Bell County Sex Crime Lawyer

Defending Individuals Accused of Sex Crimes in Texas

A conviction for a sex crime carries severe penalties, such as imprisonment, probation, and registration as a sex offender. Having a sexual offense on a criminal record can also make it difficult to find future jobs and places to live. This makes it imperative for accused sex offenders to obtain aggressive legal representation to defend their rights and preserve their freedom. For a reliable sex crime attorney in Temple, Killeen, and Bell County, Texas, contact The Law Offices of Michael F. White. As your representatives, we can work to protect your rights with dedication and determination.

What is the Legal Definition of a Sex Crime in Texas?

In Texas, a sex crime is any criminal offense involving sexual conduct or contact without the other person's consent. It's important to note that even consensual sexual activity can be considered a crime if it involves a minor or someone unable to give consent due to age, mental incapacity, or other factors.

Defending Sex Crimes Charges in Texas

Texas Law has the reputation of being very tough in its prosecution of sex crimes, especially when the offenses involve children. The Law Offices of Michael F. White has a proven track record of effectively representing Bell County clients facing a variety of sexual offense charges.

A sex crime can take a number of different forms, including:

• Child pornography
• Indecent exposure
• Lewd acts
• Prostitution
• Public Indecency
• Rape
• Sexual abuse of a child
• Sexual assault
• Solicitation of prostitution
• Statutory rape

Sex Crime Penalties in Texas

Most sex crimes are felonies, which carry penalties of up to $10,000, and jail sentences that range from 2 years to life. For example, sexual assault is a second-degree felony punishable by 2-20 years in state prison. Factors that determine the severity of the crime include the victim's age, whether the defendant caused the victim serious bodily injury, whether a deadly weapon was used during the crime, whether the victim was drugged, and other factors.

Texas Sex Offender Registration Requirements

Texas has some of the most stringent sex offender registration requirements in the country. As a lawyer practicing in Texas, it's essential to understand these requirements and how they can impact your clients convicted of sex offenses.

Under Texas law, individuals convicted of certain sex offenses are required to register as sex offenders for a specific period of time, ranging from ten years to life, depending on the severity of the offense. The registration requirement applies to both adults and juveniles who have been adjudicated for sexual offenses.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains the state's sex offender registry, which is available online. The registry provides information about the offender's name, age, address, photograph, and details of their conviction.

Sex offenders must regularly provide updated information to the DPS, including their current address, employment information, and vehicle information. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements can result in additional criminal charges and penalties.

In addition to registration requirements, sex offenders in Texas are subject to a range of other restrictions and obligations. For example, they may be prohibited from living within a certain distance of schools, daycares, or other places where children gather. They may also be required to attend counseling or treatment programs to address their offending behavior.

The consequences of sex offender registration can be severe, including damage to one's reputation, difficulty finding employment or housing, and social stigma. In some cases, it may also result in legal restrictions that limit one's ability to live an everyday life.

Contact Our Bell County Sex Crime Attorney Today

Sex crimes are serious offenses that can have severe consequences for both the accused and the victim. If you or a loved one is facing sex crime charges, it's essential to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney who can provide legal guidance and support throughout the process. Our skilled sex crimes lawyer in Bell County can help defend your rights, explore possible defenses, negotiate plea bargains or diversion programs, and advocate for reduced charges or sentencing. Contact us today to get started!