College Station Sex Crimes Lawyer

Sex crimes can cover a wide range of illegal behavior. These are among the most serious offenses and can carry significant penalties, such as jail time, a permanent criminal record, and public registration as a sex offender.

If you were charged with a crime involving allegedly illicit sexual behavior or activity, consider speaking with a College Station sex crimes lawyer. Our diligent criminal defense attorneys could offer sound legal advice and guidance throughout your case.

Sexual Assault vs Aggravated Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a heavy offense and can result in severe consequences. Generally, Texas Penal Code Annotated § 22.011 stipulates that sexual assault has occurred if:

• A person knowingly or intentionally makes sexual contact with another person; and
• The sexual contact was non-consensual.

Since consent is a critical factor in determining if an individual is guilty of sexual assault, the statute lists several actions that demonstrate a lack of consent. Some examples include:

• A person compels the sexual contact by force;
• A person compels submission by threatening violence;
• The victim is unconscious and incapable of physical resistance;
• A person intentionally impairs the victim by administering a substance without their knowledge; or
• A person coerces the victim by exploiting their position as a public servant, mental health professional, clergyman, or health care services provider.

In addition to the previously mentioned actions, sexual assault is upgraded to aggravated sexual assault under Texas Penal Code Ann. § 22.021 when the offender:

• Caused or attempted to cause serious bodily harm or death during the crime;
• Kidnapped the victim or threatened severe bodily injury or kidnapping;
• Used or flashed a deadly weapon during the assault;
• Acted in concert with another person who commits the same offense against the victim;
• Intentionally administered a substance to impair the victim’s senses to facilitate the assault;
• Committed the sexual assault against a victim younger than 14 years old; or
• The victim is elderly or disabled.

A College Station lawyer could answer any questions you have regarding the type of sex crime you are being accused of and the next steps to take in your case.

Sex Crimes Not Limited to Assault

It is essential to understand that sex crimes are not limited to sexual assault. Other offenses that can fall under this category include the following:

Statutory Rape

Statutory rape is knowingly or unknowingly engaging in sexual conduct with a person under 17 years of age, Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 21.11.

Prostitution or Soliciting Prostitution

Prostitution or solicitation is offering or receiving sexual conduct in exchange for a fee, according to Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 43.02 and Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 43.021.

Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure is knowingly exposing private parts or genitalia to another person, Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 21.08;

Public Lewdness

When someone knowingly engages in sexual acts in a public place, this is considered public lewdness under Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 21.07.

Invasive Visual Recording

Per Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 21.15, invasive visual recording is knowingly photographing or videotaping another individual’s intimate areas without consent.

Some of these crimes have affirmative defenses to help a person avoid prosecution. For example, a person has an affirmative defense for statutory rape or indecency with a child if the following conditions are met:

• The offender was not more than three years older than the victim;
• The offender did not use force or coercion during the sexual conduct; and
• The offender was not registered as a sex offender or previously convicted of a sexual offense under state law.

A lawyer in College Station who handles sex crime cases could build a solid defense on your behalf and represent you in court.

Penalties for Sex Crimes

Most serious sexual crimes are often classified as felonies and can lead to harsh criminal penalties. For instance, sexual assault is classified as a second-degree felony, while aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony.

According to Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.33, second-degree felony convictions can result in penalties including two to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.

In addition, Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.32 states that first-degree felony convictions can lead to penalties of five years imprisonment to life and up to a $10,000 fine.

Aside from jail time and financial penalties, sexual crime convictions can also lead to having a permanent criminal record and having to register as a sex offender under Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 62.051.

Consult With a College Station Attorney About Sex Crimes Charges

Connect with a College Station sex crimes lawyer for legal assistance after being charged with a criminal offense related to sexual conduct. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney could preserve your legal rights and help you obtain a successful court outcome.

Call The Greening Law Group today to learn more about our legal team and to discuss your case further.