Sex crimes are serious matters. Though they do not always involve murder, they damage the victims, and perpetrators must be met with justice. Texas sex crime laws are very unforgiving towards sex offenders, and these offenders are apt to face harsh punishments such as lengthy to lifetime prison sentences. If you are a resident of Texas or have been facing sex crime charges, it is crucial to understand Texas sex crime law following the Texas penal code.
A sex crime encompasses a sexual offense, from child sexual abuse, solicitation of minors, public lewdness, and more. If you face these charges, you might become a registered sex offender in the state’s sex offender registry or Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. Charges as such can remain on your record for a lifetime. In this case, you could use the help of a sex crimes attorney from Pearland, TX.
Texas Sex Crime Law Attorney in Pearland, TX
Sex crimes are considered felonies in Texas. If convicted, the defendant could face steep fines, multiple years in prison, and sex offender registration. Sentencing varies from person to person depending on their case, which is why if you are facing sex crime laws in Texas, it is best to contact a sex crime law attorney from Pearland, TX, law firm Scott M. Brown & Associates.
A lawyer with expansive knowledge of sex crimes law in Texas can help you with any legal hurdles you could face by providing legal advice and quality representation to help you get a lesser sentence. Schedule your appointment with a Texas sex crimes law attorney from Scott M. Brown & Associates immediately!
Why Do I Need a Texas Sex Crimes Lawyer in Texas?
Texas sex crimes are notorious, resulting in severe punishments if you are a convicted sex offender. Of course, even if you are the defendant, you still have the right to be heard in court to ensure a fair trial. This is where a Texas sex crimes lawyer from Scott M. Brown & Associates comes into the picture.
When facing a sex crime charge for breaking sex crime laws in Texas, there is no better ally to have in your corner than a criminal defense lawyer. Apart from providing you with legal knowledge to help you make informed decisions and statements in this case, the duties of a criminal defense attorney include the following:
- Meeting you at your convenience with preparedness to answer all your questions. A sex crimes lawyer will leave no stone unturned when it comes to your legal queries, as they know knowledge is essential to the outcome of your case.
- Works within the law to accomplish their goals. A criminal defense attorney will stop at nothing to get the desired outcome. Their skill and tenacity have earned the respect of their peers and contemporaries in court.
- Walks you through every step of the legal process efficiently and effectively, managing all your legal concerns by offering the best legal representation and counsel.
Contact a Texas sex crimes lawyer from Scott M. Brown & Associates now! The law firm provides you with a competitive edge, dedicating its efforts to achieving your success. Scott M. Brown & Associates has been providing results-oriented representation to clients in the Greater Houston area, particularly in Angleton, Houston, Pearland, League City, and League City. Schedule an appointment with a sex crimes lawyer in Texas right now!
What are Sex Crimes?
Sex crimes is a broad term used to define offenses that are sexual or involve sexual contact that puts the victim in a compromising situation. Examples include solicitation of a minor, groping, indecent exposure, and more. Each state has laws regarding sex crimes, but in general, these carry heavy punishments when convicted.
If you are facing sex crime charges, know the consequences that lay ahead. Also, know that you also have a right to defend yourself against the charges pressed against you. A competent Texas sex crimes lawyer from a Pearland law office can help you navigate the legal system and provide solid legal counsel to help you with your case. With that, you must first be familiar with sex crimes.
What Are the Common Types of Sex Crimes?
Convicted individuals who have committed sex crimes are deemed sex offenders and must register on an offender list that will be publicized for everyone’s knowledge. Each jurisdiction might have its definition of sex crimes and what classifies under it, but generally, these are the common types of sex crimes:
Rape/Sexual Assault
Rape involves a non-consensual sexual act involving sexual contact done by violent force. Present as well are threats towards the victim’s families should the victim withhold. The most common definition of rape is forcible rape involving violent sexual intercourse. A partner, a spouse, or a stranger can commit rape.
Prostitution
Prostitution involves providing or engaging in sexual services for monetary gain. Every state rules prostitution as illegal except for Nevada, whose prostitution laws are regulated. Solicitation is also considered a crime. Transactions are not verbal, as a willingness to pay for sex qualifies as a solicitation.
Sex Crimes Involving Minors
A sex crime involving minors falls under a sex offense. Federal and state laws alike ban this act.
Both federal and state laws have several prohibited sexual conduct with a minor. Proscribed acts include:
- Statutory rape and other unlawful acts with a minor. These are known as sexual abuse and molestation. These do not even have to involve intercourse. Mere inappropriate touching can count as sexual abuse. Other acts under this include rape, incest, inducing the minor to engage in sexual activity, and indecent exposure of sexual organs to minors.
- Online solicitation of a minor. This means persuading a minor to perform a sexual act on the Internet.
- Child pornography. Both state and federal laws strictly prohibit the creation, possession, and distribution of child porn. Child porn includes visual material of children under 18 in sexual situations.
Incest
No federal state laws exist regarding incest, but all US states have passed laws against incest or sexual relations between family members, except New Jersey and Rhode Island. While this applies to blood relatives, some states also ban relationships with adopted relatives.
What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes?
The severity and circumstances surrounding the criminal offense will determine the sentences and the penalties imposed. Penalties depend from state to state. According to Texas law, there are classifications of it.
Misdemeanors such as public lewdness in Texas depend on the class:
- CLASS A- Up to a year in jail with fines up to $4,000
- CLASS B-180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine
- CLASS C-$500 fine
Felonies involving indecency with minors will warrant the following penalties:
- STATE JAIL FELONY: 180 days to 2 years in prison
- THIRD-DEGREE FELONY: 2-10 years in prison
- SECOND-DEGREE FELONY: 2-20 years in prison
- FIRST-DEGREE FELONY: 5-99 years in prison
Sexual offenses involving children have harsher sentences, which can be a minimum of 15 years to life imprisonment.
Call our Texas Sex Crimes Attorney Now!
Sex crimes are a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. However, if you are facing these charges, you still deserve the right to defend yourself, and you can do this with the help of an experienced Pearland, TX attorney from Scott M. Brown & Associates. An attorney can guide you during the legal process and provide legal advice to help your situation. Schedule an appointment immediately!
