Penalties for Indecency by Contact in Texas
In Texas, the law imposes severe penalties on felony offenders, particularly for crimes like indecency with a child by contact. Such an offense, without exception, is a felony and mandates sex offender registration.
A second-degree felony for indecency with a child through sexual contact includes:
- Fines reaching $10,000
- Prison time from 2 to 20 years
A third-degree felony for indecency with a child by exposure leads to:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Prison time from 2 to 10 years
Those convicted of felonies also lose several rights, including voting, owning or carrying firearms, and jury service. With a felony on their record, they also encounter numerous additional consequences, like challenges in securing employment and losing special licenses.
What Are the Defenses to Indecency with a Child by Contact Charges?
If you have been accused of indecency by contact, you need to take the situation very seriously. A conviction could result in years or decades behind bars, as well as a tarnished reputation. You could also lose your job, your family, and your future.
Remember, however, that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. The prosecution has the burden of proving the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and several defenses are available to you. Our indecency by contact lawyers can help you understand your legal options and work with you to build a strong defense strategy.
Defenses against indecency by contact charges include:
- Romeo and Juliet Consent
Consensual sexual contact between an opposite-sex couple who is within 3 years of age with each other is an affirmative defense to prosecution. If the alleged victim consented to the sexual contact and you reasonably believed that the person was at least 14 years old, you may have a valid defense. We can help you investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and determine if consent and the Romeo and Juliet law is a reasonable defense in your case. - Mistaken Identity
The prosecution must prove that you are the person who committed the indecency by contact crime. If there is any doubt about the offender’s identity, we can help you challenge the prosecution’s evidence and work to clear your name. - False Accusations
It is common for people to be falsely accused of indecency by contact, particularly in a contentious divorce or child custody case. In such circumstances, children may be coerced or manipulated into making false allegations. Our attorneys can help you investigate the details of your case and determine if you have been falsely accused of this serious crime. - Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police violated your constitutional rights while investigating your case, we can help you file a motion to suppress any illegally obtained evidence. If the motion is successful, the prosecution may not be able to use any evidence they have against you.
How a Georgetown Indecency Defense Lawyer Can Help
Being arrested for a sex crime is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. Our team understands the gravity of the situation, and we are prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf. Our Georgetown criminal defense attorneys can help you understand your legal options and work with you to build a strong defense strategy. We have several decades of combined legal experience and a long track record of success. Let us put our skills, knowledge, and resources to work for you.
Contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our indecency by contact lawyers in Georgetown.
A Proven History Of Success
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No Charges Filed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
We represented a woman under investigation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault family violence. By demonstrating she was actually the victim and providing key evidence to authorities, we prevented any charges from being filed against her.
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Case Dismissed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Our client was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon family violence. We were able to get the case reduced to a misdemeanor and ultimately dismissed.
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Case Rejected Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
We represented a client charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. By acting early, reviewing the evidence thoroughly, and providing key information to the prosecutor, we built a strong defense that led to the case being no-billed and rejected.
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Case dismissed Assault Causes Bodily Injury of a Family Member
We represented a young man charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member. After conducting our own investigation into the alleged victim, we met with the prosecutor, and the county attorney declined to prosecute the case.
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Case Dismissed Assault causing bodily injury
We represented a woman accused of assault causing bodily injury with family violence. Through our experience as former prosecutors, we were able to point out certain evidence that showed our client was the true victim, which resulted in her case being dismissed in the interest of justice.