Houston Indecency With a Child Attorney

In the sprawling urban landscape of Houston, Texas, accusations of indecency with a child by contact can shatter lives in an instant. When faced with such allegations, the weight of legal proceedings and the fear of lasting repercussions can feel overwhelming. This is where having the right legal support from an experienced Houston indecency with a child lawyer becomes not just crucial, but a lifeline.

At Scheiner Law Group, we understand the complexities and sensitivities of cases involving indecency with a child by contact. As a leading law firm in Houston, Texas, our mission is clear: to provide unwavering legal advocacy and a staunch defense for individuals who find themselves falsely accused of sex crimes in Houston.

Indecency With a Child Charges in Houston, Texas

Indecency with a child is located in Texas Penal Code § 21.11. There are two different types of indecency with a child:

Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact

This version of the offense occurs if a person engages in sexual contact with a child who is under the age of 17 and who is not the person’s spouse.

No penetration of a person’s bodily orifices is required for this offense, otherwise, the offense would likely be raised to a sexual assault. The conduct involved here is commonly referred to as “fondling,” which may seem less serious than true sexual conduct but can still result in a very serious criminal charge if you are convicted.

If you have been charged with this type of conduct or child sexual abuse contact our indecency with a child attorneys in Houston, Texas, to learn more about your rights.

Indecency with a Child by Exposure

Indecency with a child by exposure in Texas occurs when a person exposes the anus or any part of the genitals in the known presence of a child or causes the child to expose the child’s anus or part of his or her genitals “with the intention to sexually arouse or gratify any person’s sexual desires.”

Often called “flashing,” the factual situations in which this may occur are extremely varied. In every case, this is a serious charge with high penalties.

The indecency with a child offense covers “statutory rape,” but it also criminalizes a broader array of “child molestation.” The other “statutory rape” offense, called sexual assault of a child, carries a higher penalty classification than indecency with a child and only applies to a narrower range of sexual activity. Indecency with a child is also a lesser included offense of sexual assault of a child, so if you could be charged with sexual assault of a child, you could also be charged with indecency with a child.

If you are not sure of what type of case is yours, seek the help of a Houston indecency with a child lawyer for better guidance.

What is Indecency with a Child by Contact in Houston, Texas?

At its core, indecency with a child by contact refers to any intentional touching, whether through clothing or directly on the skin, of a child’s genitals, anus, or female breast. This offense, outlined in Texas Penal Code § 21.11, is one of the most serious charges an individual can face, with profound legal and personal consequences.

According to Section 21.11 of the Texas Penal Code, sexual contact with a child is considered indecent and unlawful. Indecency with a child by contact occurs when a person does either of the following:

Engages in contact with the breast, anus, or any part of the genitals of a child.
Causes a child to engage in sexual contact with the breast, anus, or any part of the genitals of the person.
Such contact is illegal regardless of whether or not the touching was done over or under the clothing of the child. Moreover, an important facet of this crime is the intent of sexual gratification. This means that a person is guilty of indecency with a child by contact when they have provoked sexual contact with the goal of gratifying themselves sexually.

Texas Laws: Understanding the Legal Landscape

Texas law takes a firm stance against crimes involving children, and indecency with a child is no exception. As per the law, this offense is considered a second-degree felony, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. A conviction can also lead to lifelong registration as a sex offender, profoundly impacting personal and professional life.

To learn more about Texas laws and your rights contact a Houston indecency with a child attorney at Scheiner Law Group today.

Indecency with a Child by Contact: Legal Implications in Texas

Section 21.11 of the Texas Penal Code also covers indecency with a child by contact, outlining severe penalties for those convicted of this offense. In Texas, indecency with a child by contact is classified as a second-degree felony.

If found guilty of indecency with a child by contact, individuals may face penalties ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, or both. Moreover, a conviction in such cases often results in lifelong registration as a sex offender, a label that can have devastating consequences on personal and professional life.

Defenses Against Charges of Being Indecent with a Child in Houston, Texas

Indecency with a child by contact is a serious offense, but individuals accused of this crime have rights and legal options. There are several defenses that a skilled indecency with a child lawyer in Houston, Texas, can employ to protect your rights and fight for your innocence.

Common Defenses Include:

Lack of probable cause
Illegal search and seizure
Mistake of fact
Lack of mental capacity
Additionally, the intent to arouse or gratify remains a crucial element of the offense, and a strong legal defense can challenge the prosecution’s case on various fronts. In some instances, individuals may be misidentified by child victims, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation and skilled representation.

