Sexual Assault Attorney In McAllen

Accused Of Sexual Assault In McAllen?

If you have been accused, arrested, or contacted by police about sexual assault in McAllen, you are facing one of the most frightening moments of your life. A sexual assault charge in Texas can threaten your freedom, your reputation, and your future opportunities.

At The Christopher P. Cavazos Law Firm, PLLC, we defend people who are under investigation or charged with sexual assault. Our attorneys understand how quickly an allegation can turn into a formal case and how isolating these accusations feel. We provide confidential, nonjudgmental legal guidance from the first call. Our firm is led by a former prosecutor with a deep understanding of how the State builds and pursues sexual assault cases. We use that insight, along with our experience in the Rio Grande Valley courts, to work to protect your rights at every stage.

Call (956) 290-8911 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why Choose Our Defense Team

When you look for a sexual assault attorney McAllen residents can turn to, you need more than a name on a website. You need a team that understands Texas criminal law, knows the local courts, and is prepared to take on the State in serious felony cases. That is the work we do every day. Our firm is led by a former prosecutor who has seen how sexual assault cases are investigated and tried from the other side. We draw on that experience when we review police reports, evaluate charging decisions, and anticipate how prosecutors may present their case. This perspective helps us identify weaknesses and opportunities that may not be obvious on the surface.

At The Christopher P. Cavazos Law Firm, PLLC, we focus our criminal defense practice on protecting the rights of people accused of serious offenses, including sexual assault. We do not treat cases as files on a shelf. We take time to understand your background, your relationships, and the specific events that led to the accusation against you.

We are rooted in the Rio Grande Valley and regularly appear in courts that handle cases for residents of McAllen and nearby communities. This local presence means we are familiar with common procedures, expectations in different courtrooms, and how cases often move through Hidalgo County. It also means we understand how quickly an accusation can affect families and careers here. Confidentiality is central to everything we do in sexual assault cases. We know many clients worry about who will find out and how their lives may change overnight. Our goal is to create a space where you can speak openly with our attorneys, receive clear advice, and know that your conversations with us stay between us.

What To Do After An Accusation

If you have just been accused of sexual assault, it can be tempting to defend yourself to anyone who will listen. That reaction is understandable, but it can also create serious legal problems. Statements you make to police, the accuser, friends, or online can be misunderstood or used against you later.

Before you say anything about the situation, you should talk with a sexual assault defense lawyer McAllen clients can rely on for clear guidance. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for an attorney during any questioning. Using those rights does not make you look guilty; it protects you from making statements under pressure that may not reflect the full picture. If you are released on bond or given conditions such as a protective order, you need to follow those rules carefully. Violations can lead to additional charges or bond revocation. Our team can review your bond conditions with you and help you understand what is and is not allowed.

Many people have text messages, social media messages, photos, or other information that may relate to the accusation. Do not delete anything, and do not try to edit conversations. Preserving information can be important in building your defense. We can talk with you about what may matter and how to handle digital information safely. The most important step is to contact an attorney as early as possible. When we get involved quickly, we can guide you in dealing with law enforcement, help you prepare for initial hearings, and start evaluating the State’s version of events. Reaching out soon gives us more time to understand your situation and begin working to protect you.

Understanding Sexual Assault Charges

Sexual assault charges in Texas are usually filed as felonies and are treated very seriously by prosecutors and judges. In many cases, the key issues involve consent, age, or whether a person was able to consent at all. The law is complex, and each case turns on its specific facts. Potential consequences can include years in prison, lengthy probation, fines, and strict supervision. Many people also face the possibility of sex offender registration. Registration can affect where you live, where you work, and how you move through everyday life. While not every case ends in the same type of outcome, the stakes are high in nearly all of them.

Sexual assault cases that arise in this area may move through Hidalgo County criminal courts, depending on the specific charge and location. A case might begin with an investigation, followed by an arrest and a setting in a county court at law or a district court. If prosecutors decide to move forward, felony allegations are generally presented to a grand jury for possible indictment in a district court. After charges are formally filed, courts usually schedule a series of pretrial settings. During these settings, the court addresses issues such as evidence, motions, and potential plea negotiations. Some cases resolve before trial, and others proceed to a jury. The path in your case depends on the facts, the available evidence, and decisions made by both sides.

