League City Indecency With a Child Defense Attorney
Indecency with a child charges in League City carry some of the most severe penalties in Texas criminal law, including lengthy prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration.
Yet these cases frequently rest on a single accusation without physical evidence, unclear circumstances, or statements from child witnesses that adults may have influenced.
The combination of passionate prosecution and limited evidence means innocent people can face devastating consequences based on claims that would struggle to meet the burden of proof in other types of criminal cases.
At Scheiner DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, our Board Certified League City indecency with a child defense lawyers understand how quickly these accusations can destroy reputations and families, often before any evidence is properly examined.
We move quickly to protect our clients from making statements that could be misinterpreted, preserve evidence supporting their innocence, and challenge cases built on coached testimony or misunderstood situations.
Contact us now to speak with our experienced indecency with a child defense attorneys in League City, Texas about protecting your rights and your future.
What Is Indecency with a Child Under Texas Law?
Under Texas Penal Code § 21.11, indecency with a child occurs when someone engages in sexual contact with a minor under 17 or exposes themselves to a child with the intent to arouse sexual desire. The law applies regardless of whether you knew the child’s age or if the child seemed to consent.
Prosecutors must prove you acted with sexual intent, which becomes the central battle in most cases. Unlike many other crimes, claiming you didn’t know the child’s age or that they consented won’t protect you from prosecution.
Indecency by Contact vs by Exposure
Texas separates these charges into two distinct offenses with different penalties and legal requirements.
Indecency by Contact
It involves physical touching of a child’s intimate areas for sexual gratification. This includes touching through clothing and covers situations where you cause the child to touch you. The state treats this as a second-degree felony with harsher penalties.
Indecency by Exposure
This happens when you expose your genitals to a child or cause them to reveal themselves, knowing they’re present and acting for sexual arousal. No physical contact is required, making this a third-degree felony.
Both charges require prosecutors to prove sexual intent, which often becomes the focus of our League city indecency with a child defense lawyers’ defense strategy.
What Are the Penalties, and Will I Have to Register?
Yes, any conviction for indecency with a child requires lifetime sex offender registration in Texas. This registration is public and affects where you can live, work, and travel.
The prison sentences depend on which charge you face:
| Charge Type | Prison Time | Fine | Registration |
| By Contact | 2-20 years | Up to $10,000 | Lifetime |
| By Exposure | 2-10 years | Up to $10,000 | Lifetime |
Getting removed from the sex offender registry is extremely difficult and rarely successful. These penalties represent just the beginning of how a conviction will change your life.
What Are the Collateral Consequences in League City?
A conviction creates permanent restrictions that go far beyond prison time. These consequences follow you for the rest of your life and affect your family as well.
- Employment barriers: You cannot work in education, healthcare, childcare, or any field involving minors.
- Housing restrictions: League City ordinances may prohibit you from living near schools, parks, or daycare centers.
- Family impact: You may lose custody of your children or have supervised visitation only.
- Professional licenses: Medical, nursing, teaching, and other professional licenses can be revoked permanently.
- Immigration consequences: Non-citizens face almost certain deportation and permanent bars to re-entry.
These restrictions make defending against false accusations absolutely critical from the moment charges are filed.
Contact our experienced League City sex crime defense lawyers for immediate help with indecency with a child charges in League City.
What Defenses Apply to Indecency with a Child?
Strong defenses exist even in cases that seem challenging to win, as skilled attorneys know from years of practice. We examine every aspect of the prosecution’s case to find weaknesses and protect your rights.
Lack of Sexual Intent or Mistaken Identity
The prosecution must prove you acted for sexual gratification, not that contact simply occurred. We challenge cases where touching was accidental, medical, or completely innocent. When identity is at issue, we use alibi evidence and highlight inconsistencies in witness descriptions.
Coached Interviews and Forensic Flaws
Leading questions from investigators, parents, or counselors can influence children. We scrutinize how interviews were conducted and challenge cases built solely on unreliable child testimony. Many accusations fall apart when we expose improper questioning techniques or outside influence.
Illegal Searches and Suppression Motions
Police must follow constitutional rules when gathering evidence, unlike the aggressive tactics sometimes used in sex crime police stings. If they searched your home, phone, or computer without a proper warrant, we file motions to suppress that evidence. Successful suppression motions can destroy the prosecution’s case entirely.
Close-in-Age and Marriage Affirmative Defenses
Texas provides a “Romeo and Juliet” defense when specific conditions are met. This applies if you were within three years of the alleged victim’s age, they were at least 14, the conduct was consensual, and you’re not a registered sex offender. Marriage to the alleged victim at the time also provides a complete defense.
What Should I Do in the First 72 Hours?
Your immediate actions after an accusation can determine whether you prevail or face conviction. Every decision matters during this critical window.
