Is Sexual Coercion the Same as Sextortion in Texas?

 Posted on June 12, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Sextortion is the name for a relatively new sex crime that includes blackmail. The perpetrator of sextortion coerces an individual, often a teenage boy or girl, into sending nude or sexual images or videos. The perpetrator then threatens to send those images to the individual's parents, spouses, coworkers, family members, or schoolmates if the individual does not send money.

Reports of sextortion schemes have skyrocketed across the nation. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says it received more than 500,000 reports of sextortion scams targeting minors in 2024. At least 20 young people have taken their own lives as a direct result of sextortion scams since 2021.

While most states do not have specific sextortion laws (although that is changing), they do have other laws under which this crime is charged. If you are charged with a crime similar to sextortion in Texas, you must take these charges very seriously and contact a Plano, TX criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.

How Is Sextortion Charged in Texas?

Sextortion is charged under sexual coercion, Penal Code 21.18, and is punishable as a felony offense. Sexual coercion occurs when a person intentionally threatens another person unless the victim provides money, sexually explicit photos or videos, or performs a sexual act. The threat can be explicit, through coercion or extortion, or implied. The threat can be communicated in person, via text, social media, chat rooms, email, or other digital means. Some situations that would qualify under sexual coercion or sextortion include: 

• The defendant posed as a romantic interest online, building a relationship with the alleged victim. The defendant then began to coerce the alleged victim into sending explicit images, using threats or extortion.
• The defendant hacked into the alleged victim’s phone to steal nude photos or videos, then demanded money or more explicit content in return for not releasing the images.
• Consensual nude or sexual images were obtained, then the defendant demanded money or additional images and threatened to release the images.  
• The alleged victim was secretly recorded nude or in a sexually compromising situation without his or her consent. The defendant then threatened to distribute the images unless the alleged victim paid money.

Is Sexual Coercion a Felony Offense?

Sexual coercion in Texas is a state jail felony. This means that a conviction for sexual coercion can result in between 180 days and two years in prison, as well as a maximum fine of $10,000. If the offender has a prior sexual coercion conviction, the new charge becomes a third-degree felony.

In Texas, a third-degree felony conviction is punishable by a prison term of between two and 10 years and a maximum fine of $10,000. If the sexual coercion involves a minor under the age of 18, the defendant could face additional charges like possession of child pornography, sexual performance by a child, or even more severe offenses.

What Are Common Defenses Against Sexual Coercion?

While each case is different, and the defendant’s attorney will tailor the defense specifically to the facts and circumstances, the most commonly used defenses to sexual coercion include:

• The defendant lacked intent
• The defendant is actually innocent
• The conduct was consensual
• The search and seizure was illegal
• The defendant’s constitutional rights were violated

Contact a Collin County Sex Crimes Lawyer

If you are facing sexual coercion or any other type of sex crime, contact a Plano, TX sex crimes attorney from The Crowder Law Firm, P.C.. Attorney Crowder is highly experienced in defending serious crimes, including sex crimes and child sex crimes. She is extremely knowledgeable and will aggressively defend your charges while protecting your rights and your future. Call 214-544-0061 to schedule your free consultation.