Hays County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer

Online Solicitation of a Minor

This crime occurs when someone uses the internet, social media, or other forms of digital communication to solicit a minor (under the age of 17) to engage in sexual conduct. This includes sending sexually explicit messages or images to a minor.

Online solicitation of a minor is a second-degree felony if the child is under 14, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the minor is between 14 and 16, the charge is typically a third-degree felony, with a penalty of 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine.

Prostitution and Solicitation

Engaging in or soliciting (i.e. requesting services of) prostitution, especially when it involves a minor or a coerced individual, is considered a serious offense. Soliciting sex from a minor is treated as a sex crime in Texas, even if no physical act occurred.

Penalties vary based on the specifics of the case, but soliciting a minor for prostitution is a second-degree felony, carrying a sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison. If the prostitution involves force or coercion, charges can escalate to human trafficking, with penalties reaching life imprisonment.

Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation

Human trafficking for sexual purposes involves forcing or coercing individuals into sex work. This can include child trafficking or trafficking for commercial sex purposes.

Human trafficking for sexual purposes is a first-degree felony in Texas, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment. Fines can reach $10,000, and those convicted of trafficking minors may face enhanced penalties, including mandatory life sentences.

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child

This charge applies when an individual commits two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child under 14 over a period of 30 days or more. This is often one of the most severe charges in sex crime cases involving minors.

Continuous sexual abuse of a child is a first-degree felony, punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life, without the possibility of parole.

Sex Offender Registration

In addition to imprisonment and fines, individuals convicted of most sex crimes in Texas must register as sex offenders. This registration is typically for life and involves:

• Regular reporting to law enforcement.
• Restrictions on where the individual can live, work, or travel.
• Public notification of the offender's status in certain cases.

The stigma of being a registered sex offender can have long-lasting effects on a person’s ability to reintegrate into society, secure employment, or maintain relationships.

Legal Defenses to Sex Crimes

Being charged with a sex crime does not automatically mean a conviction. There are several legal defenses that can be employed to challenge the accusations and protect your rights. Some common defenses to sex crime charges include:

• Consent: One of the most common defenses in sex crime cases is that the sexual activity was consensual. If it can be proven that the alleged victim agreed to the sexual contact, the charges may be reduced or dismissed entirely.
• False Accusations: False accusations can occur for various reasons, including revenge, mistaken identity, or manipulation. A strong defense strategy can involve challenging the credibility of the accuser and providing evidence that the accusations are unfounded.
• Mistaken Identity: In some cases, the wrong person may be accused of the crime. Misidentification can happen due to a lack of clear evidence, such as when a witness mistakenly identifies someone as the perpetrator. A lawyer can help challenge the identification process.
• Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient evidence to support the charges, a defense attorney can argue that the case should be dismissed due to the prosecution's failure to meet its burden of proof.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: Law enforcement officials must follow strict protocols when conducting investigations. If your constitutional rights were violated, such as through unlawful searches, seizures, or interrogations, any evidence obtained in violation of your rights could be inadmissible in court.

Why You Need Our Legal Help

If you are facing sex charges in Hays County, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we understand the complexities of Texas sex crime laws and the serious consequences a conviction can bring. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, build a strong defense strategy, and work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Here's how we can help:

• Personalized Legal Strategies: Every case is unique, and we take the time to craft a defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
• Experienced Trial Lawyers: Our team has years of experience defending clients against sex crime charges in Texas. We are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary.
• Confidential Consultations: We understand the sensitive nature of these charges and offer confidential consultations to discuss your legal options.
• Aggressive Defense: We are committed to protecting your rights and aggressively defending against the charges you face. We aim to secure the best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a favorable plea or fighting for your acquittal in court.

Contact our Hays County sex crime attorney today for a consultation. We can discuss your options in further detail. Please do not hesitate to call (512) 991-0576.