Texas has varying charges related to sex crimes and it’s so easy to become confused as to what exactly the charge is and the penalty associated with the charge. Here is some basic information about common sex related charges in Texas.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a broad term that encompasses many sex crimes, including rape. It’s when another person commits a sexual act to another person without their knowing consent. It covers a wide range of situations, including rape (sex without the other person’s consent), use of force and if the victim was unconscious or mentally incapacitated during sexual contanct. According to the Texas Penal Code, “sexual contact” is the touching of sexual organs with the intent to “arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.” Public servants, clergy or mental health care providers who are charged with a sex-related offense can also be charged with Sexual Assault. This is a felony of the second degree with a penalty of no more than 20 years or less than two years.

Aggravated Sexual Assault

Aggravated Sexual Assault is a first degree felony. Examples of Aggravated Sexual Assault include incapacitating a person with a “date rape” drug, use of a deadly weapon or if the victim was seriously injured or threatened with serious injury. The sentence is no more than 99 years or less than five years.

Aggravated Kidnapping

If a person intentionally or knowingly abducts another person with the intent to violate or abuse another sexually, that person may be charged with Aggravated Kidnapping. This is a first-degree felony unless the defense shows that the kidnapper voluntarily released the victim in a safe place, in which case this is a second degree felony. First-degree felony: No more than 99 years or less than five years. Second-degree felony: No more than 20 years or less than two years.

Indecency With a Child

If a person has been charged with Indecency With a Child, he is being accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a child (a second degree felony), exposing himself to a child or causing the child to expose himself (a third degree felony). There may be additional information that the court needs to know, such as proximity between ages and if both parties were willing participants.

Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student

If a person is an employee of a primary or secondary school he may be charged with this offense if he engages in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with a person enrolled at the school where the employee works. Deviate sexual intercourse is defined as the contact or penetration of one’s sexual organs with the mouth or another sexual organ. This is a second degree felony that requires a sentence of no more than 20 years or less than two years.

Because a pleading guilty to a sex crime in Texas has far-reaching ramifications, it is imperative to have the legal expertise of a knowledgable Houston sex crime defense attorney on your side. For a free initial consultation with a Houston sex crime defense attorney, call the Law Office of Paul Darrow today at (713) 641-5300.