Sexual Assault Defense

Sexual Assault Defense Attorney in McAllen, TX

Eight Years Prosecuting These Cases. Now Fighting for Your Defense.

Before founding Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu, Rolando Cantu spent eight years as an Assistant District Attorney for Hidalgo County, personally prosecuting sexual offense cases in the same district courts where McAllen-area defendants are tried today. He later served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the McAllen Division of the Southern District of Texas. That prosecutorial background, in these specific courts and on these specific charges, shapes how we approach every sexual assault defense case we take.

A sexual assault charge carries consequences that reach far beyond the courtroom. Potential imprisonment, mandatory sex offender registration, and serious damage to employment, family, and reputation are all at stake from the moment charges are filed. The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office operates a dedicated Sex Crimes Unit, which means defendants face experienced prosecutors from the start. Having an attorney who has sat on that side of the courtroom is a real advantage.

If you or someone you know is facing a sexual assault charge in McAllen or anywhere in Hidalgo County, call us at (956) 594-5607 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 and offer bilingual representation in Spanish.

How We Build a Sexual Assault Defense

Because Rolando Cantu prosecuted these cases as a Hidalgo County ADA, he knows how law enforcement builds sexual assault investigations, what evidence prosecutors rely on most, and where the state’s case is most vulnerable to challenge. That knowledge drives every stage of our defense work.

Defense strategies in these cases are fact-specific, but common approaches include:

Identification challenges: Contesting the credibility or reliability of witness identification when the evidence is unclear or inconsistent
Consent disputes: Examining the full context of the alleged incident, including communications, prior relationship history, and the timeline between the incident and when it was reported
Forensic and DNA evidence: Scrutinizing the chain of custody, laboratory procedures, and the state’s interpretation of physical evidence
False accusation investigation: Conducting an independent investigation when allegations arise from disputed facts, misidentification, or motives to fabricate
Pre-trial motions: Seeking suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence, challenging the charging instrument, or pursuing dismissal based on constitutional violations

When federal charges apply, including federal sexual exploitation offenses prosecuted in the McAllen Division of the Southern District of Texas, we handle those proceedings as well. Rolando Cantu brings more than 15 years of combined state and federal criminal law experience to every case.

Clients work directly with Rolando Cantu throughout the case. We don’t hand off serious felony matters to junior staff.

Why Clients in McAllen Choose Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu

Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu was founded in McAllen in 2018 and represents clients throughout Hidalgo County and the Rio Grande Valley. When you’re facing a sexual assault charge, you need an attorney who knows these courts, these prosecutors, and how these cases are handled locally. Rolando Cantu’s eight years prosecuting in Hidalgo County provide exactly that. Free initial consultations are available by phone or virtually via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype, and bilingual representation in Spanish is available.

Get a Free Consultation for Your Sexual Assault Defense Case

A sexual assault charge demands immediate, experienced attention. The earlier an attorney can get involved, including during the investigation phase before formal charges are filed, the more options may be available to you.

Don’t face the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Sex Crimes Unit without an attorney who has worked inside that system. Call Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu at (956) 594-5607 or contact us online to speak with Rolando Cantu directly.

Sexual Assault Charges in Texas: Classifications & Penalties

Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.011, sexual assault is generally charged as a second-degree felony, carrying 2 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. When aggravating factors are present, the charge escalates significantly.

Texas Penal Code Section 22.021 governs aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony. Aggravating factors include use of a deadly weapon, the victim being elderly or disabled, or the use of an incapacitating substance. A first-degree felony conviction carries 5 to 99 years in prison. When the victim is a young child, a mandatory minimum of 25 years applies under Section 22.021(f), with no parole eligibility during that period.

Convictions under Texas’s sexual assault statutes also generally trigger mandatory registration on the Texas Sex Offender Registry, a public record with consequences that follow a person long after any prison term ends.

Sex Offender Registration in Texas

Registration requirements under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure are among the most significant collateral consequences of a sexual assault conviction. The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a publicly searchable database, and law enforcement may notify neighbors when a registered offender moves into an area.

