Indecency with a Child
Sexual offenses are taken especially seriously when a child is involved. Some sexual offenses are specific to children, including indecency with a child. Indecency with a child can involve a number acts, including fondling, touching, exposure of genitals, rape, child abuse, sexual assault, molestations, child prostitution and child pornography.
These charges, because of the nature of the crime, can carry harsh penalties, including jail or prison time, fines and the requirement to register as a sex offender. Additionally, there could be other repercussions, such as ineligibility to vote or hold public office, restrictions on housing or employment and public humiliation.
San Antonio Indecency with a Child Defense Attorney
If you face charges of indecency with a minor, it is important you act fast to protect your rights. Charges do not have to mean a conviction. The criminal defense attorneys at Goldstein & Orr understand how critical your freedom is to you, and they will fight to protect your rights.
Goldstein & Orr represents clients on a variety of serious felony charges in San Antonio, Bexar County and throughout Texas. Call (210) 226-1463 to schedule a free phone consultation.
Info on Indecency with a Child Charges
- Indecency with a Child by Contact
- Indecency with a Child by Exposure
- Penalties for Indecency with a Minor
Indecency with a Child by Contact
A person can be charged with the felony offense of indecency with a child if it is alleged he or she engaged in sexual contact with a child younger than 17 years old, according to Texas Penal Code § 21.11(c). The term “sexual contact” refers to acts committed with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person including:
- Any touching by a person, including touching through the clothing, of the anus, breast or any part of the genitals of the child
- Any touching of any part of the body of the child, including touching through the clothing, with the anus, breast or any part of the genitals of a person
A person also can be charged with this offense if he or she causes a child, minor, underage person or juvenile under age 17 to participate in any form of sexual contact.
Indecency with a Child by Exposure
A person can be charged with indecency with a child by exposure, according to Texas Penal Code § 21.11(a)(2), if it is alleged they commit any of the following acts with a child, minor, juvenile or person under the age of 17 with the intent to arouse any person or to gratify the sexual desire of any person:
- Cause the child to expose any part of their anus or genitals
- Expose any part of the genitals or anus knowing a child is present
Penalties for Indecency with a Minor
Under Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code, the criminal charge of indecency with a child by contact is a felony of the second degree, punishable by between two to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 or both.
Indecency with a child by exposure is a felony of the third degree punishable by between two to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $10,000 or both. Related charges can include sexual assault of a child.
Finding an the Best Child Indecency Defense Lawyer in Bexar County
If you were charged with the serious felony offense of indecency with a child, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Goldstein & Orr. We represent clients charged with sex crimes in San Antonio, Bexar County and throughout Texas. Contact us to discuss the particular facts of your case.
