If you found your way here, it likely means you or someone close to you is facing a frightening and confusing situation. Being under investigation for sexual assault in Texas can feel like your world is crashing down. You may be scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what steps to take. We understand that fear. We understand how heavy this moment feels. You’re not alone, and it’s important to know that there are things you can do right now to protect yourself and your future. This page will walk you through what is happening, what you can expect, and what you can do. Our team is here to listen without judgment and to help you fight for the best possible outcome.
Understanding What It Means to Be Under Investigation
When someone accuses you of sexual assault in Texas, the police may open an investigation to gather information. You do not have to be arrested or charged for this to happen. Sometimes, people learn they are being investigated because the police contact them, visit their home, or ask them to come in for questioning. Other times, they hear about the accusation from someone else. Even if it seems like nothing is happening yet, if you believe you are being investigated, you need to act carefully and wisely.
This early part of a case is very serious. What you do or say now can affect everything that happens later. Many people make the mistake of thinking they can explain their side and make the problem go away. But in many cases, speaking to the police without legal guidance can make things worse. Even one small detail taken the wrong way can hurt you later. That is why it is so important to understand your rights and protect them from the start.
What You Should and Should Not Do Right Away
The moment you think or know you are under investigation for sexual assault, you should not try to handle things alone. Do not talk to the police or the accuser without a lawyer. Do not try to explain yourself in hopes it will clear things up. The police are not there to help you avoid charges. Their job is to build a case, and anything you say can be used against you.
You should also avoid talking about the situation with friends, family, or online. Even private messages can come back to hurt your case. What may seem like a harmless comment or post could be taken out of context. The best thing you can do is stay quiet and calm until you have the right help.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS AND FUTURE
Criminal Defense Attorney
Douglas Wilder
Attorney Douglas Wilder has always stayed on the cutting edge of training and attending seminars to ensure he has the most knowledge he can to represent his clients. This has led him to be recognized as one of the Best Lawyers under 40 in Dallas by D magazine, and also recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023. .
At the same time, do not ignore the situation and hope it will go away. Investigations can take time, but that does not mean nothing is happening. There may be witnesses being interviewed, phone records being looked at, or surveillance being collected. You want to be prepared before anything becomes public or before any charges are filed.
What Happens During a Sexual Assault Investigation
When police investigate a sexual assault claim, they gather evidence to decide whether charges should be brought. They may speak to the person who made the complaint, talk to witnesses, collect physical evidence, look at digital records like texts or emails, and even try to get a statement from you.
In Texas, sexual assault is a serious crime. The law defines it as unwanted sexual contact or behavior, often involving force or threats. Depending on the facts, a charge could be a second-degree felony or higher. That means if convicted, you could face years in prison, registration as a sex offender, and a lasting criminal record.
The Wilder Law Firm helped me overcome my case with the most favorable outcome possible. My case was dismissed very quickly and they kept me updated throughout the process. They handled all of my court appearances which kept me from having to spend time away from work. I greatly appreciate their help and would highly recommend them.”
- Forrest Davis
I hired the Wilder Law Firm to help with my Family Violence Citations due to it’s remarkable reviews, experience in the field and high approval rating! The firm successfully resolved my cases and got both of them dismissed. This has not only given me a greater relief, but I’m happy and excited that I have no record to worry about. Thank you everyone at the Wilder Law Firm for the support and patience with me. I’m very excited."
- Steve Ak
My advice– call Wilder Law Firm– they will help you! I had two cases in two different courts and they were able to get both dismissed! Facing these two charges put me in a really hard time for a few months but with the Wilder Law Firm’s help, I was able to put all this past me and move on with a clean record. This was a hard life lesson but I am thankful for the results."
- Rudy Castanon
But remember, being investigated is not the same as being guilty. People can be accused of things they did not do. Sometimes there are misunderstandings, false memories, or even false accusations. The law says you are innocent until proven guilty, and you have the right to defend yourself. That defense starts with how you handle the investigation.
How a Defense Attorney Can Help You Right Now
You might feel like everything is out of your hands, but that is not true. Getting the right legal help early can make a huge difference in your case. A defense lawyer can talk to the police on your behalf, help you understand the investigation, and keep you from saying or doing things that might hurt you.
In some cases, your lawyer may be able to speak with the district attorney before charges are filed. If there is weak evidence or problems with the case, your lawyer might be able to stop the charges from being filed at all. That kind of early action can save you from the stress, cost, and damage of going to trial.
A good lawyer will also start looking at the facts right away. They will find out what evidence there is, gather information that helps your side, and prepare for anything that might come next. If charges do get filed, they will be ready to fight for you in court. But even before that, they can give you peace of mind, answer your questions, and make sure you are not alone in this.
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The Possible Outcomes of a Sexual Assault Investigation
Not every investigation leads to criminal charges. In some cases, after looking at the facts, the police or prosecutor may decide not to go forward. That is more likely to happen if there are problems with the evidence or if your lawyer is able to show a different side of the story early on.
If charges are filed, your case will move into the court system. You will have a chance to defend yourself, and your lawyer will fight to get the charges dropped or reduced. In some cases, it may be possible to reach a resolution that avoids jail or a conviction. In other cases, the goal will be to win at trial.
Every case is different. But no matter what the facts are, the sooner you have a strong defense team working for you, the better your chances are.
What You Can Do to Help Your Case
While your lawyer handles the legal side, there are things you can do to help yourself. Stay away from the accuser. Do not contact them in any way. Do not delete texts, emails, or posts, even if they seem bad. Deleting things can look like you are trying to hide something. Save everything and show it to your lawyer. The same goes for any messages or facts that support your side. Make a list of people who may have seen or heard anything important. Write down what you remember while it is still fresh.
Take care of yourself, too. These cases can be stressful and hard on your mental health. Try to eat, sleep, and stay connected to safe, supportive people. But remember to be careful about what you share and who you trust during this time.
The Long-Term Impact of a Sexual Assault Case
Even before a case goes to court, just being accused can hurt your life. You might lose your job, damage relationships, or face judgment from people who do not know the full story. That is why it is so important to act quickly and carefully. A smart legal plan can help protect your future, your name, and your freedom.
If convicted of sexual assault in Texas, the punishment is serious. Prison time, sex offender registration, and the loss of rights and opportunities can follow you for life. But a strong defense can make a difference. Some people are able to avoid charges, get their case dismissed, or prove their innocence in court. Others may be able to work out agreements that protect their record and let them move forward. The key is getting the right help at the right time.
Your First Step Toward Protecting Yourself Starts Now
You do not have to go through this alone. You do not have to guess what to do next. You have the right to legal help, and the right to defend yourself. The team at Wilder Law Firm has helped many people in your shoes, and we know how to build strong cases in difficult times.
If you or someone you care about is under investigation for sexual assault in Texas, now is the time to act. Call our office today. Let us listen to your story and start building a plan to protect your future. Every case is different, and every person deserves a chance to be heard. We are ready to fight for you.