Prosecutors often invest significant resources in sexual assault allegations. They may work closely with law enforcement investigators, forensic nurses, and other witnesses. Because our firm is led by a former prosecutor, we understand the approach the State may take in charging decisions, plea policies, and trial strategy. We use that understanding when we review discovery and advise you about your options.

How We Build Your Defense

Building a defense in a sexual assault case starts with listening. We begin by meeting with you in a confidential setting, reviewing charging documents, and learning about your relationship with the accuser. We want to understand what happened from your perspective before we look at anything else. Our attorneys then review the information the State provides, which can include police reports, recorded interviews, and digital or physical evidence. We look for inconsistencies, gaps, and assumptions in the way the case is presented. We pay attention to details such as timelines, communications between the people involved, and how statements may have changed over time.

Because we have prior prosecution experience, we pay careful attention to how a prosecutor might frame the case for a judge or jury. That insight helps us evaluate which issues may become central at trial and which witnesses or pieces of evidence may be most important. It also guides us in discussing potential outcomes and strategies with you. Every sexual assault accusation is different. Some cases center on disputed consent between adults. Others involve questions about age, intoxication, or mistaken identity. Our attorneys shape defense strategies around the facts of your situation, the available evidence, and the legal standards that apply, rather than using the same approach in every case.

Throughout the process, we work to keep you informed and prepared. We explain what each court date is for, what choices may be in front of you, and what the possible consequences of those choices might be. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and to stand beside you in court, advocating for your rights and future.

Local Insight In McAllen Cases

When you are facing a sexual assault allegation in McAllen, it helps to work with a firm that understands how local courts handle these cases. Our attorneys represent clients in criminal courts that serve the city, including Hidalgo County district courts and county courts at law that hear related matters.

Different courts may have different approaches to scheduling hearings, addressing bond issues, and handling pretrial motions. Because we regularly appear in these courtrooms, we are familiar with common practices and can help you know what to expect. This familiarity can make the process feel less confusing and allow us to respond quickly when the court takes action in your case. Being based in the Rio Grande Valley also means we are close enough to meet with you in person, attend hearings by your side, and stay engaged with developments in your case. We know how a public accusation can affect families, employment, and community relationships here. That local understanding informs the way we approach both legal strategy and client support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to the police without a lawyer?

You should not talk to the police about a sexual assault allegation without speaking with a lawyer first. Anything you say can be used in the case, even if you are trying to clear things up. We can advise you about whether to give a statement and how to protect your rights.

Will my sexual assault case be public?

Criminal cases are generally part of the public record, although specific details may not be widely shared unless someone looks for them. What others learn often depends on how closely they follow court information. We handle these matters with strict confidentiality and work to minimize unnecessary attention whenever possible.

What happens at my first court date?

The first court date is usually used to confirm your identity, address bond matters, and schedule future settings. Substantive decisions often come later, after we have reviewed discovery. Our attorneys appear with you in Hidalgo County courts, explain what is happening, and speak on your behalf when appropriate.

How can your former prosecutor's experience help me?

Our former prosecutor experience helps us anticipate how the State may approach your case. We understand how charging decisions are made, how evidence is evaluated, and how prosecutors prepare for trial. This insight guides our review of discovery and our strategy when we negotiate or prepare for court.

How soon should I contact your firm?

You should contact us as soon as you learn about an accusation, an investigation, or an arrest. Early involvement gives us more opportunity to advise you before statements are made and conditions are set. We strive to respond quickly, listen carefully, and begin working on a plan with you right away.

Talk To Our Team Today

If you are facing a sexual assault accusation that affects McAllen, you do not have to face the process alone. Early legal help can shape how your case is handled and can give you a clearer understanding of what lies ahead.

At The Christopher P. Cavazos Law Firm, PLLC, we take these cases seriously. Our attorneys listen without judgment, explain your options in plain language, and work to safeguard your rights and future in and out of court. Your initial conversation with us is confidential, and it is a chance to get answers to urgent questions.

Call (956) 290-8911 to speak with our team about your situation.