Houston Sex Crimes Attorney

Have you been charged with a sexual offense?

If you've been charged with a sex crime, you must realize that the stakes are incredibly high. Sex crimes are despised by society more than any other criminal offenses, and you will face the harsh wrath of the criminal justice system if you are convicted. Police officers, prosecutors, and judges all take a strict approach when dealing with individuals accused of a sex crime, and you need a sex crime attorney who will fight just as aggressively to protect you.

In a typical year, Houston law enforcement officers file more than one thousands reports of sex offenses in the city. Approximately 25% of these reports are cleared, but those who are convicted face severe penalties under state and federal laws. As of November 2, 2012, there were 804 registered sex offenders living in Houston. No matter what the nature of the allegations may be, a sex crime conviction in Texas will usually result in mandatory registration as a sex offender. This can make it almost impossible to lead a normal life.

As a registered sex offender, you may find it increasingly difficult to find a good job, as most employers require a background check. Jobs that involve interacting closely with children or minors will be off-limits once an individual is convicted of a sex crime, and convicts may not be eligible for certain professional licenses. In addition to these professional ramifications, a sex crime conviction can radiate throughout your entire life and negatively affect your ability to maintain relationships with friends and family.

Types of Sex Crimes in Houston

Child Molestation
This crime is considered a felony offense under § 22.011 of the Texas Penal Code. It involves the sexual assault of a child by way of fondling, penetration or other contact of a sexual nature.

Child Pornography
Most child pornography is downloaded over the internet, but individuals can be convicted of this crime for other reasons such as coercing a child to participate in pornography. Child pornography is defined as the depiction of minors (under the age of 18) in a sexually explicit manner.

Indecency with a Child
The term "indecency" as it pertains to this criminal offense is defined in the Texas Penal Code § 21.11. This is sexual contact or any kind with someone who is underage.

Indecent Exposure
Exposing genitalia or other sexual organs for the purpose of sexual arousal is a form of indecent exposure if the arena where this takes place is: in a public place, in the presence of a child or at the workplace.

Molestation
This is a form of sexual abuse. Rather than a one-time act, molestation is typically a pattern of sexual abuse. Most often, this is considered a felony offense.

Prostitution
Prostitution is only legal in certain parts of Nevada. It is illegal to run a prostitution business, obtain favors or money for sex, or to participate in hiring a prostitute.

Public Lewdness
While public lewdness can include indecent exposure, it also encompasses intentionally exposing yourself to a minor or soliciting sex in a public location such as a bathroom.

Rape
This is a type of sexual assault that involves sexual contact by force or contact that is coerced by fear. This is a very serious allegation that is often considered a felony offense, particularly when the crime is statutory rape (sex with a minor).

Sex with a Minor
This is often referred to as statutory rape. Even if the sex was consensual, if it involved someone under the age of 18 then charges could potentially be pressed against the adult.

Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a pattern rather than a one-time act. Sexual abuse can take place within the family as well as with a stranger. It is actually fairly common for a close friend or family member to be accused of sexual abuse.

Sexual Assault
This crime is also referred to as rape. It involves sexual contact without consent. It is not uncommon for rape to involve excessive force and even deadly weapons, which could aggravate the penalties.

Sex Offender Registration
There are three different "tiers" in which offenders are classified by. The length of time a person must register on both the national and state sex offender registries depends on the tier of offense.

Solicitation of a Minor
This is a criminal offense that typically takes place over the internet in places like chat rooms and over other social media outlets. The United States Code has an entire section on internet crimes against children. If you have been alleged of this crime, it is a serious offense.

Sex Crime Defense Lawyer in Houston, Texas

If you are looking for an attorney with the experience and know-how necessary to fight the devastating consequences of a sex crime conviction, look no further than The Law Offices of Ned Barnett. I have over two decades of experience defending clients against all types of sex crime accusations. When it comes to sex crimes, even the mere accusation of a sexual offense can have a lasting negative impact on your personal life and career.

That's why it is absolutely essential to hire an attorney with the skills and knowledge to protect you from allegations of this nature. I will do everything in my power to help protect your future and your reputation. Regardless of the circumstances of the charges, you will be able to be confident that I will go above and beyond in my efforts to protect you. Contact a Houston sex crimes lawyer from my firm as soon as possible to learn about how we can help defend you.

For more information, visit my site dedicated exclusively to Houston sex crime defense.