Austin Sexual Assault of a Child Defense Attorneys

Child sexual offenses in Texas

Sexual offenses involving children are some of the most serious crimes prosecuted in Texas courts. These charges encompass a range of alleged conduct, from sexual assault of a child to aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, and continuous sexual abuse of a young child.

The state defines sexual assault of a child as any penetration involving a victim under 17 years of age, regardless of consent. Related charges may include:

• Indecency with a child: Involving sexual contact or exposure with a minor
• Continuous sexual abuse: Multiple acts of abuse over time
• Statutory rape: Sexual conduct based solely on the victim's age
• Indecent exposure: Exposing oneself to a child with the intent to arouse

Because of the serious nature of child sex offenses, Texas prosecutors often pursue these cases even when evidence is limited or allegations are questionable. They may rely heavily on testimony from alleged victims, forensic interviews, and circumstantial evidence. 

Your life is on the line — this is why having an experienced Austin sex crimes lawyer who knows how to challenge this type of evidence is essential to your defense.

Penalties for sexual assault of a child

The penalties for sexual assault of a child in Texas are among the most severe in the criminal code. Most charges are classified as second-degree felonies, but penalties can escalate dramatically based on aggravating factors:

Sentences can be enhanced to first-degree felonies if the victim is under 14 years old, if serious bodily injury occurs, or if a deadly weapon is used. Additionally, Texas has no statute of limitations for these offenses, meaning charges can be filed years or even decades after alleged incidents.

Beyond incarceration and fines, conviction results in collateral consequences that affect every aspect of your life: employment restrictions, housing limitations, loss of professional licenses, and prohibition from school zones and youth facilities.

How many years of age are minors in Texas?

In Texas, the age of consent for sexual activity is 17 years old. This means that any person under 17 is considered a minor for purposes of sexual assault laws, regardless of their apparent maturity or willingness to participate. 

The law provides very limited exceptions, primarily through the "Romeo and Juliet" provision, which may apply when the accused is within three years of the age of the alleged victim and both parties are at least 14 years old.

This hard-line approach to age of consent means that even consensual relationships can result in serious criminal charges if one participant is under 17. The state makes no distinction for cases involving teens in dating relationships or situations where the age difference is only slightly more than three years. 

The difference between sexual intercourse and sexual contact

Texas law distinguishes between different types of sexual conduct, with escalating degrees of criminal penalties applying depending on the specific acts involved. 

Sexual assault of a child requires penetration — any penetration and by any means. This broad definition encompasses various forms of contact and can include penetration by objects, not just body parts.

Sexual contact, on the other hand, refers to touching of intimate areas without penetration. While still serious, charges involving sexual contact typically fall under statutes that have less severe penalties than sexual assault charges. Both categories carry severe penalties and mandatory sex offender registration upon conviction.

A lifetime on the sex offender registry

One of the most devastating long-term consequences of a sexual crime conviction is mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender. This requirement follows you wherever you move, affecting housing, employment, and social relationships for the rest of your life.

Sex offender registration in Texas requires:

• Annual registration with local law enforcement
• Public disclosure of your photo, address, and offense details
• Restrictions on where you can live and work
• Prohibition from school zones, playgrounds, and youth facilities
• Travel notifications and restrictions
• Regular verification of registration information

The registry is publicly searchable online, meaning employers, landlords, neighbors, and acquaintances can easily discover your conviction history — in many neighborhoods, they send direct mail to your neighbors when you move in. 

These lifelong consequences essentially extend your prison sentence into the rest of your life. Fighting sexual assault of a child charges isn't just about avoiding prison time — it's about clearing your name and protecting your entire future.