According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, an estimated 14,693 cases of rape were reported in Texas in 2018. Sex crime allegations, including sexual assault and rape, are serious offenses in Texas that can carry significant consequences. If convicted, a defendant could face lengthy jail time, substantial fines, a requirement for registration as a sex offender, and other social ramifications.
If you are under investigation for a sex-related crime or if you are facing sexual assault or rape charges, retaining a skilled and aggressive Texas criminal defense attorney immediately is a crucial step toward clearing your name. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I have been offering comprehensive legal guidance and strong representation to clients facing sex crime charges and allegations for more than 25 years. As your attorney, I will fight aggressively to protect your rights, establish a strong defense strategy, fight the allegations against you and try to develop overwhelming evidence to defend you in pursuit of a favorable outcome.
My firm, Rick Davis & Associates, proudly serves clients throughout Bryan, Texas, and the surrounding areas of College Station, Brenham, Anderson, Madisonville, Caldwell, and Washington County, Grimes County, Burleson County, and Madison County.
Before diving into the different types of sex crimes defined by Texas law, it's important to first understand the state's laws on consent. Consent can be described as an agreement between two people to engage in sexual activity. In Texas, the legal age of consent is 17 years of age. Therefore, any kind of sexual activity with a minor (a child below 17 years), even if the child lied about their age or expressed consent to the sexual activity, is considered statutory rape.
Sexual misconduct involves exhibiting a series of sexual behaviors to another person without that person's consent. In Texas, sex crimes may include different types of non-consensual sexual conduct, such as:
Under Texas law, sexual assault (also referred to as rape) is considered a very serious infraction. Pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 22.011, a person commits the offense of sexual assault when the defendant intentionally or knowingly:
Sexual assault is considered a second-degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
A sexual assault charge may be elevated to an aggravated sexual assault when, in the process of committing the sexual assault, the defendant:
Aggravated sexual assault is considered a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. A minimum prison sentence of 25 years may apply if the victim is under six years old.
Under Texas law, it is illegal for an adult to have sex with a minor (a person under the age of 17), even if it is consensual. This is also referred to as statutory rape. Statutory rape is considered a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. Note, however, that it is a defense to statutory rape if a person has consensual sex with another person who is close to their own age. This applies to a minor who is between the ages of 14-17 who has consensual sex with someone who is less than three years older than they are. This is sometimes called the Romeo and Juliet exception.
Pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 21.11(a), a person commits an offense if, with a child younger than 17 years, the person:
This is considered a second-degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
Public sex crimes involve sexual offenses that are committed in a public place. These offenses include:
According to Texas Penal Code Section 21.07, a person commits an offense if he or she intentionally or knowingly engages in any of the following acts in a public place:
Public lewdness is considered a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.
Pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 21.08, a person commits an offense if he knowingly exposes his anus or any part of his genitals with intent to arouse or for the sexual gratification of any person. Indecent exposure is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
Pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 21.19, a person commits an offense if the person knowingly transmits, by electronic means, a visual material that shows:
This is considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Allegations of sexual assault, rape, and other forms of sex crimes can have devastating, long-lasting consequences. Therefore, when defending a sexual misconduct charge, it is imperative that you have the right defense strategy that fits your unique situation.
At Rick Davis & Associates, we have devoted our careers to protecting the rights of individuals who have been accused of rape or those facing sexual assault charges. As an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney, I can review the details of your case, carry out a thorough, private investigation, and determine an effective defense strategy in order to pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Using my extensive experience, I will help you navigate the criminal justice system, fight vigorously on your side to defend your rights, and do all that I can to ensure that these accusations do not ruin your life. Don’t face the criminal justice system on your own. If you’re facing sex crime charges, reach out to my firm today and put my experience on your side.
If you or someone you know is facing sex crime charges, contact my firm, Rick Davis & Associates, today to schedule a free one-on-one case evaluation. I will investigate the details of your case and offer you the knowledgeable legal guidance and strong representation you need to defend your charges. I'm proud to represent clients across Bryan, College Station, Brenham, Anderson, Madisonville, Caldwell, and Washington County, Grimes County, Burleson County, and Madison County — so reach out to my office today to get the legal help and support you need.
