Houston Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Lawyer

Committed to Protecting Your Innocence in Houston, TX

Child sexual assault is a grave crime involving multiple types of situations in which a person is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a minor. In Texas, there are specific laws and penalties in place to protect children from abuse or other offenses that could affect their physical and emotional well-being. Criminal charges for sexual assault can result in severe penalties, and even if a person is not convicted, their reputation may be permanently damaged. Because of these consequences, it is important to understand the options for defending against these accusations.

If you or someone you know is facing charges related to child sexual assault, Bennett & Bennett can provide you with legal representation as you defend against these accusations. We will help you understand the legal implications of the charges and the potential consequences you may face if you are convicted. We will work with you to build a creative defense strategy, and we will advocate for you throughout the legal process. With our experience representing clients in cases involving crimes against children, we can make sure you will be prepared to defend against these types of charges.

When Can a Person Be Charged With Sexual Assault of a Child?

In Texas, an individual can be charged with sexual assault of a child if they engage in any kind of sexual contact with someone under the age of 17. While sexual assault charges typically involve claims that a person engaged in sexual contact without receiving consent, children under the age of 17 are legally unable to give effective consent, so any sexual acts involving minors can result in sexual assault charges.

The offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child may apply in situations where a person allegedly engaged in multiple sex acts with a minor. Two or more instances of sexual abuse committed against one or more children under the age of 14 within a period of 30 days or more can result in a person being charged with this offense. Applicable acts of sexual abuse may include sexual assault, indecency with a child, aggravated kidnapping, compelling prostitution, or the production of child pornography through a sexual performance by a child.

The Penalties for Child Sexual Assault Offenses

Penalties for different offenses involving child sexual assault or abuse may include:

Sexual Assault:

If an adult is accused of engaging in any form of sexual conduct with a minor who was younger than 17 years old, they may be charged with a second-degree felony, which carries a sentence of two to 20 years in prison. These charges may apply even if the person was not aware of the child's age. However, sexual conduct with a child under the age of 17 may be permitted if a person was married to the child or if they were no more than three years older than the child. Sexual assault of a child may be elevated to a first-degree felony if the alleged perpetrator was the child's parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, cousin, or another relative. A first-degree felony conviction can result in a prison sentence of between five and 99 years.

Aggravated Sexual Assault:

A person may be charged with aggravated sexual assault if they allegedly engaged in any form of sexual conduct with a child under the age of 14. Causing a serious bodily injury, placing the alleged victim in fear that they will be killed or seriously injured, carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon, or using a "date rape" drug to render the alleged victim unconscious or limit their ability to give consent may also elevate sexual assault charges to aggravated sexual assault. This offense is a first-degree felony. In cases where the alleged victim was under the age of six or where an offense against a child under the age of 14 involved the infliction of injuries or threats to use deadly force, a person who is convicted will face a minimum sentence of 25 years.

Continuous Sexual Abuse:

If an individual is accused of repeatedly engaging in sexual acts against one or more children, they will typically be charged with a first-degree felony. However, they may be able to defend against these charges by demonstrating that they were no more than five years older than the alleged victim and that they did not use force or threats to commit sexual assault. A person who is convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a young child may be sentenced to between 25 and 99 years in prison with no parole, or they may face a life sentence.

Contact Our Houston Child Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers

If you have been accused of sexual assault or continuous sexual abuse of a child, our law firm can help. At Bennett & Bennett, we understand the seriousness of these charges and the sensitivity required when dealing with accusations of crimes against children. We can conduct a thorough investigation, scrutinize forensic evidence, and challenge witness testimony if possible, and we will ensure that your rights will be protected during your case. Please contact us at 713-224-1747 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you address these types of charges and defend against a conviction.