Indecency by Contact Lawyer in Georgetown
Suppose you were arrested for a sex crime in Texas. In that case, you could be facing serious criminal charges and penalties, including jail or prison time, fines, probation, and mandatory sex offender registration.
At Winters & Chidester, our defense team understands the gravity of this situation, and we are prepared to fight tirelessly on your behalf. When you choose us, you get a whole team of legal professionals working together to build the strongest possible defense for you.
Call our office today at (512) 961-4555 to schedule a consultation with one of our indecency by contact attorneys in Georgetown.
What Is Indecency by Contact?
Indecency by contact is a serious sex crime in Texas. It is defined as any sexual contact with anyone who is not the defendant’s spouse and is less than 17 14 years old. “Sexual contact” is defined as any contact, including touching through clothing, with a child’s genitals, anus or breast, or causing the child to engage in the same, with the mouth, anus, or sex organs of a person for the purpose of sexually gratifying or arousing either person.
What Are the Penalties for Indecency by Contact in Georgetown?
In Texas, the law imposes severe penalties on felony offenders, particularly for crimes like indecency with a child. Such an offense, without exception, is a felony and mandates sex offender registration.
A second-degree felony for indecency with a child through sexual contact includes:
- Fines reaching $10,000
- Prison time from 2 to 20 years
A third-degree felony for indecency with a child by exposure leads to:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Prison time from 2 to 10 years
Those convicted of felonies also lose several rights, including voting, owning or carrying firearms, and jury service. With a felony on their record, they also encounter numerous additional consequences, like challenges in securing employment and losing special licenses.
What Are the Defenses to Indecency by Contact Charges?
If you have been accused of indecency by contact, you need to take the situation very seriously. A conviction could result in years or decades behind bars, as well as a tarnished reputation. You could also lose your job, your family, and your future.
Remember, however, that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. The prosecution has the burden of proving the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and several defenses are available to you. Our indecency by contact lawyers can help you understand your legal options and work with you to build a strong defense strategy.
Defenses against indecency by contact charges include:
- Romeo and JulietConsent
Consensual sexual contact between an opposit sex couple who is within 3 years of age with each other is an affirmative defense to prosecution. If the alleged victim consented to the sexual contact and you reasonably believed that the person was at least 14 years old, you may have a valid defense. We can help you investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and determine if consent and the Romeo and Juliet law is a reasonable defense in your case. - Mistaken Identity
The prosecution must prove that you are the person who committed the indecency by contact crime. If there is any doubt about the offender’s identity, we can help you challenge the prosecution’s evidence and work to clear your name. - False Accusations
It is common for people to be falsely accused of indecency by contact, particularly in a contentious divorce or child custody case. In such circumstances, children may be coerced or manipulated into making false allegations. Our attorneys can help you investigate the details of your case and determine if you have been falsely accused of this serious crime. - Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police violated your constitutional rights while investigating your case, we can help you file a motion to suppress any illegally obtained evidence. If the motion is successful, the prosecution may not be able to use any evidence they have against you.
How Can a Winters & Chidester Help with My Case?
Being arrested for a sex crime is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. Our team understands the gravity of the situation, and we are prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf.
Our attorneys can help you understand your legal options and work with you to build a strong defense strategy. We have several decades of combined legal experience and a long track record of success. Let us put our skills, knowledge, and resources to work for you.
Contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our indecency by contact lawyers in Georgetown.
