Sexual offenses are taken seriously by Texas courts with strict punishments given to those who are convicted. Perhaps you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, something you said or did was misconstrued, or you were falsely identified as a criminal.
Regardless of what occurred, knowing what is considered a sex crime in Texas can help you to understand the possible consequences.
How Texas Defines Sex Crimes
In order to understand sex crimes in Texas, you need to understand the possible sex offenses. Each one has its own definition of the crime.
Sexual Offenses Against Minors
Sexual offenses against minors is a broader term for an array of different offenses that involve someone aged 17 years or older and a child aged 14 years or younger. These offenses can include aggravated kidnapping by taking a child against their will; sexual assault for intentionally engaging in penetration with a child; and sex trafficking or compelling prostitution, among many others.
Possession of Child Pornography
If you knowingly or intentionally have photos or videos of a minor engaging in sexual acts, this sex crime is known as possession of child pornography.
Public Lewdness and Indecent Exposure
Public lewdness and indecent exposure are often used as interchangeable terms even though they mean different things. Public lewdness is knowingly engaging in sexual acts in a public place while indecent exposure is the act of revealing oneself with an intent to arouse or gratify, regardless of offending anyone else.
Improper Relationships Between Teachers and Students
For teachers working in primary or secondary schools in Texas, it is considered a sex crime to engage in sexual contact with a student enrolled at the school.
Voyeurism
Observing another person without their consent to gain sexual gratification is defined as voyeurism, a sex crime in Texas. This applies to watching someone while they are in the privacy of their own home where they have a reasonable expectation to not have their privacy invaded.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault often goes by the term ‘rape,’ and is defined by intentionally forcing someone else into performing sexual acts without gaining their consent first. This sex crime becomes elevated to aggravated sexual assault when bodily injury, threats, or attempts to kill the victim are made. Giving a victim a date rape drug or using a deadly weapon will also upgrade a sexual assault to an aggravated sexual assault charge.
Prostitution
Prostitution is a common sex crime that involves exchanging sexual conduct for a fee. Prostitution charges can also be imposed for anyone who publicly solicits sexual conduct or for those who promote prostitution.
What to Do if You Are Facing Charges for Sex Crimes in Texas?
Depending on the type of sex crime you are charged with in Texas, a conviction could mean you will spend years in prison. You will also need to register as a sex offender, a list that anyone can access.
If you were arrested for sex crimes, contact a sexual crime defense lawyer to come to your defense against these charges.
