Austin Sex Crime Defense Attorneys

Compassionate and Strategic Sex Crime Defense Representation

When you are charged with any kind of sex crime, it can feel like your life is over. The accusations alone can inflict immediate and severe damage to your reputation, potentially isolating you from your community, family, and friends. Beyond the social stigma, you face the very real threat of losing your freedom, with convictions carrying lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and the lifelong burden of sex offender registration, which can significantly restrict where you can live and work.

The gravity of these charges and the accompanying penalties demand a strong defense. At Lance Kennedy Law, we can provide solutions-oriented, no-judgment advocacy designed to protect your interests. Whether you’ve been charged with indecent exposure, sexual assault, or any other type of sex offense, we can review your specific circumstances and walk you through your defense options. Our founding attorney, Lance Kennedy, is a former U.S. and Texas criminal prosecutor, meaning we understand how both sides of the courtroom operate. This provides us with powerful insights into how the prosecution will likely approach your case and gives us the opportunity to anticipate and counter their strategies. 

Protecting your freedom, future, and reputation are our priorities, and we are prepared to do everything possible to secure a just outcome. We are available 24/7, so do not wait to get in touch.

Call (737) 324-7540 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our Austin sex crime defense lawyers. Se habla español.

Types of Sex Crimes in Texas

In Texas, “sex crimes” is a broad term that encompasses acts that are sexual in nature and committed without consent, involve minors, and/or violate public decency. These offenses range significantly in severity, from misdemeanors to severe felonies, and often carry additional penalties like mandatory sex offender registration upon conviction. The specific nature of the alleged act, the age of the victim, and the use of force or threats are all factors that determine the classification and potential punishment.

Our attorneys at Lance Kennedy Law can help explore your defense options if you have been charged with:

• Sexual assault. This is a serious second-degree felony involving non-consensual sexual penetration or contact. It can involve various forms of penetration of the mouth, anus, or sexual organ, or sexual contact where there is no consent.
• Aggravated sexual assault. This is a first-degree felony that carries much harsher penalties. It applies if certain aggravating factors are present, such as causing serious bodily injury, using or exhibiting a deadly weapon, or committing the offense against an elderly or disabled person.
• Indecency with a child. This offense involves sexual contact with a child under 17 years of age or exposing oneself to a child with sexual intent. If there was exposure but no contact, this offense is a third-degree felony. If there was sexual contact, the offense is generally charged as a second-degree felony. 
• Prostitution and promotion of prostitution. These involve offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct for a fee (prostitution) or knowingly soliciting, coercing, or managing others to engage in prostitution (promotion of or compelling prostitution). Offering or agreeing to engage in prostitution is a Class B Misdemeanor for a first offense. Even soliciting prostitution is a state jail felony for a first offense and becomes a second-degree felony for a second offense. 
• Possession or promotion of child pornography. This involves knowingly possessing, creating, acquiring, or promoting visual material that depicts a child engaging in sexual conduct. These are very severe felony offenses.
• Improper photography or visual recording. This offense involves secretly photographing or visually recording someone's intimate parts or in a private space (like a bathroom or changing room) without their consent and with sexual intent. A first offense is typically charged as a state jail felony. 
• Public lewdness and indecent exposure. These are generally misdemeanor offenses that involve engaging in sexual acts or exposing one's genitals in a public place or in a manner reckless about whether someone would be offended or alarmed. A conviction can result in jail time and thousands of dollars in fines.
• Improper relationship between educator and student. This specific offense applies to educators (including school employees) who engage in sexual conduct with a student. It is charged as a second-degree felony.

When Do I Have to Register as a Sex Offender in Texas?

In Texas, the requirement to register as a sex offender is a mandatory consequence for individuals convicted of specific sexual offenses. This registration is regulated by state law and is primarily based on the nature of the crime, the age of the victim, and whether there were aggravating factors involved.

Offenses that typically trigger registration include sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, possession or promotion of child pornography, indecent exposure (for repeat offenses), and certain offenses related to prostitution or online solicitation of a minor. Even some offenses not explicitly labeled "sex crimes," like aggravated kidnapping with intent to sexually abuse, can also lead to this requirement.

The duration of registration falls into two main categories:

• 10-year registration. For certain less severe offenses, particularly those that do not involve sexual violence or very young victims (such as indecent exposure if it's a second offense), an individual may be required to register for a period of 10 years. This 10-year period typically begins after the individual is released from incarceration, parole, or community supervision, meaning the actual time registered can be much longer than 10 calendar years from the date of conviction.
• Lifetime registration. For more serious offenses, such as sexual assault or offenses involving child pornography, registration is for the remainder of the convicted person's life. This is the more common requirement for severe sex crimes.