Sexual Coercion
Sexual coercion, also known as sexual harassment, is prohibited in Texas. Under state law, it does not matter how these threats are communicated. While sexual coercion can occur in person, they can also occur via chat rooms, social media posts, telephone, or other means.
If you have been arrested for sexual coercion, retaining an experienced defense attorney in Georgetown, TX should be one of your main priorities. Jackson Gorski has years of experience defending residents and visitors of TX who are facing sex crime accusations. He can do the same for you.
Texas Sexual Coercion Lawyer, Austin
If you are under investigation for sexual coercion, the aid of a lawyer is imperative. In a such like this, contact criminal defense lawyer Jackson Gorski at The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski. Mr. Gorski knows that an aggressive approach is necessary to defend you against those accusations.
The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski serves clients in Austin and Georgetown. The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski also represents individuals throughout Travis County, Williamson County, Bell County, Hays County, Caldwell County, Bastrop County, Milam County, and Blanco County. Schedule your first consultation today by calling 512-960-4646.
Information Center
- Sexual Coercion in TX
- Penalties for Sexual Coercion
- Defenses for Sexual Coercion
- Additional Resources
Sexual Coercion in TX
According to Texas Penal Code §21.18, an individual commits the offense of sexual coercion if they intentionally threaten to commit an offense so that they can obtain:
- Intimate visual material
- Arousal or sexual gratification through sexual conduct or
- A monetary benefit
This sex crime is specific. For the police to charge an individual with sexual coercion, the individual must threaten to commit one of the following crimes:
- Chapter 19 (i.e., criminal homicide)
- Chapter 20 (i.e., kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and smuggling)
- Chapter 43 (i.e., public indecency)
- Section 02(1) – (7) (i.e, trafficking)
- Sexual offenses under 21.02, 21.08, 21.11, 21.12, 21.15, 21.16, 21.17, or
- Assaultive offenses under 22.011 or 22.021
Penalties for Sexual Coercion
This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in state jail and a fine of up to $4,000. However, it can escalate into a 3rd-degree felony, which is punishable by a mandatory minimum of two years and a maximum of ten years in state prison. A conviction on a 3rd-degree felony charge can also result in paying a fine of up to $10,000. Aside from incarceration, any conviction or criminal record can disrupt the individual’s educational and career goals. In this case, the judge may order the individual to register as a sex offender, negatively impacting and restricting where the individual may live, travel, and work.
Defenses for Sexual Coercion
The individual’s sexual coercion defense attorneys will craft strategic defenses based on the individual’s unique situation and the evidence obtained against them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to defenses because they’re tailored to the specific facts of the individual’s circumstances. Thus, certain defenses may not apply to the individual’s case. Defenses also vary depending on the language of the statute. That is important because sexual coercion involves the commission of other crimes.
Some common defenses to sexual coercion are:
- False testimony
- Insufficient evidence
- Alibi
- Mistaken identity
- Mistake of fact
- No monetary benefit
- Not for the purposes of sexual arousal
- Not for the purposes of obtaining visual material
- Lack of intent
Additional Resources
Discover Freedom – The Texas Advocacy Project’s official webpage provides useful tools for survivors of sexual, intimate, and violent crimes.
Texas Penal Code 21.18 Sexual Coercion – The Findlaw’s website provides the plain language law of sexual coercion in Texas.
Georgetown Sexual Coercion Attorney, TX
If you have been arrested for sexual coercion, contact The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski today to get started on your defense. Retaining an experienced defense attorney such as Jackson Gorski could mean the difference between a clear criminal record and a conviction that damages your reputation. Allow Mr. Gorski to carefully review your situation and offer skilled legal guidance.
The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski serves clients in the greater Travis County area and surrounding areas including West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, San Marcos, Austin, Lago Vista, Georgetown, and Sunset Valley. Don’t waste any more time. Call 512-960-4646 to secure a free, confidential consultation with The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski today.