Decline Interviews and Pretext Calls
Assert your right to remain silent with police, CPS, and anyone else who contacts you. Be especially careful of “pretext calls” where the accuser tries to record you making incriminating statements over the phone.
Preserve Messages and Digital Evidence
Never delete text messages, emails, photos, or social media posts. This information could prove your innocence, and destroying it can be charged as tampering with evidence.
Create a Private Timeline and Witness List
Write down everything you remember while it’s fresh, including potential witnesses who can support your version of events. Share this information only with your attorney.
Call a Board Certified Criminal Lawyer
Evidence disappears quickly in these cases. Surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and the prosecution builds its case while you wait. Contact experienced legal help from our legal team immediately.
How We Defend You Before Indictment in Galveston County
We believe in stopping cases before they’re formally filed. Our pre-indictment intervention has prevented many clients from ever being charged.
Digital Forensics and Preservation Notices
We immediately send legal notices to preserve surveillance footage from businesses, Ring doorbells, and other sources before it’s automatically deleted. Our team also works with forensic experts to analyze phones and computers for evidence supporting your innocence.
Grand Jury No-Bill Strategy
Before formal charges are filed, cases go to a grand jury. We can present a “grand jury packet” with witness statements, polygraph results, and other evidence showing your innocence. A successful presentation results in a “no-bill,” meaning no charges are filed and the case ends.
What Happens When Police or CPS Contact You in League City?
You face investigations from both law enforcement and Child Protective Services when accused of indecency with a child. These agencies share information, so anything you tell one will be used by the other.
You have the right to refuse all interviews until you have legal representation. CPS investigators can interview your children at school without your permission, making early legal intervention crucial. Never assume cooperation will help your case—it almost always makes things worse.
What Are Typical Bond Conditions and the Court Process?
If arrested in Galveston County, you’ll face strict bond conditions while your case is pending. Violating these conditions sends you back to jail immediately.
Common bond conditions include:
- No contact with the alleged victim.
- No unsupervised time with any minors.
- Surrendering your passport.
- GPS monitoring or curfew requirements.
The court process follows a predictable timeline: arrest, bond hearing, grand jury review, arraignment, pretrial motions, and trial or plea negotiations. Each stage presents opportunities to challenge the case and protect your future.
Why Hire Scheiner DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers for Indecency with a Child?
Our firm brings unique qualifications and proven results to these life-changing cases.
Board Certified Criminal Law Leadership
Grant Scheiner holds Board Certification in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction that sets him apart among League City indecency with a child defense lawyers. Earning this certification requires extensive experience, peer recognition, and continuing education that only a small percentage of Texas attorneys attain.
League City and Galveston County Experience
We know the local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures in Galveston County. This familiarity helps us anticipate prosecution strategies and position your case for the best possible outcome.
Forensic Science and Police Procedure Insight
Our attorneys have advanced training in forensic science and police investigation methods. We spot errors in evidence collection, interview techniques, and laboratory procedures that other lawyers miss.
Clear Communication and Payment Options
We explain complex legal concepts in plain English and keep you informed throughout the process. Flexible payment plans help manage the financial stress during this difficult time, a service we offer throughout the greater Houston area.
Ready to discuss your defense? Contact us at (832) 864-5240 for a confidential consultation.
FAQ
Is Indecency by Exposure the Same as Regular Indecent Exposure in Texas?
No, these are entirely different charges. Regular indecent exposure under Penal Code § 21.08 requires intent to offend someone, while indecency by exposure requires sexual gratification intent with a child present.
When Does the Three-Year Close-in-Age Defense Apply to These Charges?
This defense applies when you’re within three years of the alleged victim’s age, they were at least 14, the conduct was consensual, and you’re not already a registered sex offender.
Will Galveston County Drop Charges if the Alleged Victim Recants Their Story?
Prosecutors often continue cases even when accusers recant, claiming the victim was pressured or threatened into changing their story.
Can You Get My Case Dismissed at the Grand Jury Level?
We’ve secured numerous “no-bills” by presenting evidence of innocence to grand juries before indictment, though success depends on the specific facts of each case.
What Bond Restrictions Should I Expect for Child Sex Crime Charges in Galveston County?
Expect no-contact orders with the alleged victim, restrictions on unsupervised contact with any minors, and possible GPS monitoring or travel limitations.
Do First-Time Offenders Typically Receive Probation for Indecency with a Child?
Prison time is possible even for first offenses, and probation is never guaranteed regardless of your criminal history.
Knowledgeable Attorneys Specializing in Child Sex Crime Defense in League City, Texas
False accusations of indecency with a child threaten to destroy everything you’ve built. These cases move quickly, and waiting to get help often makes the situation worse.
At Scheiner DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we act immediately to protect your rights and reputation. Our team thoroughly investigates, challenges weak evidence, and aggressively fights for dismissals and acquittals.
False accusations of indecency with a child require immediate action. Contact us now. Available 24/7. También hablamos Español.