An internet sex crime includes any type of offense where sexual-related conduct is transmitted online or through electronic communication. Internet sex crimes have increased over the years, leading Texas prosecutors to create new laws focused on the protection of children, who are the primary victims of these crimes.
Any criminal case containing accusations that are sexual in nature can result in significant consequences for your livelihood and reputation. If you have been arrested for any type of Internet crime, turn to the Law Office of Price & Twine, PLLC, for skilled legal counsel.
Texas Internet Sex Crime Attorney
An accusation of an internet sex crime may significantly impact an individual’s standing in the community. For that reason alone, it’s imperative you acquire the legal counsel of a skilled defense team as soon as possible to fight these charges.
Attorneys Michael Price and James Twine can utilize their experience and skills to fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Call the Law Office of Price & Twine, PLLC, today at 512-354-1880 to arrange your first consultation.
The Law Office of Price & Twine, PLLC accepts clients in Williamson County and Bell County, TX.
Information Center
Internet Sex Crimes in TX
As stated previously, internet sex crimes, involve any type of sexual behavior or conduct that occurs over the web. These criminalized behaviors can involve the following:
- Online Solicitation of a Minor – Under the Penal Code Section 33.021, it’s against Texas law to have a sexually explicit conversation with a minor or transmit sexually explicit content/material online with a person under 17. It’s also a crime for an individual to solicit or request the minor to meet up with them and engage in some type of sexual conduct. In most cases, online solicitation of a minor is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Online Promotion of Prostitution – You don’t have to engage in prostitution or solicit a prostitute to be charged with a crime. Advertising sex work services is also an illicit crime. This type of offense is generally a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography – Knowingly or intentionally transferring, transmitting, possessing, promoting, or advertising child pornography is a crime with serious legal ramifications. A person convicted of this offense will face a third-degree felony unless he or she has been previously convicted of the offense. In such cases, the crime is escalated to a second-degree or first-degree felony.
Punishment for Internet Sex Crimes in Texas
Internet sex crimes carry grievous penalties under Texas law. The severity of these consequences will vary based on the charge, the context of the crime, and any other relevant facts. The punishment for an Internet sex crime will depend on its classification:
- Class C Misdemeanor – Up to $500 in fines
- Class B Misdemeanor – Up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine
- Class A Misdemeanor – Up to 12 months in jail and a $4,000 fine
- State Jail Felony – Up to 2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Third-Degree Felony – Up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Second-Degree Felony – Up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- First-Degree Felony – Minimum of 5 and maximum of 99 years
Additional Resources
Texas Penal Code: Sex Offenses – Follow the link provided to access the official website for the Texas Penal Code. You can view chapter 21 which outlines the various sex crimes addressed by Texas law such as indecent exposure, bestiality, public lewdness, and more.
Texas Sex Offender Registration Program – Access the official website of the Texas Department of Public Safety to view information regarding the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. The page includes offender registration program requirements in Texas, and includes answers to frequently asked questions, the most wanted sex offenders in the state and more.
Georgetown Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer | Williamson County, TX
If you have been accused of an internet sex crime in Texas, do not take these accusations lightly. It is important that you seek immediate counsel of a skilled defense team who can clarify your legal options, collect evidence, and defend your rights.
Attorneys Michael Price and James Twine at know that an aggressive approach is necessary to defend you against these allegations and defend your rights. To schedule your first consultation, call the Law Office of Price & Twine, PLLC at 512-354-1880 today.