Child Molestation

Child Molestation Attorney in Fort Worth

Decades of Felony Defense Experience Fighting for Tarrant County Clients

A child molestation accusation is among the most serious charges Texas prosecutes. The stakes include decades in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and consequences that follow a person for life. At Burns & Davis, we defend people facing these charges in Fort Worth and throughout Tarrant County, bringing decades of combined criminal defense experience to every case we handle.

We prepare each case thoroughly and fight aggressively to pursue the best possible outcome. That means challenging the evidence, examining every statement made to investigators, and building a defense strategy from the first day we take your case.

Your situation demands immediate legal attention. Call our Fort Worth office at (817) 873-1883 to schedule a free consultation with a child molestation lawyer today.

Trial-Ready Defense for High-Stakes Charges

We approach every case as if it’s going to trial. That discipline isn’t just courtroom preparation. It creates the negotiation leverage needed when a plea is in a client’s best interest. Our firm has reported an 85% successful outcome rate in felony plea negotiations, which reflects the preparation and pressure we bring to every case before it reaches a courtroom.

Child sex offense charges are complex. They involve forensic interviews, potential parallel investigations, and accusations that can surface years after an alleged event. We handle that complexity directly, giving high-stakes clients the focused attention their livelihoods and reputations require.

How Texas Law Defines Child Molestation

“Child molestation” isn’t a single charge under Texas law. The Texas Penal Code addresses these offenses across several statutes, each carrying distinct penalties. Understanding which charge applies matters immediately because sentencing ranges vary significantly.

Charges and sentencing ranges:

Indecency with a Child by Contact (Texas Penal Code Chapter 21): A second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Indecency with a Child by Exposure: A third-degree felony carrying 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Sexual Assault of a Child: A second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in prison. If the child is younger than 14, the charge elevates to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child: A first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child: Applies when someone 17 or older commits two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child younger than 14 over 30 or more days. This first-degree felony carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years up to life in prison with no parole eligibility.

That last charge is particularly severe. Because parole isn’t available, what a jury decides at trial is what a defendant serves. Defense strategy, including appellate considerations, must account for this from the outset.

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Your Path to Resolution Starts Here

At Burns & Davis, we’re committed to guiding you through life’s challenges with clarity and care. Contact us today to take the first step forward.

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Local Court Knowledge & Appellate Credentials That Matter Here

Burns & Davis has operated in Tarrant County since 2001. That longevity gives us an intimate, tactical understanding of the local court system, including the unwritten rules that vary by jurisdiction and the personnel nuances that shape how cases proceed. We defend clients in both state and federal courts and through the appeals process.

Attorney Danny Duane Burns is Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential reflecting verified proficiency in post-conviction and appellate work. That certification matters acutely in child sex offense cases. When mandatory sentences eliminate parole and decades-long imprisonment is on the table, appellate strategy and writs of habeas corpus aren’t last resorts. They’re tools a prepared defense team considers from day one. Attorney Burns has also been recognized by Super Lawyers, having been selected to that list in 2003 and 2004.

What Happens After an Accusation in Tarrant County

In Tarrant County, a child abuse allegation typically triggers two simultaneous tracks: a criminal investigation and a separate Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS) investigation. Alliance For Children, the local children’s advocacy center, conducts forensic interviews of children on behalf of local law enforcement and the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. These interviews are recorded and can become part of the prosecution’s evidence.

Statements made to police or CPS investigators before you consult an attorney can be used against you. Retain a defense lawyer before you speak to anyone officially connected to the investigation.

Defense Strategies in Texas Child Sex Offense Cases

Every case turns on its own facts. Depending on the circumstances, available defenses may include an alibi, inconsistencies in the complaining witness’s account, and challenges to the sufficiency of physical or forensic evidence. Accusations sometimes arise from custody disputes or other family conflicts, and the timeline and source of an allegation can matter significantly to the defense.

Texas law also provides statutory affirmative defenses in certain Indecency with a Child cases. The close-in-age defense, sometimes called the “Romeo and Juliet” defense, applies when the accused was no more than three years older than the victim, was of the opposite sex, didn’t use force or duress, and wasn’t required to register as a sex offender for a prior offense. A separate affirmative defense applies when the accused was the victim’s spouse at the time of the alleged conduct.

