Updated on August 23, 2022
Sex crimes are obviously some of the most stigmatized and harshly penalized crimes in our nation and in the State of Texas. In fact, sex crimes are in a class of their own, and a conviction can end in being permanently listed on the sex offender registry.
Charges that are based on sexual offenses are generally more serious charges than their counterparts that are not sexually based. For example, an assault charge is serious, but a sexual assault charge carries the additional social stigma of being sexually based and can land you on the sex offender registry if you are convicted.
As such, it is important to know more about which offenses qualify as sex crimes in Texas.
If you have been accused of a sexual offense in Texas, contact a Killeen criminal defense attorney right away.
Sex Crimes in the State of Texas
In the State of Texas, there are wide-ranging charges that fall under the umbrella of sexual offenses, including the following crimes:
Improper Teacher/Student Relationship
When a teacher has sexual contact with a student (regardless of age) enrolled in the elementary or secondary school where the teacher is employed, it is called an improper teacher/student relationship, and it is a sexual offense.
Invasive Video Recording
Invasive video recording refers to either capturing or threatening to disclose photographic material that contains sexual acts or exposes intimate body parts without consent to do so by the person depicted therein.
Indecent Exposure
When a person exposes his or her private parts with reckless disregard for whether those present will be offended, it is the sexual offense of indecent exposure. Learn more by reading this article about indecent exposure charges.
Obscenity
An individual engages in obscenity when he or she participates in obscene performances or either promotes or distributes obscene material.
Possession of Child Pornography
When a person knowingly and purposefully possesses any visual representation of a minor engaging in sexual activity, it qualifies as possession of child pornography. (Related: Selfies Can Qualify as Child Pornography)
Prohibited Sexual Conduct
Prohibited sexual conduct is the act of engaging in sexual contact with a relative, ancestor, or descendant.
Prostitution
When an individual solicits sexual conduct publicly, engages in sexual contact for a fee, or promotes these acts, it amounts to the sexual offense of prostitution. (Related: Texas’s 2019 Online Prostitution Laws)
Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault
Actively and intentionally engaging in sexual conduct with someone else without that person’s consent is the sexual offense of sexual assault. When the agressor inflicts or threatens bodily injury or death, the charge is elevated to aggravated sexual assault. Learn more about the charge of sexual assault by reading “Sexual Assault Awareness.”
Sexual Offenses against Minors
There is a wide range of charges related to sexual offenses against minors, including the following crimes:
Aggravated kidnapping with intent to sexually violate a minor
Burglary with intent to commit a sexual offense against a minor
Employment harmful to a minor under 18 years old in a sexually oriented commercial enterprise
Indecency with a minor
Sale, distribution, or display of sexually explicit material to a minor
Sex trafficking or compelling prostitution of a minor
Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault of a minor
Sexual performance by a minor under 18 years old
Your Sexual Offense Case
If you are facing sexual offense charges in Texas, it is important to know that you face serious potential consequences, including time behind bars and a requirement to remain registered as a sex offender, which has serious societal implications and could be permanent. In fact, Texas’s registry requirements can be even stricter than federal requirements.
In other words, if you have been charged with a sexual offense, it is in your best interest to retain the professional legal counsel of an experienced criminal defense lawyer sooner rather than later.
Contact an Experienced Killeen Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing sexual offense charges, a lot stands in the balance, but your rights and your future are far too important to leave to chance.
Brett Pritchard, at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is a formidable criminal defense lawyer with years of experience successfully defending cases like yours. We care about you and your case, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 for more information today.