Consequences of Being Charged With Being Indecent with a Child in Houston

In Texas, the consequences for sexual offenses against minors are particularly severe. Indecency with a Child is a second-degree felony charge that involves sexual contact, therefore carrying a maximum penalty of $10,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison upon conviction.

Exposure in indecency with a child cases, on the other hand, is a third-degree felony and may result in a fine of up to $10,000, with a maximum of 10 years behind bars. Additionally, anyone convicted of indecency with a child is required to register as a sex offender.

Committing indecent acts towards a child can lead to severe consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence as it is categorized as a felony offense. A severe criminal offense that can result in a prison term of up to 20 years if the perpetrator touches the child inappropriately.

Another form of indecency towards a child is displaying one’s private parts, which is also considered a grave offense and could lead to a prison term of up to 10 years.

Being convicted of either of these crimes would result in the offender becoming a felon, which entails losing some crucial rights such as voting, owning or carrying guns, and serving on a jury. Furthermore, finding employment or retaining specialized licenses may become difficult for them. This is why individuals charged with these these types of crimes should contact a Houston indecency with a child defense lawyer immediately.

Collateral Consequences of an Indecency with a Child

An accusation of being indecenct with a child will likely involve a Texas Department of Family Services investigation. This investigation is separate from the criminal process. You could lose custody of your child on a temporary or permanent basis.

Your life could also be affected in various other ways if you are found guilty of indecency with a child charge. In addition to the criminal and family law penalties you’ll endure, there are:

Immigration or citizenship issues
Loss of gun rights
Trouble finding affordable, safe housing
Difficulty finding employment
Probation or parole requirements

What to Do if Charged With Child Indecency in Houston, Texas

If you have been charged with child indecency in Texas, it is important to take the matter seriously and seek legal representation immediately. Child indecency is a serious offense and can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment and fines.

Here are some steps you can take if you are charged with child indecency in Texas:

Hire an experienced legal representative in Houston, Texas: It is crucial to have legal representation from an experienced indecency with a child defense attorney in Houston who can guide you through the legal process and defend your rights.
Do not talk to anyone about your case: It is important to refrain from discussing your case with anyone except your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
Follow the court orders: If you are released on bail, make sure you comply with all the court orders, such as attending all hearings and avoiding contact with the victim.
Do not tamper with evidence: It is illegal to tamper with evidence, and doing so can result in additional charges.
Be prepared for a trial: If your case goes to trial, your Houston indecency with a child defense attorney will prepare you for what to expect and work to build a strong defense on your behalf.

How Scheiner Law Can Help

Navigating the legal complexities of an indecency with a child accusation demands expertise and unwavering dedication. At Scheiner Law Group, we stand as a beacon of support for those facing these daunting charges.

Our Approach:

Experienced Representation: With years of experience in Texas criminal law, our Houston indecency with a child lawyers bring a depth of knowledge to each case. We have successfully defended numerous clients against indecency with a child charges, using a strategic and thorough approach to protect their rights.
Tailored Defense Strategies: Every case is unique, and we understand the importance of a personalized defense strategy. Our team meticulously analyzes the details of each situation, uncovering key facts and building a strong defense on behalf of our clients.
Compassionate Advocacy: We recognize the emotional turmoil that accompanies such accusations. That’s why we provide compassionate support and clear communication throughout the legal process, ensuring our clients are informed and empowered every step of the way.
Proactive Legal Guidance: From the moment you reach out to us, we take swift action to safeguard your rights. Whether it’s gathering evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, or preparing for trial, we proactively pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Our Services Include:

Thorough case investigation and analysis
Building a strong defense strategy tailored to your case
Negotiating with prosecutors in Houston, Texas, for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
Vigorous representation in court, including trials and appeals
Protecting your rights and interests at every stage of the legal process

Contact Scheiner Law Group Today

If you are facing allegations of indecency with a child by contact in Houston, Texas, do not face this challenge alone. The stakes are high, and your future hangs in the balance. Contact Scheiner Law Group today for a confidential consultation with a knowledeable indecency with a child by contact attorney in Houston, Texas. Let us be your dedicated advocates, fighting relentlessly to protect your rights and defend your innocence. Your future is too important to leave to chance.

Our legal team specializes in sex offenses and sex crime defense handling cases having to do with possession of child pornography, promotion of child pornography, sexual assault, and more. Locations near Houston we serve include Pearland, Richmond, Katy, Pasadena, Friendswood, Sugar Land, Cypress, New Caney, Spring, Baytown, Galena Park, and the surrounding areas.