Kingwood, TX Sex Crimes Lawyer

Aggressive Kingwood Sex Crimes Lawyer Protecting the Rights of Texans

The rise of digital communication has, unfortunately, provided new avenues for criminal activity, including the online solicitation of minors. In Texas, the law takes a firm, non-nonsense stance against such offenses to protect the most vulnerable members of society. If you or someone you know is facing allegations or criminal charges of online solicitation of a minor, the distinction between third-degree, second-degree, and first-degree felonies is crucial. An aggressive criminal defense lawyer with Bennett & Bennett can give you a fighting chance at beating the charges.

What Does the Online Solicitation of a Minor Mean?

Under Texas Penal Code Section 33.021, online solicitation of a minor involves using the internet or electronic communication to engage with someone who is younger than 17 years old or whom the alleged perpetrator believes to be under 17, with the intent of committing certain sexual offenses with that person. This can include sending sexually explicit messages or trying to arrange a sexual meeting. The severity of the charges and penalties varies significantly based on the specific actions and intentions involved.

Third-Degree Felony: The Starting Point

Online solicitation in Texas usually begins as a third-degree felony in Texas. It generally involves the act of communicating sexually explicit material or discussing sexual conduct with a minor. Conviction for a third-degree felony can result in:

• Imprisonment - Up to 10 years in prison
• Fines - Up to $10,000
• Sex offender registration - Mandatory registration as a sex offender, which carries long-term social and legal consequences.

A third-degree felony may escalate if additional factors come into play, such as plans to meet the minor in person.

Second-Degree Felony: Escalation of Charges

If the solicitation includes a discussion intended to meet the minor for sexual conduct, the charge can be elevated to a second-degree felony. This applies regardless of whether the meeting actually occurred or not. Penalties for a second-degree felony are more severe:

• Imprisonment - Between two and 20 years in prison
• Fines - Up to $10,000
• Sex Offender Registration - Required registration as a sex offender

The law demonstrates that the intent to meet a minor significantly raises the severity of the crime, reflecting the increased potential harm and actual danger posed.

First-Degree Felony: The Most Severe Charges

First-degree felony charges are the most severe and typically reserved for the worst cases involving minors, such as instances of actual physical harm or assault or soliciting a minor younger than 14 years of age. These charges come with the harshest penalties:

• Imprisonment - Between five and 99 years or life in prison
• Fines - Up to $10,000
• Lifetime sexual offender registration - Permanent registration as a sex offender, along with the most stringent monitoring

First-degree felony charges reflect the gravity of the crime and the harm inflicted on the victim, showing Texas' commitment to severe punishment for the most egregious offenses against minors.

The Importance of Legal Counsel When Facing Sex Crime Charges

Several defenses can be employed depending on the circumstances of the case, including:

• Lack of intent - Arguing there was no intention to harm or meet the minor
• Mistaken identity - Demonstrating that someone else used your electronic devices or identity
• Entrapment - Proving law enforcement forced or induced the behavior that led to you being charged.

Engaging an experienced criminal defense lawyer is vital. As a legal professional, your lawyer can provide guidance, negotiate plea deals, or represent you vigorously in court to reduce or dismiss the charges. At Bennett & Bennett, we can assist with charges of online solicitation or other sexual offenses, including sexual assault, prostitution, and child pornography.

Contact a Kingwood, TX Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

When facing charges related to sex crimes, there is a lot at stake. For aggressive representation, contact our office by calling 713-224-1747 to schedule a private consultation. Our highly trained legal staff will work with you to build a robust defense that protects your rights and interests, allowing you to pursue a favorable case outcome.