What Are the Penalties for Child Molestation in Texas?

 Posted on July 06, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Child molestation is a serious offense that is met with severe penalties in the state of Texas. Child molestation is also known as child sex abuse, and it generally refers to any sexual act or sexual contact with a child under the age of 17. In order to protect the well-being of children, the Texas legal system imposes strict punishments on individuals found guilty of child molestation.

What Constitutes Child Molestation in Texas?

In Texas, child molestation is covered under various criminal statutes, including those related to child sexual assault, indecency with a child, and continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children. These statutes define specific acts that are considered child molestation, such as:

• Engaging in sexual intercourse with a child. This will generally be classified as sexual assault, and charges may apply regardless of whether an alleged offender knew the age of the child in question at the time that sexual intercourse occurred.

• Engaging in deviant sexual intercourse with a child. Texas law defines deviant sexual intercourse as any contact or penetration between a person’s sexual organs and another person’s mouth or anus. This form of sexual intercourse may lead to sexual assault charges if it allegedly involves a child under the age of 17.

• Causing a child to engage in sexual contact - A person may face charges of indecency with a child if they allegedly touched a child’s private parts or caused a child to touch their sexual organs.

• Causing a child to expose their genitals or anus for sexual gratification - Charges of indecency with a child may apply if a person allegedly exposed themselves to a child or caused the child to expose their private parts for the purpose of arousal.

It is important to note that consent is not a defense in child molestation cases, as a child is legally incapable of providing consent. Any of the above acts that involve a child under the age of 17 may lead to criminal charges if they allegedly occurred for the purpose of sexual arousal.

Penalties for Child Molestation in Texas

The penalties for child sex abuse can vary depending on the specific offense and the victim's age. They may include:

• Sexual assault of a child: If an individual is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 17, they may face second-degree felony charges. The penalties include a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

• Indecency with a child: If an individual allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a child under the age of 17, they may face second-degree felony charges. If a person allegedly exposed themselves to a child or caused them to expose themselves, they may face third-degree felony charges. A person convicted of a third-degree felony may be sentenced to two to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.

• Continuous sexual abuse of a young child: If an individual allegedly commits two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child under the age of 14 within a period of 30 days or longer, they may face first-degree felony charges. The penalties include a prison sentence of 25 to 99 years or life and a maximum fine of $10,000.

In addition to these penalties, individuals convicted of child molestation may be required to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives. This means that their personal information will be accessible to the public, and they may face restrictions on where they can live and work.

Contact a Tarrant County Child Molestation Defense Lawyer

If you are facing accusations of child molestation or other crimes against children, an experienced and compassionate attorney can advise you of your options for defense. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our Fort Worth crimes against children defense attorneys can work to protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy on your behalf. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. Our experienced attorneys deeply understand the laws surrounding child sex abuse cases, and we will fight tirelessly to help you resolve these matters successfully while protecting your reputation and your freedom.