qualified experts to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and testimony
  • Filing motions to suppress any evidence obtained through unlawful means
  • Analyzing the credibility, consistency, and possible motives of the accuser’s statements
  • Challenging the chain of custody and integrity of any physical or digital evidence
  • Negotiating with prosecutors from a position of strength, armed with a clear defense strategy
  • Protecting you from making statements to authorities that could be used against you
  • Preparing you and your witnesses for trial so all testimony is clear, credible, and consistent

Building a strong defense case involves multiple strategies, including expert witness testimony, cross-examination tactics, and carefully rebutting prosecution evidence, all tailored to the specifics of each child abuse allegation.

If you’re facing an accusation this serious, the actions you take in the hours, days, and weeks after charges are filed can shape the outcome of your entire case. The most important thing you can do in this context is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP to learn more.

Understanding Child Sex Abuse and Indecency with a Child Charges Under Texas Law

The Texas Penal Code defines the offense of indecency with a child as engaging in sexual contact with anyone under 17 or indecent exposure in a child’s presence. This offense can be a second or third-degree felony, depending on the specific conduct involved.

Continuous sexual abuse of a young child is a more severe offense, which involves two or more acts of sexual abuse occurring over a period of 30 days or longer against a victim under 14. Texas classifies this as a first-degree felony punishable by 25 to 99 years or life in prison. Notably, a jury does not have to agree on which specific acts occurred, only that at least two acts happened within the given timeframe.

These are among the most aggressively prosecuted charges in the Texas criminal justice system. If you are facing child sexual abuse charges or have been falsely accused of indecency with a child in Dallas, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This underscores the importance of having a trusted criminal defense attorney by your side from the very beginning.

At Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, our team knows how prosecutors build these cases, and we know how to take them apart. When you come to us for help, we’ll fight for your rights from the moment charges are filed through trial and, if necessary, through the appellate courts.

Common Situations That Lead to False or Unfounded Child Sex Abuse Allegations

The circumstances that can give rise to false accusations of child sexual abuse vary widely, but certain patterns come up again and again in these cases. Common situations that can lead to unfounded allegations include:

  • Bitter custody disputes. False allegations often arise during contentious custody battles or relationship conflicts, where a parent or family member may fabricate claims to gain an advantage in family court. A parent who feels they’re losing ground in a custody fight may encourage a child to make an allegation or genuinely misinterpret normal behavior as sinister. Allegations frequently involve someone the child knows, such as a family member or close friend.
  • A child’s misunderstanding of innocent contact. A bath, a diaper change, or an innocent moment of affection can get reframed in a child’s mind, especially if adults ask leading questions.
  • Teenage anger or retaliation. Older children and teenagers sometimes make accusations out of anger following discipline, a perceived injustice, or a breakdown in a relationship with an adult.
  • Mistaken identity. A child who has genuinely experienced abuse sometimes identifies the wrong perpetrator, particularly if adults around them have directed suspicion toward a specific person.

Investigating the motivations behind false allegations is crucial, as it can reveal inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements and provide important context for why the accusation may have been made.

Key Defense Strategies in Sexual Abuse of a Child Cases in Dallas

Every child sexual assault case is different, and a strong defense rarely relies on a single argument. A knowledgeable Dallas sexual abuse of a child lawyer will draw from a range of strategies depending on the specific facts, the evidence, and the people involved. These strategies could involve:

  • Challenging the forensic interview process, including scrutinizing recorded interviews to challenge the reliability of the child’s statement if leading questions were used
  • Pushing back against the credibility of the accusations, including investigating the credibility of the accuser, analyzing forensic evidence, reviewing medical records, and scrutinizing digital evidence or social media messages
  • Presenting expert testimony in your defense
  • Establishing possible motives for a false allegation
  • Moving to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
  • Documenting your whereabouts during the timeframe in question to establish an alibi and providing records such as phone location data, timecards, travel records, or witness statements to support your timeline
  • Disproving or contextualizing seemingly incriminating evidence
  • Introducing reasonable doubt by highlighting inconsistencies
  • Challenging the scientific integrity of DNA and forensic evidence
  • Emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, which must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, often relying solely on uncorroborated allegations of a child

Contact a Dallas Child Sexual Assault Defense Attorney for Immediate Legal Help

If you or someone you love is facing child sexual abuse allegations in Dallas, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you retain a seasoned defense attorney, the more options you’ll have.

At Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, we offer free consultations because we believe you deserve honest answers before you make any decisions. Contact us now to discuss your case with our knowledgeable team.