Sex Offenses – An Overview

In Houston, sex offenses include a large variety of offenses ranging from prostitution to rape. If you or one of your family members is facing a sex-offense charge, it is very important to obtain an aggressive sex offense lawyer. The penalties for a sex offense conviction in Houston are serious and life-changing. Luckily, many defenses are available for sex offense charges. Contacting the Houston sex offense lawyers at Midence & Skillern as soon as possible after you’ve been arrested or contacted by the police is essential because it allows the evidence to be evaluated and witnesses to be questioned soon after the event and it can possibly keep you from being charged.

What Is A Sex Offense?

Sex offenses include all forms of illegal sexual activity, ranging from the crime of rape (usually defined as sexual penetration without consent) to prostitution (defined as sex for hire). The most serious of this type of offense involves the sexual assault of children. Other sex offenses include: Aggravated sexual assault, Child molestation, Statutory rape, Indecency with a child, Indecent exposure, Public lewdness, Obscenity, Possession of child pornography, Online solicitation of a child (under age 17), Prostitution, Promotion of prostitution.

Rape, Sexual Assault, Date Rape and Statutory Rape

Unwanted sex acts are generally regarded as rape. However, these criminal offenses are also commonly referred to as “sexual abuse” or “sexual assault.” A wide range of activities may be included under these definitions. Statutory rape, for instance, is sexual activity with a person under the legal age of consent. Date rape is a non-legal term for forcible sexual activity between people who know one another during a social engagement. Regardless of the circumstances, there are serious penalties for individuals convicted of sex crimes. In Houston, prosecutors and the police focus on sexual offenses, so if you or someone you know is accused of or arrested for a sex crime, you need to contact the sex offense attorney’s at Midence& Skillern immediately.

Victimless Sex Offenses

A victimless crime, sometimes termed a consensual crime, a crime without victims or a complainant-less crime is a “crime that is considered to have no direct victim, usually because only consenting adults are involved.” Black’s Law Dictionary. State laws regarding victimless sex offenses vary greatly, but state statutes typically address victimless sex offenses such as prostitution, pandering, solicitation, indecent exposure and illegal possession of pornography. The penalties for victimless sex offenses, such as solicitation of a minor or child pornography, are severe; often involving felony convictions, jail or prison time, sexual offender treatment programs and lifetime registration as a sexual offender. For other offenses such as indecent exposure, the penalties are generally less severe; they range from fines and community service to felony charges and incarceration. If you have been arrested for a victimless sex offense, contact a law firm immediately to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney who can clearly explain your rights and options.

Sex Offender Registry

Texas requires sex offender registration of when a person is convicted of certain types of sex offenses. Individuals convicted as sex offenders must register their address with law enforcement as well as send updates whenever they change address and must keep their registration information current. Some states require sex offenders to verify information on a yearly basis via mail or more frequently if deemed violent predators.   Additionally, some offenses that are more serious may require registration for life. Serious crimes vary by state, but most commonly include repeat offenders, violent sexual offenders and those who commit sexual crimes against children. If you are concerned about your status under these rules, contact a sex offense lawyer at Midence & Skillern to help.

False Allegations

False allegations may occur, most often in child sex-abuse situations. Public awareness of child abuse has increased and more reports of possible abuse are being made, but not all reports are substantiated. Also, even good-faith accusations may not be true and false allegations may be made to harm the accused. If you find yourself the victim of false allegations, the sex offense attorneys at Midence & Skillern can help you take immediate action to defend yourself.

Texas Sex Offenses – Potential Penalties

Sex offenses are taken very seriously by the District Attorney’s office and the State of Texas. Potential penalties for these offenses are lengthy and can vary from time in the county jail and probation all the way to 99 years in the Texas Department of Corrections. If you think you are being investigated or if you think that you are going to be accused or charged with a sex offense call the sex offense attorneys at Midence & Skillern immediately for a free consultation.