Criminal Defense Sex Offenses
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Continuous sexual abuse of a child is among the most serious criminal charges in Texas. Under Texas Penal Code § 21.02, a person commits this offense by engaging in two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child under 14 over a period of 30 or more days. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison with no possibility of parole, and lifetime sex offender registration. If you or someone you know has been charged, retaining experienced legal counsel immediately is critical.
Texas Law Penal Code § 21.02
Continuous sexual abuse of a child is a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum of 99 years or life. There is no parole eligibility for this offense. The jury is not required to agree unanimously on which specific acts of abuse occurred, only that at least two acts occurred over the required time period. This makes the charge exceptionally difficult to defend without experienced counsel.
The Weight of the Accusation
These charges are often based solely on the testimony of the alleged victim, with little or no physical evidence. Memory is fallible, children can be influenced by adults, and allegations sometimes arise from family conflict or custody disputes. Todd Rash conducts a thorough independent investigation and works with psychosexual evaluators and other experts to examine the credibility and reliability of the evidence against his clients.
Why Immediate Action Is Essential
Given the mandatory 25-year minimum sentence, there is no room for delay. Evidence must be preserved, witnesses must be interviewed, and the prosecution's case must be challenged from the earliest possible stage. In some cases, early intervention can prevent charges from being filed at all. Contact Todd Rash immediately if you are under investigation or have been charged.
Potential Penalties
- › 1st-degree felony mandatory minimum 25 years in prison
- › Maximum sentence of 99 years or life
- › No parole eligibility
- › Lifetime sex offender registration
- › Substantial fines
- › Permanent loss of civil rights
Possible Defenses
- › False or influenced accusation
- › Insufficient evidence of two or more qualifying acts
- › Timeline does not satisfy the 30-day requirement
- › Unreliable or coached child testimony
- › Psychosexual evaluation establishing client does not fit offender profile
- › Unconstitutional search or seizure
Frequently Asked Questions
Facing Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child charges?
Todd Rash has a proven record defending clients throughout Texas. Call now for a free consultation.
Free Consultation(817) 808-2247Understanding the Cost of a Sex Offense Defense
Sex offense cases are among the most complex and resource-intensive in criminal law. Attorney fees are typically on par with murder and other serious felony charges a reflection of the time, preparation, and expertise required.
An effective defense often requires retaining outside experts: polygraph examiners, licensed psychologists for psychosexual evaluation, private investigators, and information technology professionals. These expert fees are separate from attorney fees and are the responsibility of the client.
Todd Rash will be straightforward with you about anticipated costs from your very first consultation.