Austin Sex Crime Defense Attorneys

Compassionate and Strategic Sex Crime Defense Representation

When you face a sex crime charge, the entire course of your life can shift overnight. The accusation alone can cause immediate and serious damage to your reputation, often leading to isolation from your community, family, and friends. Beyond social consequences, you also risk losing your freedom. Convictions may bring lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, and the lifelong restrictions that come from being on the sex offender registry. These restrictions can limit your housing and employment options in profound ways.

The seriousness of these accusations and penalties demands a strong defense. At Lance Kennedy Law, we provide solutions-oriented, judgment-free advocacy to protect your rights and future. Whether the charge involves indecent exposure, sexual assault, or another offense, we carefully review your case and explain your legal options. Our founding attorney, Lance Kennedy, brings the experience of a former U.S. and Texas criminal prosecutor. With firsthand knowledge of both sides of the courtroom, we can anticipate the prosecution’s approach and develop a strategy designed to counter it.

We have thorough knowledge of Texas criminal law, honed by managing cases in state and federal courts. From our office in Austin, we guide clients across Travis County and nearby communities through local legal procedures. Our work with agencies such as the FBI, Texas Rangers, and Austin Police Department helps us prepare thoroughly at each step. Strong relationships with court staff offer us added insights into how sex crime cases progress in Austin’s system. This allows us to guide you clearly through what to expect at each stage.

Our priorities are your freedom, your future, and your reputation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your situation—do not wait to reach out to us.

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

Texas law treats “sex crimes” as a category for offenses that are sexual in nature, occur without consent, involve minors, or violate public decency. These charges range from misdemeanors to felonies and may include added punishments such as mandatory sex offender registration. Prosecutors and judges determine the severity based on the act, the victim’s age, and anyone’s use of force or threats.

In Austin, sex crimes investigations often involve the Austin Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit, which manages interviews, evidence, and can work with state or federal law enforcement. Understanding Austin’s procedures matters because local law enforcement’s approach influences what happens in Travis County courts. We stay aware of current investigative tactics and law enforcement trends to anticipate and address strategies prosecutors may use for sex crimes in the area.

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?

Texas law requires sex offender registration following conviction for certain sexual offenses. This responsibility falls under state law and depends on the specific charge, the victim’s age, and any aggravating circumstances.

Registration requires strict reporting and compliance. Courts in Travis County handle registration under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62. When a local court enters a qualifying conviction, the court clerk notifies law enforcement to begin the registration process. Austin Police Department helps verify and monitor compliance among registered individuals in the area.

Offenses that prompt registration include sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, possession or promotion of child pornography, repeat indecent exposure, and certain prostitution-related charges or online solicitation of minors. Some crimes not formally labeled as sex crimes, such as aggravated kidnapping with intent to sexually abuse, may also require registration.

The registration period falls into two categories:

• 10-year registration. For certain less severe offenses—especially those without sexual violence or very young victims, such as second-offense indecent exposure—the law requires registration for 10 years. This period typically starts after release from incarceration, parole, or community supervision, so it may last longer than 10 calendar years from conviction.
• Lifetime registration. More serious offenses, like sexual assault or crimes involving child pornography, require lifetime registration.