Sex Crimes in Dallas, Texas
Sex crime is one the few criminal charges that are very damaging. A sexual misconduct allegation is enough to devastate a career, family life, and even social relationships. In the state of Texas, sexual offenses are covered under Chapters 21 and 22 of the Penal Code. Conviction carries even sharper penalties, potentially resulting to prolonged prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration.
What is a Sexual Assault Offense?
A person can commit an offense if the individual intentionally or knowingly causes the penetration of the anus or female sexual organ of another individual by any means without that person’s consent. A sexual assault offense takes place if the person causes penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor without that person’s consent. A sexual assault offense is also committed by threatening or compels the other person to submit or participate by the use of physical force or violence. There are also other circumstances which could also lead to an individual being charged with Sexual Assault.
What is a Sex Crime?
The state and the federal government define a sex crime as an illegal sex act, or illegal form of human sexual behavior. A person convicted of sex crime is called sex offender. In Texas, a sex offender must list themselves on the Sex Offender Registry for an indefinite amount of time. This Registry is accessible to the public, which basically indicates that employers, educational institutions, landlords, or neighbors can obtain this information.
Commonly committed sex crimes include: rape, statutory rape, date rape, lewd conduct, indecent exposure, sexual abuse, sexual assault, child pornography, child molestation, prostitution, pandering, and distribution of illegal pornography.
Texas Sex Crime Legal Penalties
A person convicted of sexual offense may be punished with prison time, hefty fines, restitution, court ordered counseling, community service, probation, parole, and mandatory Sex Offender Registration. If the accused is a repeat offender or has committed a crime on a minor – a person below 18, he may be subject to increased criminal charges and harsher sentencing.
