As serious as sex-related offenses are, they are also frequently misused by individuals in an attempt to manipulate or control a situation. Oftentimes innocent people are entangled in false allegations, leaving them no choice but to refer to a criminal defense attorney.
Sex crimes or offenses are those sexual acts or advances that are unwelcomed by the recipient. They lack the element of consent and are therefore considered illegal. Sex-related crimes vary greatly in severity as do their corresponding penalties.
Where a mild flirtation at work is welcomed by a willing participant, making sexual advances towards someone who does not like you can quickly become categorized as sexual harassment in the workplace. Even a seemingly innocent situation can be misunderstood. Harassment can quickly escalate to the point where the supposed perpetrator loses their job and their livelihood.
Sex crimes, no matter how innocent at the time can be criminally prosecuted. Indecent exposure, public lewdness and public urination may all be harmless in nature, but when they occur in the wrong place at the wrong time they can send someone to jail.
Crimes such as prostitution, solicitation, and pimping are still considered illegal, even though both parties fully consented to the sexual act. In fact, the government has set up entire sting operations to lure in prostitutes and “Johns” in order to make arrests and secure convictions.
The more serious sex offenses such as forcible rape, sexual battery, and sodomy, possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, child molestation and child rape are regarded as extremely serious.
The above charges are heavily prosecuted in the state of Texas, especially if there was a minor involved in the crime. However, even some of the worst charges can be a mistake or a misunderstanding. Perhaps someone else was using your computer to look at child pornography without you being aware of it. Or, perhaps you are being falsely accused because of a viscous lie.
Depending on the facts surrounding your case, you may face lighter penalties including misdemeanor charges and fines. More serious sexual offenses such as child molestation or sexual battery can involve years behind bars and the possibility of lifetime sex offender registration.
Lifetime registration means that you will have to register no matter where you live. Your headshot, your home address and what you were arrested for will be public information; failure to register will result in criminal consequences.
There is probably nothing more embarrassing than being accused of a sex crime. Society looks down heavily on individuals who have been convicted of sex-related offenses. A conviction would be extremely detrimental to your future. Finding a job, leasing a home or apartment, or getting a student loan will all be hampered by a criminal conviction. Not to mention the social stigma that will haunt you for the rest of your life. If you are presently facing sex crime allegations, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately. There are always two sides to every story; you will need a legal advocate protecting your legal rights from start to finish.