Collateral Consequences Beyond Incarceration

A conviction for a child sex offense in Texas carries consequences that extend far beyond prison time. Mandatory sex offender registration affects where a person can live and work. An active CPS finding can result in loss of custody or supervised visitation with the defendant’s own children. Even a pending charge, before any conviction, can create serious barriers to housing and employment. We counsel clients on these collateral consequences as part of building a complete defense strategy.

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Our Commitment to You

Relentless Representation
Whether in or out of the courtroom, we fight passionately to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your future.
Hablamos Español
We provide exceptional legal services in both English and Spanish, ensuring every client feels heard and understood. Your case is our priority.
Proven Legal Expertise
With years of experience and a track record of success, we deliver strategic, results-driven solutions for even the most complex legal matters.
Client-Centered Advocacy
At Burns & Davis, we prioritize your needs, ensuring every case is handled with personalized attention and unwavering dedication.

Stories of Success

"Incredibly Knowledgable"
Mr. Davis is incredibly knowledgeable, truly prioritizes his clients, and provides outstanding representation. Highly recommend him for family law matters!

- Jennifer B.
"Very Professional and Very Attentive"
Mr. Davis handled three criminal cases and got all charges dismissed! Professional, attentive, and highly recommended for anyone in need of expert legal representation.

- Tasha C.
"Case Dismissed with Exceptional Representation"
Davis and his team deliver results! Case dismissed on 2nd appearance, professional service, and affordable pricing. Highly recommended for defense needs!

- Giovanni M.
"Grateful for a Dismissed Case"
Blake Burns stood by me every step of the way and got my case dismissed! Truly a dedicated attorney. Highly recommend for exceptional legal support!

- Danya C.

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Representation That Supports You Through the Process

Facing a charge like this is overwhelming. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation, and we provide emotional support throughout your case while staying objective and honest about your charges and realistic outcomes. Clients have described our commitment as life-saving. We also serve Spanish-speaking clients. Hablamos Español.

For a complex felony matter of this nature, our representation is structured with high retainers or hourly rates, ensuring our full resources and attention are available when they matter most.

Contact a Fort Worth Child Molestation Attorney Now

The decisions made in the early days of an accusation shape everything that follows. Don’t face the Tarrant County criminal justice system without a defense team that knows it inside and out.

Call Burns & Davis at (817) 873-1883 for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen and ready to fight.

No Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Offenses in Texas

Under a 2007 amendment to Article 12.01(1) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Indecency with a Child, Sexual Assault of a Child, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, and Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child carry no criminal statute of limitations. Prosecution can proceed regardless of how many years have passed since the alleged offense.

This is a significant departure from most felony charges, which carry fixed filing deadlines. An accusation can surface decades after an alleged event, and even distant or incomplete memories can form the basis of formal charges. If you’ve been accused of conduct alleged to have occurred years ago, the same defense principles apply, and the same urgency to secure legal representation exists.

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Your Questions, Answered Explore Our FAQ

Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 817-873-1883 today!

How can a lawyer help with a sex crime charge?

Being charged with a sex crime in Texas can leave you extremely anxious about your future—with good reason. Once our attorneys are on your case, we will start fighting for you with the fierce advocacy we are known for. You can rest easy, knowing that we will immediately begin an exhaustive search for evidence in your case and that we will build a solid case on your behalf. With more than a decade of positive results for our clients, we never back down—inside or outside the courtroom.
Is a writ the same as an appeal?

An appeal is a petition to a higher (appellate) court in an attempt to overturn the ruling of a lower court. A writ of habeas corpus is a directive from a higher court that orders a lower court to take a specific action in accordance with the law. A direct appeal is filed through the appellate court, while the habeas corpus process is filed and managed through the court of conviction. A writ of habeas corpus is often seen as the last resort to legally dispute a conviction and incarceration.
What does the Court of Appeals do?

The task of the Court of Appeals is only to determine whether or not the law was applied correctly in the trial court and whether legal errors were made during your trial. In some instances, the legal error could rest on the ineffectiveness of counsel—your trial attorney failed to call a crucial witness, failed to follow up on evidence, or in some other way failed to fully represent you.

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