Imagine a scenario where a night of youthful indiscretion turns into a nightmare of legal entanglement. It’s a situation no one plans for, yet it’s all too common in Texas. As the implications of such charges ripple through communities, individuals grapple with the weight of unintended actions and unforeseen legal repercussions. If you’re among those who fear they may have unknowingly crossed legal boundaries, unsure of whether their actions constitute a crime, you’re not alone. The complexities of Texas statutory rape laws can be perplexing, but there is help available.
At Mary E. Conn & Associates, our team of highly experienced Texas sex crime defense attorneys understands the gravity of such charges and the profound impact they can have on your life. If you find yourself in this situation, call us now to learn how our team can help fight for your rights and protect your future.
What Is the Age of Consent Under Texas Laws?
In Texas, the age of consent for sexual activity is 17 years old. That means that individuals under the age of 17 are legally incapable of consenting to sexual interactions, regardless of their willingness or participation. Any sexual activity involving a minor under the age of 17 and an individual older than 17 can potentially constitute statutory rape, even if the minor appears to consent. The resulting criminal charge may be:
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Indecency with a child
This distinction is vital to grasp, as ignorance of the law is not a valid defense in court.
What Are Legal Consequences for Sexual Assault of a Minor in Texas?
The legal ramifications for individuals convicted of sexual assault of a minor in Texas are significant and long-lasting. Depending on the specifics of the case, the resulting charge may be one of the following:
- Aggravated Assault on a Child: This offense involves any form of sexual penetration with or by a child under the age of 14 (13 and younger) by any individual, regardless of age. Penalties for this crime range from a minimum of 5 to 99 years in prison, with fines reaching up to $10,000.
- Sexual Assault of a Child: This offense occurs when there is sexual penetration with or by a child under the age of 17 by a person who is three or more years older than the victim. Conviction for this crime carries a minimum 2-year prison sentence, up to a maximum of 20 years, and fines up to $10,000.
- Indecency With a Child: This crime involves engaging in sexual contact or inappropriate touching (other than penetration) with a child who is 17 or younger while being more than three years older than the victim. Individuals convicted of this offense face a minimum prison term of 2 years, up to 20 years, and fines reaching $10,000.
Statutory rape laws differ, with potential life-altering consequences if convicted. Consult a skilled sex crimes defense lawyer at Mary E. Conn & Associates immediately for defense against these charges.
Potential Defenses Against Statutory Rape Charges in Texas
When facing statutory rape charges in Texas, having a robust defense strategy is crucial to protecting your rights and securing a favorable outcome. Your experienced criminal defense lawyer will explore various defenses to build a strong case on your behalf.
- The Marital Exception: Depending on the details of your situation, the marital exception may apply, providing an exception to statutory rape laws for legally married individuals. However, the applicability of this defense depends on the particulars of your case.
- Coerced or Illegally Obtained Confession: Confessions can often be a pivotal piece of evidence in statutory rape cases. If your confession was coerced or obtained illegally, it may be deemed inadmissible in court, strengthening your defense against the charges.
- Illegally Obtained Physical Evidence: Evidence collected without a valid search warrant or probable cause may be deemed inadmissible in court. Your defense team can challenge the admissibility of such evidence, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case against you.
The sooner you work with a sex crimes defense attorney to advocate on your behalf, the better your chances of beating the charges or obtaining a less severe penalty.
Talk to an Experienced Texas Sex Crimes Defense Attorney for Free Today
Tackling the complexities of statutory rape laws in Texas demands seasoned legal knowledge and unwavering dedication to justice. If you or someone you know is facing allegations of statutory rape or sexual assault of a minor in Texas, don’t delay seeking legal assistance.
Since 1985, the Mary E. Conn & Associates legal team has stood ready to be your trusted ally in this fight. You don’t have to face these charges alone. Let us defend your rights and work tirelessly to safeguard your future. Talk to our legal team over a free consultation by calling (713) 357-4190 or completing a contact form.