Houston, the largest city in the state of Texas, has a population of over 2 million people as of 2024. Unfortunately, 82% of women in the United States have reported experiencing harassment or assault in their lives, which means Houston is no exception to this crime. While allegations of sexual assault are not to be taken lightly, false accusations are not unheard of. Therefore, no accusation of assault should be handled without the assistance of an attorney. Due to the serious consequences associated with such crimes, hiring an experienced Houston sexual assault lawyer is in the defendant’s best interests.

Sexual assault laws in Texas

In order to be able to defend against sexual assault allegations, it helps to have an understanding of the laws surrounding such crimes. Different states use different terminology for crimes related to sexual assault. In the state of Texas, sexual assault is defined as the act of committing illegal sexual activities. This can include touching the victim’s genitals, penetration, or indecent exposure. The state typically classifies sexual assault into first-degree or second-degree felonies, as crimes of this nature are not taken lightly. The crime can be classified as aggravated sexual assault if

• The victim was kidnapped
• A deadly weapon was used
• The victim was a disabled individual
• The victim was drugged

Minors A person under the age of 17 is regarded as a minor, and the involvement of a minor in such a crime automatically aggravates it to a first-degree felony. This can result in a minimum prison sentence of 5 years up to 99 years. This can also come with a fine of up to $10,000. The court always takes consent into consideration in such cases, which means that if the act involves a minor, they are legally deemed unfit to give consent to sexual acts. This changes if the age gap between the parties is less than 3 years. If the victim is under 6 years of age, a deadly weapon was used, or the accused attempted to kill the child, the minimum sentence is 25 years in prison. Sex offender registry Every state has a registry of those convicted of sexual assault. This registry is updated with details of the crime and information on the offender, including their name, address, date of birth, and other data. This data is available to the public and can be accessed online for a period of time stipulated by the court. If the crime is severe, this data may be stored for life. The registry serves as a means to keep track of offenders and prevent future crimes from happening. If offenders fail to register, they can be arrested and face further legal consequences. However, for those wrongly convicted of such crimes, such a registry can be a death sentence, preventing them from leading a normal life. It is important to note that state laws are subject to change when new laws are passed. A lawyer will be able to advise you on your case based on the latest laws of the state.

Conclusion

Sexual assault laws in the US involve long prison sentences and hefty fines, which is only fitting since the nature of the crime is so heinous. However, these laws can be directed against innocent defendants, so it’s paramount that you seek legal counsel if you’ve been falsely accused of this crime. A lawyer with a good knowledge of the sexual assault laws in Texas should be able to help you navigate the charges and even get the case dismissed before it reaches the court. You’ll need the help of a professional to understand your rights as well.