The accusation of a sex crime can have a devastating impact on your life. Not only can it damage your reputation, but it can also destroy your career and even your relationships. If you’re convicted of any sex crime, it could stay with you for the rest of your life. Not only can you face prison time, but you can also be registered as a sex offender.
Whether it’s a casual comment by a child, a complaint from a student, or a bad divorce, you could face sex charges. Only you or your lawyer can turn it back in your favor. That’s why these kinds of cases must be taken seriously, and that’s why an aggressive approach can keep you from being wrongfully convicted.
The current political landscape has resulted in a national effort to find and prosecute sexual predators, and the government has spent a great deal of time and money to conduct covert operations so they can pursue people who commit these crimes. Even the media is using it to play with people’s fears.
Types of Sex Crimes in the State of Texas
Sex crimes are taken very seriously in the State of Texas, and they can fall into a number of categories:
- Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (Under 17)
- Aggravated Kidnapping
- Homosexual Conduct
- Public Lewdness
- Indecent Exposure
- Indecency with a Child (Under the age of 17)
- Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student
- Improper Photography or Visual Recording
- Sexual Assault
- Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Prohibited Sexual Conduct
- Prostitution
- Promotion of Prostitution
- Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution
- Compelling Prostitution
- Obscene Display or Distribution
- Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to Minor (Under 18)
- Sexual Performance by a Child
- Employment Harmful to Children
- Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography
Be sure to speak to a qualified attorney for more details about each of these crimes.
Consequences for a Sex Crime Conviction in the State of Texas
While everyone who has been accused of a criminal offense is innocent until proven guilty, it may not be the case if you have been accused of a sex crime. The police, the prosecutor, and even the judge may treat you like a criminal before you’ve had the chance to make your defense. A sex crime conviction could result in serious prison time, and there may be other consequences as well. Most sex crimes are classified as felonies, which could mean fines of up to $10,000 and a jail or prison sentence that can be anywhere from 2 years to life.
If you’re convicted of these types of crimes, you’ll have to register as a sex offender if or when you get released from prison. The length of the registration can be anywhere from 10 years to life, depending on the type of crime for which you have been convicted. If you don’t comply with the yearly requirements of your registration, your driver’s license may be suspended until you do.
If you want more information about how you can fight a sex crime accusation, contact the legal office of Gale Law Group. We have a team of qualified attorneys who will protect you in court, and make sure that your rights are being protected. If you have been accused of a sex crime, call with us today! 361.808.4444