Houston Sex Crime Attorneys
A conviction for indecency with a child throughout Harris County and the surrounding counties can result in serious punishment and collateral consequences, such as:
- a prison or jail sentence;
- a criminal record;
- an exclusion from certain jobs, occupations or professions;
- an exclusion from admission into certain educational programs;
- an inability to possess or own a firearm;
- fines;
- ineligible to vote or hold public office;
- Public humiliation and scorn; and/or
- a requirement to register as a sex offender for life.
The sex offense of indecency with a child can involve a number acts, including, but not limited to touching, fondling, exposure of genitals, child abuse, rape, sexual assault, molestation, child pornography and child prostitution.
If you are under investigation for or are accused of indecency with a child, it is important to hire legal counsel before discussing the allegations with a CPS caseworker or a law enforcement investigator. Having legal representation could mean the difference between criminal charges being filed, a case dismissal or even a conviction.
In order to obtain a conviction, the prosecution must first prove you committed every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This burden of proof is difficult to establish. If the judge or jury has any doubt you committed every element of the offense, the charges against you may be reduced or even dismissed altogether. Therefore, it is imperative to retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to help you begin developing the best defense for your specific situation.
Houston Indecency with a Child Attorney
If you have been charged with indecency with a child in the Greater Houston area, including Katy, Cypress, Jersey Village, Bellaire, Spring, Humble, Pasadena, Channelview, Conroe, The Woodlands, Hempstead, Richmond, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Pearland, Angleton, Friendswood and Galveston, you can call (281) 546-6428 for a free consultation and case evaluation. Attorney James (Jim) Sullivan is an experienced criminal trial lawyer who will fight for your rights, freedom and future.
What is Indecency with a Child in Texas?
According to Texas Penal Code § 21.11(a)(1), a person can be charged with indecency with a child by contact if they participate in any sexual contact with a child under the age of 17, whether the child is of the same or opposite sex. A person can also be charged with this offense if they cause a child under the age of 17 to engage in sexual contact.
According to Texas Penal Code § 21.11(c), sexual contact is defined as engaging in any of the following forms of conduct with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desires of any person:
- any touching by a person, including touching through clothing, of the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of a child; or,
- any touching of any part of the body of a child, including touching through clothing, with the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of a person.
According to the Texas Penal Code § 21.11(a)(2), a person can be charged with indecency with a child by exposure if they commit any of the following acts with a child under the age of 17 with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person:
- exposes the person’s anus or any part of the person’s genitals, knowing the child is present; or
- causes the child to expose the child’s anus or any part of their anus or genitals.
Punishment for Indecency with a Child in Harris County
According to Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code, a person charged with indecency with a child can receive any of the following punishment and consequences if they are convicted of the offense:
- A person charged with indecency with a child involving sexual contact can be convicted of a felony of the second degree, which is generally punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years.
- A person charged with indecency with a child involving exposure can be convicted of a felony of the third degree, which is generally punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or a prison sentence ranging from two to 10 years.
James G. Sullivan and Associates | Harris County Indecency with a Child Lawyers
If you or your loved one are being investigated or were already arrested for allegedly committing indecency with a child in the Greater Houston area, you should immediately retain experienced legal counsel. James G. Sullivan and Associates can help determine your best possible defense and fight to obtain the most favorable result.
Our Houston criminal defense lawyers represent clients accused of sex crimes all over Harris County, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, Waller County, Brazoria County and Galveston County. Call (281) 546-6428 for a free and confidential consultation.
