Scheiner Sex Crimes

Pearland Indecency With a Child Defense Attorney

A single accusation of indecency with a child in Pearland can immediately lead to arrest, job loss, and destroyed relationships before anyone examines the facts. This is why having an experienced Pearland indecency with a child lawyer is crucial.

The truth is that false allegations of sex offenses involving children happen more often than most people realize, particularly in custody disputes, family conflicts, and cases built on misunderstandings.

Texas law treats indecency with a child as a serious felony, whether the allegation involves contact or exposure. Prosecutors move fast on these cases, and they often proceed with minimal evidence beyond one person’s statement.

A conviction means prison time, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your ability to work, live where you choose, and maintain relationships with your own children.

Our experienced indecency with a child defense attorneys in Pearland, Texas understand how to build a defense that challenges weak evidence and exposes false accusations.

Our skilled legal team at Scheiner Law Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers starts working immediately to protect your rights and your future. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.

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, or causes the exposure of, a child younger than 17 years of age. The law doesn’t require the accused to know the child’s age, and the child’s consent isn’t a valid defense.

The offense splits into two distinct categories. Indecency by contact involves touching the child’s intimate areas or causing the child to touch you sexually. Indecency by exposure means exposing your genitals to a child or making the child expose themselves with sexual intent.

Prosecutors must prove you acted with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. This element of sexual intent becomes the central battleground in most cases, especially when the facts are unclear or based on one person’s account.

What Are the Penalties for Contact vs. Exposure?

Texas treats these charges as serious felonies with harsh consequences that extend far beyond prison time, making representation by an experienced Pearland indecency with a child defense lawyer essential for protecting your future.

Indecency by Contact carries second-degree felony penalties:

Indecency by Exposure is classified as a third-degree felony:

  • Prison sentence: 2 to 10 years in state prison
  • Financial penalty: Up to $10,000 in fines
  • Registration requirement: Lifetime sex offender registration

A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that destroys employment opportunities, housing options, and professional licensing. Even after serving your sentence, the conviction follows you for life.

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender and For How Long?

Any conviction requires mandatory sex offender registration. For indecency with a child charges, registration is typically for life with no possibility of removal.

Registration isn’t just paperwork,      it fundamentally changes how you live. Your name, photograph, address, and offense details become public information searchable by anyone online. You must report to law enforcement regularly and notify them of any changes to your address, employment, or vehicle ownership.

Living restrictions severely limit where you can reside. Some jurisdictions impose residency restrictions that prohibit registered sex offenders from living near schools, parks, playgrounds, or daycare centers. This often forces people to move from homes they’ve owned for years.

Employment becomes nearly impossible in many fields. Jobs involving children are permanently off-limits, and most employers conduct background checks that reveal your registration status.

What Defenses Can Apply in Your Indecency Case?

Being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Strong defenses exist that can lead to dismissal or acquittal, depending on your case’s specific facts.

Lack of sexual intent forms the most common defense. The state must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you acted for sexual gratification. We can argue the alleged conduct was accidental, misunderstood, or had an innocent purpose.

False allegations arise more frequently than people realize. Accusations sometimes stem from custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or revenge motives. We investigate the accuser’s background and expose inconsistencies in their story.

Constitutional violations by law enforcement can destroy the prosecution’s case. If police conducted illegal searches, failed to provide Miranda warnings, or used coercive interrogation tactics, we file motions to suppress evidence.

Affirmative defenses apply in limited situations. Texas law provides specific protections for married couples and close-in-age relationships that meet certain criteria.

How Our Pearland Criminal Defense Attorneys Defend Indecency With a Child Charges

Our attorneys launch immediate investigations to protect your rights from day one. Our proactive approach often uncovers evidence that law enforcement missed or ignored.

Early Interventions and Evidence Preservation

Time is critical in these cases. We move quickly to secure text messages, emails, surveillance footage, and witness statements before they disappear. Digital evidence can prove your innocence, but it must be preserved immediately.

Challenging Child Interviews, Timelines, and Forensic Claims

Child witness cases require special expertise that an experienced child sexual abuse defense lawyer brings to challenging testimony and interview methods. We examine how investigators questioned the child, looking for leading questions or suggestive techniques that create false memories.

We also scrutinize the prosecution’s timeline for inconsistencies and challenge questionable forensic evidence.

Motions to Suppress and Constitutional Challenges

Your constitutional rights must be protected throughout the investigation. When law enforcement violates these rights, we file aggressive motions to exclude illegally obtained evidence from trial.

Negotiations, Expert Use, and Trial Readiness

We prepare every case for trial, giving us strength when negotiating with prosecutors. Our trial-ready approach often leads to better plea offers or complete dismissals. When necessary, we work with forensic experts and psychologists to dismantle the state’s case.

Does the Three Year Rule Apply in Indecency With a Child Cases?

The “Romeo and Juliet” law can serve as an affirmative defense in certain indecency cases. This law recognizes that consensual activity between close-in-age teenagers shouldn’t carry the same penalties as predatory behavior.

To qualify for this defense, several strict requirements must be met. The accused must be no more than three years older than the alleged victim, who must be at least 14 years old. The activity must have been consensual, and the accused cannot have prior sex offense convictions or be required to register as a sex offender.

This is an affirmative defense, meaning the burden falls on us to prove it applies. The defense doesn’t prevent arrest or prosecution,      it must be actively raised and proven in court.

What Should You Avoid Doing Right Now?

Your actions from this moment forward can make or break your case. Even well-intentioned mistakes can cause irreversible damage to your defense.

