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Sex crimes appear to be on the rise, but it may be a case of increased reporting due to changes in social pressures. Because of that, the chances of being accused of sex crimes, even if you are innocent, have increased. Due to the long-term effect that a sex crime accusation can have on your life, seeking expert legal assistance is recommended.
Mary E. Conn & Associates specializes in providing a top-quality defense for people accused of crimes with social stigmas, like sex crimes. Our Houston sex crimes lawyers vigorously defend our clients to ensure that their rights are protected. Call us today at (713) 357-4190 for help.
Sex crimes in Texas involve a number of different offenses, from the misdemeanor offense of indecent exposure to the felony crime of aggravated sexual assault. Sex crime punishments will range depending on the facts of the case, the consent of the victim, and the actions of the accused. If you have been arrested on charges of a sex crime, do not hesitate in contacting an experienced Houston sex crime attorney from Mary E. Conn & Associates as soon as possible.
Sex crimes encompass a broad definition which include the following felony offenses:
Sex crimes further include the following misdemeanor offenses:
The difference between misdemeanor and felony sex crime offenses sometimes may be based on one person’s word or the arresting officer’s interpretation of events. Therefore, it is important to speak with a sex crime attorney in Houston shortly after your arrest to ensure that your version of events will be relayed during any court proceedings.
One sex crime that recently became criminalized is the crime of “revenge porn,” which was passed by the Texas House in 2015. The crime itself faces constitutional issue due to the sharing of nude photographs that people lawfully own. Therefore, in order to bring a criminal charge against a person, it is necessary to prove that the defendant did not take the nude photographs which the defendant posted on the internet.
Sex crimes include a multitude of different offenses, and therefore have a range of punishment options, as outlined in the tables below:
| Class | Confinement | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in county jail | Up to $4,000 |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in county jail | Up to $2,000 |
| Class C Misdemeanor | None | Up to $500 |
| Degree | Confinement | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Felony | Life in prison or death | None |
| First Degree Felony | Life or 5-99 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Second Degree Felony | 2-20 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Third Degree Felony | 2-10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years in state jail | Up to $10,000 |
| State Jail Felony committed while exhibiting a deadly weapon | 2-10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
Not only do sex crimes involve the above punishment ranges, but many also require the defendant to register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives. This may impact your ability to purchase a home and where you can work. A sex offender registration will follow you throughout your life and is displayed on many public forums. This type of hindrance is life-altering and further necessitates the need for an experienced Houston sexual assault attorney after you have been arrested for a sex crime.
If you have been arrested on charges of a sex crime, do not hesitate to contact Houston sex crime lawyers at criminal defense law firm Mary E. Conn & Associates. Leading Houston sex crime attorney Mary E. Conn has years of experience in handling different criminal defense cases, including the many sex crimes that fall within the Texas Penal Code. Sex crimes can often be one-sided charges and therefore it is important to receive the facts of the case as soon as possible to being building a defense to the charges. Contact us for your initial free consultation on (713) 357-4190 today.
The consequences of a conviction on sex crime charges in Texas can be severe. Depending on the severity of the alleged offense and the defendant’s criminal history, prosecutors may seek jail time, hefty fines, and probation.
Like many other crimes, the penalty for sex crimes increases based on previous convictions. The more convictions you have or the more serious they are, the more severe your penalties become. This is especially true if any sex crimes involve children, injuries, or fatalities.
Additionally, individuals convicted of certain types of offenses must register as a sex offender in accordance with state laws. Registering as a sex offender has long-lasting implications, including difficulty finding work and limitations on where you can live and travel. If at all possible, your Houston sex crimes lawyer’s goal is to keep you off of the registry to prevent these types of life-altering implications.
Texas has specific statutes concerning time limitations on filing charges in sexual assault cases. These statutes vary depending on the specifics of each case – including whether DNA evidence has been collected—so it is important to contact an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney who understands these laws well.
A statute of limitations is, in essence, a legal time limit for how long someone has to file a claim. That means after a certain amount of time, you cannot be charged with the crime. However, statutes of limitation have seen a lot of changes over the last decade, especially those involving sex crimes. This is largely due to the revelations involving child abuse in the church. Those statutes have been extended significantly, making it possible for adults who were abused as children to file claims.
If you are charged with a sex crime, then seek advice from a qualified sex crimes attorney in Houston. The outcome of your case depends on the quality of your defense, which also hinges on the quality of your legal team. Seek help from a skilled group of legal resources at Mary E. Conn & Associates. Our Houston sex crimes attorneys specialize in defending people like you who have been charged with crimes and are at risk of having their rights violated by the legal system.
Whether the charges are for a felony or misdemeanor sex offense, the stigma of being labeled as a sex offender can be hard to overcome. Mary E. Conn & Associates is prepared to fight for those facing allegations of sexual misconduct, including charges of child pornography, prostitution, solicitation, sexual battery, and indecent exposure. Call us at (713) 357-4190 or fill out our contact form for help defending yourself in court.