How Does Texas Law Define Indecency With a Child?

 Posted on February 28, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Although any type of criminal charge is a grave matter, being charged with a crime against a child can be especially devastating. Many people are quick to assume that just because a person has been charged with a child-related crime, he or she must be guilty of the offense. This is especially true of sex crimes against children. It is important to understand how Texas law defines indecency with a child when considering how to build a strong defense against these serious allegations. 

Texas Law Regarding Indecency With a Child

There are two reasons a person may be charged with indecency with a child in Texas. The first is if they are accused of engaging in non-penetrative sexual contact with someone under 17 years of age. A person may be convicted of indecency with a child if it can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that they touched the genitals, breast, or anus of the child, either above or under the child’s clothing, and this contact was intended to arouse or gratify their sexual desires. It is also against the law for a person to touch a child with their own genitals, breast, or anus.

The second way an individual can be charged with indecency with a child is if they are accused of exposing these body parts. If it can be proven that the defendant exposed themselves or exposed the child for the purpose of sexual arousal, the defendant may be found guilty of indecency with a child.

Criminal Penalties for Indecency With a Child

Texas has especially harsh penalties for sexual crimes against children. Indecency with a child through sexual contact is a second-degree felony offense. If a person is convicted of this crime, they may face up to $10,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison. Indecency with a child through exposure is a third-degree felony punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 10 years of incarceration. In addition to these punishments, if an individual is convicted of indecency with a child, they will be required to register as a sex offender.

Contact a Plano, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a sex crime involving a child will dramatically affect your life. If you are facing charges of indecency with a child or another child-related offense, you need a lawyer who is highly experienced at defending against these types of accusations. Darlina Crowder has secured over 200 acquittals and not guilty verdicts for clients accused of a wide range of serious offenses. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Collin County sex crimes attorney from The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., call our office today at 214-544-0061.

Source:
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/PE/htm/PE.21.htm