How Can a Texas Clergy Member Defend Against Child Sex Abuse Charges?

 Posted on July 19, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Many Texas churches have come under close scrutiny for their handling of cases involving child sexual abuse by clergy members. The clergy members were often powerful, well-protected men in their communities and even in the world at large, making successful prosecution difficult for many years. Now, however, victims of child sexual abuse are finally getting their day in court and thousands of esteemed clergy members from worldwide religions are being sent to prison for their crimes. 

In the midst of rightfully-placed compassion for bona fide victims of abuse, many clergy members who are innocent have also been caught up in accusations of child sexual abuse that they did not commit. And, whether an individual is guilty or not, he or she is always entitled to a vigorous defense against the charges they face. That is where a Texas child sex abuse defense attorney comes in. If you are a clergy member who has been accused of sexual abuse, get a criminal defense attorney right away. 

What is the Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Charges in Texas? 

In 2019, Texas changed its statute of limitations such that victims of sexual abuse had twice as much time to bring a civil lawsuit against their abuser. Now, someone can bring a case 30 years after their 18th birthday. This lengthening of the statute of limitations also applies to institutions, such as schools, nonprofit organizations, or religious institutions that protected or enabled an abuser to commit the sexual assault. 

For criminal charges against someone accused of sexually abusing a child, there is often no statute of limitations at all. For alleged perpetrators, this change in the law vastly broadens the time during which cases can be brought, making it virtually impossible to retire or continue serving religious duties without the fear that accusations may be forthcoming. 

While the statute of limitations is straightforward, the laws determining whether an institution or an individual in charge of an institution can be held liable for the actions of one of its members are less clear. If you or your religious group are being accused of child sexual abuse, get help from a criminal defense attorney now. 

Call a Dallas-Fort Worth Child Sexual Abuse Defense Attorney

In today’s day and age, accusations of child sexual abuse are widespread. Because these accusations are easy to make and difficult to defend against, get the strong, experienced defense you need from a Dallas County child sexual abuse attorney with The Crowder Law Firm, P.C.. We have built aggressive rebuttals on behalf of many people charged with sexual assault cases and we will do everything we can to get your charges reduced or dropped completely. Call us at 214-544-0061 to schedule a phone consultation and learn more. 

Source: 

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.21.htm