Registered sex offenders must report address changes to local law enforcement and may face restrictions on where they can live relative to schools or playgrounds. Depending on the offense, the registration obligation can last a lifetime. These restrictions, along with the public stigma of registration, make avoiding a conviction, or negotiating a resolution that doesn’t trigger mandatory registration, a central objective of any sexual assault defense strategy.

The Court Process After a Sexual Assault Arrest in Hidalgo County

Felony sexual assault charges in Hidalgo County are prosecuted in the district courts located in Edinburg, the county seat. Understanding what happens at each stage helps defendants make informed decisions early.

From Arrest Through Grand Jury

After a felony arrest, the defendant appears before a magistrate for an initial hearing where bond is set. A bond reduction motion may be available depending on the facts and the defendant’s history. From there, the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Sex Crimes Unit, staffed with prosecutors who handle these cases, can begin building its case.

Before indictment, a grand jury reviews the evidence to determine whether probable cause supports the charges. After indictment, formal arraignment takes place, and the discovery process begins.

Defense Intervention Points

Defense counsel can intervene at multiple points, including by filing motions to suppress evidence, challenging the sufficiency of the charging instrument, or seeking dismissal on procedural or constitutional grounds. Retaining an attorney as early as possible, including during the investigation phase before any charges are filed, can meaningfully affect how the case develops.

If you’re under investigation or have been arrested in McAllen or anywhere in Hidalgo County, contact Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu at (956) 594-5607 to speak with Rolando Cantu directly.

Client Testimonials

Experience Clients Can Count On

Unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy.
“His unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy transformed my circumstances, guiding me towards a brighter future.”

- F. S.
He is the BEST attorney you can find in Texas!
“If you are looking for an HONEST attorney who gets the results you need, is with you through the whole legal process, and answers all your calls, Mr. Cantu is the attorney for you.”

- Victor G.
Patient, professional, and truly above and beyond!
“From start to finish, he guided me, answered every question, and always returned my calls quickly.”

- Robert M.
As good as it gets!
“They are very professional and always answer your calls. Any legal issue is not always pleasant, but they make the experience as pleasant as possible.”

- Luis T.
He is very knowledgeable and very efficient.
“We've had a great experience with Mr. Cantu, he is very knowledgeable and very efficient. He's always ahead and works hard.”

- Annie L.

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Rolando Cantu

Native to the Rio Grande Valley, Rolando Cantu was born in Weslaco, Texas, and raised in Mercedes, Texas. He attended the University of Texas-Pan American. Through his hard work and diligence, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Driven by his passion for becoming a qualified and licensed lawyer by profession, Rolando Cantu continued his studies with zeal and focus at Thurgood Marshall School of Law-Texas Southern University. He graduated Cum Laude and successfully earned his Juris Doctorate Degree, before becoming a licensed lawyer in 2006.

Upon earning his J.D., he was hired by the Thirteenth District Court of Appeals to serve as a Briefing Attorney to Chief Justice Rogelio Valdez. Rolando Cantu was a valuable addition. He performed in-depth research and drafted hundreds of opinions for both civil and criminal appellate matters. This further contributed to his practical understanding of State law.

His passion for criminal defense got him the opportunity to serve as an Assistant District Attorney for the County of Hidalgo. He served for eight years, where he prosecuted hundreds of cases, including capital murder, aggravated robbery, assault, burglary of a habitation, felony theft, sexual offenses, intoxicated assault, and driving while intoxicated. Most recently, Rolando Cantu served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas-McAllen Division.

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Your Defense Starts Here

Backed by years of experience as a state and federal prosecutor, Attorney Rolando D. Cantu provides the strategic representation and relentless advocacy clients need when the stakes are highest.

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15+ Years of Experience
Attorney Rolando D. Cantu brings more than 15 years of experience handling complex state and federal criminal cases, giving clients seasoned guidance when the stakes are highest.
Direct Access to Attorney
Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming, which is why the firm offers free consultations and 24/7 availability to provide immediate legal guidance and support.
Personal Attention
Every case is treated as a priority, with direct communication, honest guidance, and dedicated one-on-one support from attorney Rolando Cantu throughout the legal process.
Former Prosecutor Advantage
With experience as both a state and federal prosecutor, the Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu brings insider knowledge of how the justice system works, helping clients build stronger, more strategic defenses.