  • Never contact the alleged victim or their family. Any communication can be twisted into evidence of harassment or witness tampering, even if you have innocent intentions.
  • Don’t discuss your case on social media or with friends. Prosecutors monitor social media accounts and can use your posts against you, even if taken out of context.
  • Refuse to speak with investigators without your lawyer present. Police are trained to build cases, not find the truth. Exercise your right to remain silent and demand an attorney.
  • Don’t delete texts, emails, or other digital evidence. Destroying potential evidence can lead to additional obstruction charges and removes information that might prove your innocence.
  • Never assume the charges will disappear on their own. These accusations don’t simply go away, and delay only helps the prosecution build a stronger case against you.

Protect your rights from the start,  contact us for a confidential consultation with our legal team.

Why Hire a Pearland Criminal Defense Attorney for Indecency With a Child?

Local knowledge makes a crucial difference in serious felony cases. A Pearland attorney understands Brazoria County’s unique legal landscape and can navigate it effectively.

Local Attorney Benefits Out-of-Area Attorney Limitations
Knows local judges and their preferences Unfamiliar with court procedures
Has relationships with Brazoria County prosecutors No local connections for negotiations
Understands community values and jury pools Must use generic defense strategies
Provides convenient access for meetings Creates communication delays

Our firm’s deep experience in Brazoria County courts gives clients the home-field advantage they need. We understand how local prosecutors handle these cases and which judges are most receptive to different defense strategies.

Fighting a life-altering felony charge requires specialized knowledge and local insight. Our established relationships and court experience provide the strategic advantage necessary for success.

Why Choose Scheiner Law Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers?

When facing accusations this serious, you need a defense firm with proven credentials and unwavering dedication to protecting what matters most.

Board-Certified Criminal Law Leadership

Attorney Grant Scheiner leads our firm as one of the few attorneys Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This certification represents a recognized, advanced level of expertise in criminal defense.

Proven Results and Trial Experience in Complex Sex Crime Cases

We have achieved dismissals and Not Guilty verdicts for clients facing false sex crime accusations. Our trial-focused approach means we prepare every case for courtroom victory, not quick plea agreements.

Local Insight in Brazoria County Courts

Our attorneys regularly defend clients throughout Pearland and Brazoria County. We have intimate knowledge of local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures that we use to build the strongest possible defense strategy.

Discreet, Client-Focused Representation

We understand the fear and embarrassment these charges create. Our team provides compassionate, confidential representation while keeping you informed throughout the legal process.

Related Child Sex Charges We Defend in Pearland

Our expertise extends beyond indecency charges to all types of serious sex crime allegations involving minors.

Sexual Assault of a Child

This charge involves allegations of sexual penetration with a minor under 17. It carries potential life sentences and is prosecuted more aggressively than indecency charges.

Aggravated Sexual Assault

When sexual assault allegations involve weapons, serious injury, or victims under 14, charges are elevated to aggravated offenses with enhanced penalties including mandatory minimum sentences.

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child

This charge applies to allegations of multiple sexual acts against a child under 14 over at least 30 days, making continuous sexual abuse one of the most serious accusations in Texas criminal law.

Online Solicitation and Child Sexual Abuse Material

We defend all internet-related sex crimes, including online solicitation of minors and possession or promotion of child sexual abuse material, with our child pornography defense team handling complex digital evidence cases.

Facing any child-related criminal charges? Our Pearland sex crime defense lawyers are ready to help, call (832) 864-5240 now.

Arrested for Indecency With a Child in Pearland? Here Is What to Do First

The steps you take immediately after arrest can determine your case’s outcome. Stay calm and follow these critical actions to protect yourself.

Invoke your right to remain silent immediately. Tell officers clearly: “I am invoking my right to remain silent and want a lawyer.” Don’t answer questions or make statements until your attorney arrives.

Request an attorney before making any decisions. Police may pressure you to sign documents or make statements, but refuse everything until you have legal representation.

Never consent to searches of your phone, computer, or home. Require officers to obtain proper warrants for any searches they want to conduct.

Document everything you remember about the alleged incident and your arrest. Write down details while they’re fresh in your memory, but share this information only with your lawyer.

Contact our firm immediately. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your rights and begin building your defense strategy.

FAQs

What Is the Romeo and Juliet Law in Texas Indecency Cases?

Under the Romeo and Juliet law, an affirmative defense applies when the accused is no more than three years older than the alleged victim, who must be at least 14 years old, and the conduct was consensual.

Can Indecency With a Child by Exposure Charges Be Dismissed in Brazoria County?

Yes, charges can be dismissed through successful challenges to evidence, witness credibility issues, constitutional violations, or lack of proof regarding sexual intent.

Do First-Time Offenders Face Prison Time for Indecency With a Child in Texas?

Yes, both contact and exposure charges carry mandatory prison sentences, though skilled defense attorneys can sometimes negotiate probation or achieve acquittals that avoid incarceration entirely.

Should I Talk to CPS Investigators Without My Lawyer Present?

Never speak to CPS or police investigators without your attorney present, as anything you say will be used to build the case against you.

Will Protective Orders Prevent Me From Seeing My Own Children During the Case?

Courts typically issue protective orders limiting contact with your children while charges are pending, but your attorney can fight for supervised visitation or seek order modifications.

How Long Do Indecency With a Child Cases Take to Resolve in Pearland?

Case timelines vary widely depending on complexity, evidence, and court schedules; cases may resolve through dismissal, a plea agreement, or trial and can take months or longer.

Speak With Our Sex Crime Defense Law Firm in Pearland, Texas Today

False accusations of indecency with a child can destroy everything you’ve worked to build. At Scheiner DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we’ve seen how quickly these charges can devastate innocent lives, and we’re committed to fighting back aggressively.

Our firm serves clients throughout Pearland and Brazoria County, providing the strategic, experienced defense needed to protect your freedom and future. We understand the local court system and have the trial experience necessary to challenge these serious allegations.

Don’t let false accusations destroy your life, contact our legal team for immediate help.