McKinney, Texas Indecency With a Child Defense Lawyers
Attorneys for Crimes Involving Sexual Contact With Children in McKinney
The criminal charges that may apply when people are accused of engaging in sexual conduct involving children can be even more serious than other types of sex crimes. Because of the ways sexual abuse can harm children, affecting their growth, development, and emotional well-being, child sex crimes are treated seriously, and people who are convicted may face penalties that will have an impact on the rest of their lives. Understanding how to defend against these charges is crucial, and legal representation from a skilled lawyer can help ensure that a person's rights will be protected.
When criminal charges are based on allegations made by a child or by someone who believes that a child has suffered harm, a person will need to understand how to respond. These cases may involve a variety of complex factors, and an attorney can provide guidance on the options for defense that may be available. At Texas Defense Firm, we represent clients who are facing indecency with a child charges, helping them take steps to defend against convictions. We know how serious these situations can be, and we will provide the legal help needed to protect our clients' rights.
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How Indecency With a Child Is Defined Under Texas Law
The offense of indecency with a child may cover multiple types of conduct in which people have sexual contact with children or involve children in sexual activities. These cases generally do not involve sexual intercourse, which will typically lead to charges of sexual assault. However, other forms of sexual contact or conduct may be considered indecency with a child. When sexual conduct has allegedly involved a child younger than 17 years old, criminal charges may apply, regardless of whether a person knew a child's actual age.
Allegations of sexual contact with a child can lead to indecency with a child charges, including when a person has allegedly touched a child in a sexual manner or caused a child to touch another person's genitals or private parts. Sexual contact may include fondling above or below clothing or any other touching that is meant to cause arousal or sexual gratification.
Indecent exposure may also be a factor in indecency with a child charges. A person may be accused of exposing themselves to a child or in a location where a child was present. Causing a child to expose their private parts to others may also qualify as indecency with a child. If exposure was allegedly done for the purposes of sexual gratification or arousal, criminal charges may apply.
Situations That Can Lead to Indecency With a Child Charges
People may be accused of indecency with a child or related offenses in a wide range of circumstances. Examples include:
- Inappropriate Conduct Within a Family: A relative, a parent or stepparent, or another family member may be accused of inappropriate behavior with a child in their family. This may include claims that they have touched a child in a sexual manner, exposed themselves to a child, or gained sexual gratification by forcing a child to undress.
- Accusations Against Adults Who Interact With Children: Coaches, teachers, tutors, babysitters, or others who spend time with children may be accused of inappropriate sexual conduct. A person who spends unsupervised time with a child may be charged with inappropriate touching or other forms of sexual conduct.
- Family Law Disputes: Accusations against parents may arise during divorce or child custody cases. One parent may claim that the other parent has engaged in sexual abuse against the couple's children, or accusations may be made against a stepparent or another person who has had contact with a child.
- Misunderstandings: In some cases, ordinary, non-sexual contact with children may be misinterpreted. A child may be confused about what happened, or they may make false accusations against a person after being pressured or coached to do so by another adult.
Penalties for Indecency With a Child
Indecency with a child is a felony offense, and the level of felony will depend on the type of conduct that has allegedly occurred. A person who is charged with having sexual contact with a child may face second-degree felony charges, and if they are convicted, they could be sentenced to between two and 20 years in prison. A person charged with an offense involving indecent exposure may face third-degree felony charges with a potential penalty of two to 10 years in prison. A person who is convicted of either type of offense will usually be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of their life.
Options for Defense in Indecency With a Child Cases
Charges of indecency with a child may depend on the credibility of the accusations made by a child or another party. At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers can investigate the circumstances surrounding these allegations to determine how they may be addressed. We will look at how a child was interviewed by law enforcement, whether other forensic evidence was found, and whether the child may have been influenced into making accusations by another person. We can look at whether there may be any motives for making false or exaggerated accusations as we determine whether statements from witnesses can be challenged.
We can also look at how law enforcement officials conducted interviews and investigations. If a person was not informed of their Miranda rights before making statements, we can highlight these violations of their constitutional protections and make sure their own words cannot be used against them during a criminal case. We will take steps to demonstrate that the alleged contact or other sexual activities did not occur as we work to defend against a sex crime conviction.
Contact Our McKinney, TX Indecency With a Child Attorneys
Because of the serious penalties that will apply following a felony conviction and the lifelong consequences that come with sex offender registration, a strong defense by an experienced attorney is essential in cases involving accusations of indecency with a child. At Texas Defense Firm, we can provide the legal help clients need in these situations. Contact our McKinney indecency with a child defense lawyers at 972-369-0577 to set up a free consultation.
