What Are the Consequences for Exploitation of a Child in Texas?

 Posted on October 14, 2019 in Criminal Defense

Texas law prohibits certain activities from being committed against people who do not have the capacity to protect themselves or adequately look out for their own best interests. These individuals can include the elderly, disabled, and those under a certain age. The crime “Exploitation of Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual” is a serious offense under Texas law. If you are convicted of child exploitation, you may face years of incarceration and have your personal and professional reputation destroyed. It is crucial for anyone facing criminal charges related to child exploitation to speak with a criminal defense attorney experienced in defending against these types of serious allegations.

Defining Exploitation With Regard to Texas Law

Section 32 of the Texas Penal Code describes Exploitation of Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual and the criminal penalties associated with a conviction. An individual commits this crime if he or she knowingly or recklessly causes the exploitation of a disabled person, elderly individual, or child under age 14. Exploitation can include any activity which involves the improper or illegal use of a child, elderly person, or disabled person for personal or financial gain. Child exploitation can include coercing a child into sexual activities, forcing them to perform cheap labor, involving a child in drug running or sex trafficking, and more.  

Penalties for a Child Exploitation Conviction

Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies investigate and work to prevent child abuse and exploitation. The U.S. Child Exploitation Investigations Unit is a division of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) specifically tasked with stopping child exploitation. Exploitation of Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Individual is a third-degree felony in Texas. If you are convicted of exploitation of a child on state charges, you could be incarcerated for up to 10 years and fined up to $10,000. If you are convicted of sexual exploitation of a child under federal law, you may face even harsher criminal penalties.

Recently, a North Texas man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for two counts of child sexual exploitation. The man was acting as a host for foreign exchange students when one student reported to school authorities that he thought he was being filmed in the man’s bathroom. Law enforcement executed a search warrant and found several cameras hidden in the home. In addition to his 30-year prison sentence, the Texas man will be required to pay a $50,000 fine and a $10,000 assessment in accordance with the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Contact a Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Crimes against children are taken very seriously in the state of Texas. The punishments can be severe and significantly impact your family life and your career. Attorney Darlina Crowder has secured more than 300 acquittals and “not guilty” verdicts for her clients. If you or someone you know is facing state or federal charges relating to child exploitation, contact a Plano child exploitation defense attorney at The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. as soon as possible. Schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case by calling us today at 214-544-0061.

Sources:
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.22.htm#22.04
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/North-Texas-Man-Sentenced-to-30-Years-in-Prison-for-Child-Exploitation--562206531.html