If you are facing charges for an indecency with a child crime in Fort Bend County, you are likely feeling terrified by the situation and unsure of which steps to take next. An experienced Fort Bend County sex crime lawyer from Segura & Kiatta can work with you to immediately ensure your rights are protected and that legal processes are carried out in a just and fair manner. Furthermore, we can implement a robust strategy to help you fight back.
An experienced Fort Bend County criminal defense lawyer from Segura & Kiatta understands the serious penalties associated with a conviction for crimes such as indecency with a child. Therefore, we will work to leverage key legal strategies and tools to minimize your charges and sentencing. We can fiercely negotiate with prosecutors and staunchly advocate for you in front of a judge or jury to champion your case and drive optimal outcomes.
According to the Texas Penal Code, there are two major incidents that make up the crime of indecency with a child: engaging in sexual contact and exposure. Engaging in sexual contact crimes includes any physical touch with the breasts or genitals of a child or prompting the child to touch the perpetrator similarly in a lewd manner. Engaging in sexual contact with a child is categorized as a second-degree felony under Texas law.
Exposure, on the other hand, is considered to be asking or forcing a child to expose their genitals or having a perpetrator expose their genitals to the child with the aim of sexual gratification. Exposure or causing the child to expose their genitals is categorized as a third-degree felony according to the Texas Penal Code.
According to Texas law, a child is considered to be a person under the age of 17. If you are facing charges for an indecency with a child crime, it is critical to secure a high-quality criminal defense team as soon as possible. They can help you fight back against your charges and protect your rights.
Penalties for indecency with a child crimes are severe and can vary depending on the type of crime and the criminal history of the defendant. Engaging in sexual contact with a child can lead to between two and 20 years in prison, with a maximum fine of $10,000. Exposure crimes can result in two to 10 years in prison, with a fine of up to $10,000. An experienced lawyer from our firm can inform you about the exact penalties you could be facing.
In addition to criminal penalties, there are a variety of collateral consequences that those accused of indecency with a child can face. Those convicted of such crimes will need to register as sex offenders, which can dictate where they can work and live. They may also lose certain parental rights and professional licenses. Therefore, it is critical to work with an experienced lawyer to help you minimize any negative consequences from your charges.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer from Segura & Kiatta can work tirelessly to defend your case. They can leverage crucial defense strategies, such as insisting the accusations are false, showing a lack of intent, or proving that the perpetrator reasonably believed the child was 17 years old or older. By working with a lawyer from our firm, you can ensure your rights and interests are adequately protected.
A: It may be possible to get probation for indecency with child crimes in Fort Bend County, Texas; however, it is highly dependent on specific details associated with the case. Factors influencing whether probation may be part of your sentencing include the circumstances and your criminal history. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the potential sentencing you could expect to receive and whether probation could be an option for your case.
A: In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations for an indecency with a child crime is dependent on various factors, such as the severity of the offense. It’s important to note, however, that there is usually no statute of limitations associated with indecency with child crimes. This means that charges can be brought forward for such a crime even decades later, though these cases are easier to defend due to minimized credibility and sufficiency of the evidence.
A: Under Texas Penal Code Section 21.11, an indecency with a child crime is considered to be engagement in sexual behavior with a minor who is under the age of 17 years old. Indecency with the child also includes exposure of themselves in a lewd manner or asking the child to do so for their own sexual gratification. Depending on the circumstances of the crime, it can be classified as a third-degree felony or second-degree felony.
A: The amount a lawyer may charge for defending against an indecency with a child crime is dependent on a variety of factors, including the experience of the lawyer, the location of the law firm, the severity and nature of the charges, and the defendant’s criminal history. It is critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer who is upfront about their charges and other potential court costs. This information can help you budget accordingly and avoid unexpected costs.
Facing indecency with a child charges in Fort Bend County can be devastating, due to potential for disastrous consequences and the complexity of navigating the criminal justice system. A conviction for such a crime can not only lead to serious criminal penalties, but it can also have long-lasting impacts on your personal and professional life. The compassionate criminal defense team at Segura & Kiatta understands what is at stake and is ready to fight fiercely on your behalf.
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Segura & Kiatta, Criminal Defense
345 Commerce Green Blvd
Suite 200
Sugar Land, Texas 77478