What Are the Penalties for a Sexual Teacher-Student Relationship in Texas?

 Posted on May 22, 2020 in Criminal Defense

School personnel often spend large amounts of time with students, and they may form special connections with certain individuals. However, teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, and other school staff have a legal responsibility to maintain proper boundaries with students. When a teacher-student relationship involves sexual contact, this constitutes a criminal offense in Texas. Although they are against the law, romantic or sexual student-teacher relationships do exist in Texas and throughout the United States. If you or someone you know has been accused of sexual contact with a student, it is crucial to consult a criminal defense attorney to obtain the legal guidance you need.

Texas Law Regarding Teacher-Student Relationships

According to the Texas Penal Code, it is illegal for any primary school or secondary school educator to engage in sexual activity with a student. This includes teachers as well as substitute teachers, teachers’ aides, librarians, principals, administrative staff, counselors, and other employees of public or private schools. It is important to note that although the age of consent is 17 in Texas, it is still unlawful for an educator to have sexual contact with a student who is older than 17. In addition, online solicitation of a student by an educator is classified as an unlawful student-teacher relationship.

In Texas, an improper relationship between an educator and a student is a second-degree felony offense. If convicted of having a sexual relationship with a student, an educator may face up to $10,000 in fines and up to 20 years behind bars. He or she will also be required to register with the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry. In addition to criminal consequences, the educator will likely face harsh penalties from his or her school district and the State Board of Education. The educator’s personal and professional reputation may be completely destroyed.

Contact a Tarrant County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

It is unlawful for an educator to have sexual contact with a student, either physically or online. If you have been accused of engaging in sexual activity with a student, speak to a defense attorney who has experience with cases involving improper teacher-student relationships right away. The sooner you get the legal support you need, the sooner you and your attorney can start building a strong defense against these serious accusations. Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Darlina Crowder has successfully represented defendants accused of a wide range of crimes against children, and she has secured more than 300 not guilty verdicts during her tenure as a defense attorney. To schedule a confidential, free consultation at 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