Midland Sex Crimes Lawyer

The most common criminal charges in this area involve sexual assault–also referred to as rape. It involves sexual conduct without the consent of the other person. If the conduct in question resulted in physical injuries–or even threats to inflict physical injuries–the charge can be upgraded to aggravated sexual assault. The possession or sale of child pornography is a crime that can bring felony charges.

Other criminal charges include public lewdness and indecent exposure, wherein the accused person is alleged to have displayed themselves. The crime of voyeurism comes when the secret observation of someone else. Voluntary sexual relations could turn criminal if one person records the encounter without the consent of the other.

Prostitution--the exchange of sexual favors for money or other consideration–is a crime. So is trafficking in prostitution–i.e., being the “pimp” who oversees a prostitution ring’s business apparatus.

Sexual offenses against minors can involve a wide range of possible charges. For one, any of the above crimes can be elevated to include this charge if the alleged victim is a minor. Statutory rape is when someone 18 years or older has sexual relations–even voluntary ones–with someone under that age. Inappropriate relationships between a teacher and student can fall under this category.

When the alleged victim is a family member or intimate partner (past or present), the charge can turn into one for domestic violence. 

What are the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas?

With possible crimes ranging from aggravated sexual assault to public lewdness, it stands to reason there is going to be a broad possibility of penalties.

Misdemeanor offenses can be punished with as little as a fine of $500 or less. Felony convictions can put someone in jail for the rest of their life.
Where a convicted person falls on that range will depend not only on the exact nature of the charge against them but also on their previous criminal record (if any) and the alleged victim's age.

Sex crimes differ from others because the sentence can also include a requirement to register as a sex offender. The convicted person's name goes into a database accessible to the public. Further sanctions may also restrict social media use, gun ownership, and the loss of child custody.

When is a Sex Crime a Felony?

In Texas, a sex crime is generally considered a felony when it involves a minor. Examples of felonies classified as sex crimes include aggravated sexual assault, continuous sexual abuse of young children, and indecency with a child. Depending on the circumstances of the case, these offenses can be punishable by lengthy prison sentences and harsh financial penalties.

Defenses Against Sex Crime Charges

A person's neighbors, friends, and even family might assume guilt before it's proven, but the state of Texas cannot. Guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt before any accused person can be convicted. 

It's not incumbent on the defendant to prove their innocence at trial–only the presence of reasonable doubt–but it's understandable that defendants want their good name exonerated. The good news here is that the advance of science, combined with the physically intimate nature of these particular crimes, can help.

Sex crimes invariably leave DNA evidence behind. Every person's DNA is different, and a person who was not even present at the alleged incident can use their lack of DNA to prove that. As the saying goes, people may lie, but DNA never does. It's also possible that an accusation of sexual assault took place after an encounter that was, in fact, consensual. It's the prosecution's job–not the defendant's–to move this past the realm of mutual accusations and into concrete proof. A skilled defense lawyer works diligently to challenge the prosecutor's presumptions and question whether the evidence is as ironclad as the state of Texas thinks.

Attorney Tommy W. Hull knows well the challenges prosecutors face, having once been a chief felony prosecutor for Texas. Now he uses that knowledge on the defendant's behalf, helping them protect their freedom and regain their reputation. 

Contact Tommy W. Hull, PC, today to schedule a FREE consultation with our sex crimes lawyer in Midland!