Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu
League City Criminal Defense Lawyer / League City Sex Offenses Lawyer

League City Sex Offenses Defense Lawyer

Sex offenses are taken very seriously in Texas, with strict penalties for those convicted. These crimes, defined under the Texas Penal Code, encompass a range of unlawful sexual conduct. The consequences of a conviction extend beyond imprisonment or fines, as offenders may also be subject to mandatory sex offender registration or civil commitment. Unfortunately, the passion and zeal with which sex crimes are investigated and prosecuted also leads to some people being charged for crimes they didn’t commit, or being convicted with the help of a sympathetic jury with less evidence than is required. Having an attorney like John Reed who can build and present a strong and effective defense is essential to avoiding the harsh consequences of a sex crime charge. Contact John Reed, Attorney at Law, to protect your rights with the help of an experienced League City sex offense lawyer.

Sex Offenses in Texas

The following are some of the most common sex-related offenses in Texas:

Public Lewdness (Penal Code § 21.07)

Public lewdness involves engaging in sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or sexual contact in a public place or where others could be offended. It is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

Indecent Exposure (Penal Code § 21.08)

Indecent exposure occurs when someone exposes their genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire, knowing that others are present who may be offended. This is a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Indecency with a Child (Penal Code § 21.11)

Indecency with a child involves engaging in sexual contact with a child under 17 or exposing oneself to a child with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. This crime is typically a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.

Invasive Visual Recording (Penal Code § 21.15)

This offense involves recording someone in a private space without their consent, often for sexual gratification. Invasive visual recording is a state jail felony, with penalties including up to two years in state jail.

Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material (Penal Code § 21.16)

Also known as “revenge porn,” this offense involves distributing intimate images or videos without the consent of the person depicted. It is a state jail felony.

Unlawful Production or Distribution of Certain Sexually Explicit Videos (Penal Code § 21.165)

This law prohibits the unlawful production or distribution of sexually explicit content involving individuals who have not given their consent. This law is aimed at “deep fake” videos that appear to depict a real person performing an action that did not occur in reality. Violations result in felony charges.

Voyeurism (Penal Code § 21.17)

Voyeurism, or “peeping,” occurs when someone spies on another person for sexual gratification. It is a Class C misdemeanor, though repeat offenses can lead to state jail felony charges.

Sexual Coercion (Penal Code § 21.18)

Sexual coercion involves threatening to expose someone’s sexual conduct or images unless they engage in sexual activity, provide intimate visual material, or pay money. This crime is treated as a third-degree felony.

Unlawful Electronic Transmission of Sexually Explicit Visual Material (Penal Code § 21.19)

This law criminalizes the electronic transmission of sexually explicit material without consent, including through messaging apps or email. It is classified as a Class C misdemeanor.

Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (Penal Code § 15.031)

Soliciting a minor to engage in sexual conduct is a serious offense in Texas, treated as one degree lower than the underlying crime that was solicited. It can result in significant prison time depending on the nature of the solicitation.

Aggravated Kidnapping (Penal Code § 20.04)

When kidnapping involves intent to sexually assault the victim, it is considered aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison.

Prostitution (Penal Code §§ 43.02–43.05)

Texas has several prostitution-related offenses, including engaging in, promoting, or compelling prostitution. Depending on the severity and circumstances, prostitution offenses can range from Class B misdemeanors to second-degree felonies.

Sex Offender Registration and Civil Commitment in Texas

A conviction for a sex offense may require the offender to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Registration can last for years or even a lifetime, severely affecting a person’s employment opportunities, housing, and social relationships.

In some cases, sex offenders may also face civil commitment, a process where individuals deemed to have a mental abnormality or personality disorder making them likely to re-offend can be committed to a secure facility for an indefinite period after serving their criminal sentence.

Defending Against Sex Crime Charges in League City

If you are accused of a sex offense, it is critical to work with a skilled attorney who understands how to challenge the charges effectively. Common defenses to sex offenses include:

  • Lack of intent: In some cases, the accused did not intend to commit the crime.
  • Mistaken identity: The defendant may have been wrongfully identified as the perpetrator.
  • Consent: Depending on the circumstances, the defense may argue that the conduct was consensual.
  • Unlawful search and seizure: If evidence was gathered improperly, it might be excluded from the trial.
  • Lack of evidence: Sex crime prosecutions can be very heated and emotional, but no one should be convicted based on emotion when the evidence doesn’t support the charges. A skilled defense attorney will demonstrate when the evidence is insufficient to convict and the accused must be acquitted under the law.

How League City Sex Crime Attorney John Reed Can Help

Attorney John Reed has extensive experience defending clients accused of sex offenses in League City, Texas. He understands the gravity of these charges and the lasting impact they can have on your life. John Reed takes a personalized approach to each case, meticulously investigating the facts and crafting a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor like public lewdness or a felony like indecency with a child, Attorney John Reed will work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. Contact John Reed today at 281-928-8228 to discuss your case and start building your defense.

Share This Page:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn