Sex Crimes Against Children
In the eyes of the courts, sex crimes involving children or minors are considered to be one of the most heinous offenses committed under the Penal Code. For that reason, the penalties imposed on those convicted of sex crimes involving children are life-altering. The severity of these penalties will depend on the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. However, no matter the specific charges levied against the person, an individual should seek out legal counsel if they’ve been charged with a sex crime involving a child(ren).
Investigations for sex crimes involving children tend to be extensive and involve undercover cops in online stings. With that in mind, these types of cases tend to have a lot of evidence backing up their charges. The prosecution will be more than ready to present evidence chosen carefully to tackle the elements of the case including expert testimony.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a sex crime against children, contact the experienced and skilled legal team at The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski.
Sex Crimes Against Children Attorney | Jackson Gorski
The Texas government often faces strong public pressure to aggressively prosecute sex offenders who target children. This public outcry based on misinformation may cause prosecutors to ignore the material facts. Prosecutors will likely attempt to prosecute the defendant to the fullest extent of the law, which may turn into a prison sentence and an obligation to pay an expensive conviction fine.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for a sex crime against a child(ren), it’s within your best interest to call The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski. Jackson F. Gorski has extensive experience with sex crime cases and can mount a defense sturdy enough to take on the prosecution. Schedule your first consultation with The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski by calling our firm at 512-960-4646 or simply submit an online contact form.
The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski has offices in both Austin and Georgetown, but accepts clients in other counties including Travis County, Williamson County, Milam County, Blanco County, Bell County, Lee County, Milam County, Burnett County, Hays County, Caldwell County, and Bastrop County.
Information Center:
- Examples of Sex Crimes Involving Children
- Sex Offender Registration After Child Sex Crimes
- Jessica’s Law in Texas
- Additional Resources
Examples of Sex Crimes Involving Children
The Texas Penal Code has several criminal offenses outlining sexual offenses targeting children. The penalties for these crimes will depend on the nature of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history. It’s important to note any sex crime involving a child will result in the defendant’s required registration as a sex offender with their local law enforcement authority.
- Statutory Rape – Under Texas State law, the age of consent is 18 years old. That means sexual contact or activity with any person under the age of 18 is considered a crime. That includes sexual activity/intercourse where the alleged victim was a willing participant. This crime is a felony offense.
- Sexual Assault on a Child – Committing nonconsensual sexual acts or having sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 18 is defined as sexual assault. In most cases, sexual assault on a child is a second-degree felony and registration as a sex offender.
- Continuous Sexual Abuse on a Child – Engaging in sexual crimes with a child under the age of 14 over a period of 30 days is defined as continuous sexual abuse on a child. Crimes that could constitute this offense include sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, indecency with a child, aggravated sexual assault, or burglary with intent to commit a sexual offense. The penalty for the crime is 25 years to life in prison.
- Indecency with a Child – Sexual contact that doesn’t involve penetration or without unclothing the child’s sex organs or anus for a sexual purpose is indecency with a child. This crime can be charged as a third or second-degree felony.
- Online Solicitation of a Minor – Soliciting a minor online for a sexual purpose is unlawful under the Penal Code. It’s important to understand that a person can be charged with this crime even if they never meet up with the minor in-person. The only element the prosecution has to satisfy is that the defendant shared sexually explicit information with the alleged victim and intended to meet up with them.
- Possession/Promotion of Child Pornography – Creating, purchasing, distributing, or possessing pornography that depicts a minor under the age of 18 is known as the possession or promotion of child pornography. This is one of the most serious sex offenses against children a person can face as a first-time offense is a felony.
Sex Offender Registration after Child Sex Crimes
Nearly every sexually motivated offense involving children conviction carries the requirement to register as a sex offender for a period of time. If the crime was deemed a violent offense such as sexual assault, then the defendant will likely be given harsher registration requirements. Some of these more restrictive requirements will include re-registration every 90 or 30 days as well as restrictions on where they can go.
In order to register as a sex offender, the defendant will have to go to their local law enforcement authority or municipality. They will then provide the authority various documents including their fingerprints and photo. Once this is done, they will have to notify law enforcement every time they intend to stay at another residence for more than one week. Failure to register or follow the terms of the registration will result in criminal penalties.
Jessica’s Law in Texas
In July 2007, the State of Texas enacted a new piece of legislation known as “Jessica’s Law.” The law was named after 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in the State of Florida. Florida initially created the law in 2005 in response to the event, and over time legislators and groups in Texas also advocated for this law. It was finally put into effect in 2007, and some of the key components of the law includes:
- Longer or no statute of limitations for sex crimes against children.
- Increased the felony classification of most sex crimes involving children
- Implemented mandatory minimum sentences
- Created the offense of continuous sexual abuse of a child
- Potential for the death penalty
- Offenders are unable to obtain probation
- When released on parole, offenders must electronically monitor them
Additional Resources
Enough is Enough – Visit the official website of the nonprofit and nonpartisan group known as Enough is Enough (EIE). Access the site to report a cybercrime, read through their research and resources, and learn how you can also take action in the initiative.
Sex Crimes Against Children | Texas Penal Code – Visit the official website for the Texas Penal Code to learn more about sexually motivated crimes involving children. Access the statutes to learn the elements of the crimes, penalties of the crimes, and admissible defenses.
Although your reading of this website doesn’t constitute the formation of an attorney-client relationship, I will tell you that you should avoid discussing your case with friends, family, social media applications, and prosecutors without the legal guidance of an experienced defense lawyer.