What Are the Different Types of Sex Offenses?

Charges and a conviction for sex offenses in Texas come with a high price. Any charge for a sex crime in Fort Worth is significant. Minimizing the long-term personal and professional damage may be possible with the right legal defense. 

Sex offenses range from indecent exposure and sexual assault to possession of child pornography and human trafficking. These charges can lead to penalties ranging from imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration to long-lasting damage to one’s reputation. Understanding your rights and legal options is crucial when facing such allegations.

The Texas Penal Code outlines sex offenses. Different types of sex offenses include:

Public Lewdness

Performing one of these acts in a public place or in front of someone who finds the act offensive or alarming may lead to charges of public lewdness. Acts include sexual intercourse, deviant sexual intercourse, or sexual contact.

Indecent Exposure 

Exposing any part of the genitals or anus to arouse any person sexually with intent and acting recklessly is also a sexual offense in Fort Worth. Indecent exposure is offensive and alarming.

Beastiality

Having sexual contact with or causing a person to engage in sexual contact with an animal is a type of sex offense. Promoting these acts is also a crime. This law excludes acts of husbandry or veterinary practices.

Indecency With a Child

Sexual offenses against a child happen when sexual contact occurs. Touching can occur through the clothing or to any part of the body. 

Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student

Sexual acts against students by employees in a public or private educational setting are against the law. While felony charges may apply, the age of consent is a consideration. 

Voyeurism

Acts of voyeurism may conjure the term “peeping Tom.” It is a sex offense to observe someone with the intention of arousal without the other person’s consent. Voyeurism can occur in person or through electronic technology. 

Producing, Distributing, or Promoting Sexual Material

Distributing materials that contain intimate or sexual depictions of another person without their consent is a criminal offense. Charges of sexual coercion may also apply if the material is used for extortion, manipulation, or to facilitate another crime.

Sexual Assault

Though categorized under assaultive offenses, sexual assault falls under offenses against another person, like the sex offenses above. Sexual assault is sexual contact or penetration with an individual who does not consent. 

Age and Its Impact on Sex Offense Charges

An alleged victim’s age and ability to give consent are important factors in your charges. Additionally, your age in relation to the individual experiencing a sex offense will play a pivotal role in your case’s outcome if you face charges.

The Severity of a Sex Offense Determines the Charge

Sex offenses causing less physical harm to others are misdemeanors. Public lewdness, indecent exposure, voyeurism, and some sexual material charges generally fall under various classes of misdemeanors. Sexual offenses consisting of sexual contact or causing harm to individuals or animals are generally categorized as felonies.

For more information, please contact the sex crimes law firm of Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a consultation. Give us a call at (682) 777-3336 or visit our convenient location:

We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.

Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102