Conroe Indecency With a Child Attorney

Skilled Lawyers for Allegations Of Sex Crimes Against Children in Montgomery County

While all sex crimes are considered to be grave offenses, allegations of crimes against children can be especially serious. Children are vulnerable to physical and emotional harm when they are victimized by family members or other caregivers, and law enforcement officials are likely to take all appropriate measures to protect their safety. This means that those who are accused of sex crimes against children will often be treated very harshly, and they may struggle to defend themselves in legal proceedings and in the eyes of family members, friends, employers, and others in their communities.

Anyone who has been charged with criminal offenses related to inappropriate behavior toward children will need to understand the nature of the charges, the potential penalties of a conviction, and the steps that may be taken to defend against the allegations. At Pullan & Young, we know how serious accusations of child sex crimes can be, but we also strive to uphold the right to a fair trial and the presumption that a person is considered innocent until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. We are dedicated to helping defendants determine how to address the accusations against them, and we work to resolve these matters successfully while protecting our clients' rights at all times.

What Is Indecency With a Child?

Adults are prohibited from having sexual relationships or sexual contact with children. There may be some situations where a person may be accused of touching a child inappropriately, exposing themselves to a child, or otherwise behaving in a sexual manner that could cause a child to suffer harm. In some cases, such as when a teenager dates a person a few years older than them, the line between what is considered illegal behavior and what is a consensual relationship may be difficult to discern. It is important for people in these situations to understand the laws in Texas that address sexual behavior involving minors.

The Texas Penal Code describes the offense of indecency with a child, which may involve sexual contact with a person under the age of 17 or the exposure of a person's sexual organs. Sexual contact may include any touching of a child's private parts, including their genitals or breast, either above or below the clothing. It may also involve causing any part of a child's body to come in contact with an adult's private parts. These actions may be considered sexual contact if a person allegedly sought sexual arousal or gratification. This offense is a second degree felony, which may result in a sentence of two to 20 years in a state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Exposing one's private parts may also lead to charges of indecency with a child if this is done for sexual gratification. This offense may include situations where a person exposes their genitals or anus in the presence of a child or when they cause a child to expose their private parts. In these cases, a person may be charged with a third degree felony, and they could potentially be sentenced to two to 10 years and fined up to $10,000.

It may be possible to defend against charges of indecency with a child by showing that the alleged perpetrator was within a certain age range. That is, if a person was no more than three years older than the minor in question, they may be cleared of the offense, as long as they were of the opposite sex and did not use force, threats, or coercion.

Contact Our Conroe, Texas Indecency With a Child Defense Lawyers

At Pullan & Young, we understand the serious nature of allegations of indecency with a child and other types of sex crimes. We work to ensure that defendants are treated fairly in these situations, and we help our clients understand the defense strategies that may be available to them. If you need to address accusations of child sex crimes in Texas, contact us today to find out how we can help with your case. Call 936-647-1540 to arrange your free, confidential consultation.