SEX CRIMES Blog
Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions in Texas
Texas law imposes harsh penalties on individuals convicted of sex crimes. The severity of the punishment depends on several factors, including the nature of the offense, the age of the victim, and whether the defendant has prior convictions. Below are some common sex crimes and their potential penalties:
Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code §22.011)
A second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
If the victim is under 17, the offense may be classified as aggravated sexual assault, carrying a sentence of 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment.
Aggravated Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code §22.021)
A first-degree felony, carrying a prison sentence of 5 to 99 years or life and a fine of up to $10,000.
Enhancements apply if the victim was under 14, disabled, or the assault involved threats with a deadly weapon.
Indecency with a Child (Texas Penal Code §21.11)
A second-degree felony if involving sexual contact, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
A third-degree felony if involving exposure, with penalties of 2 to 10 years in prison.
Possession of Child Pornography (Texas Penal Code §43.26)
A third-degree felony, carrying a sentence of 2 to 10 years in prison.
Enhanced charges may apply if multiple images are found, leading to a second-degree felony with up to 20 years in prison.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (Texas Penal Code §21.02)
A first-degree felony with a minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
No possibility of parole if convicted.
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62)
A felony offense with penalties ranging from 2 years to life in prison, depending on prior convictions and failure circumstances.
Collateral Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
Beyond prison time and fines, a sex crime conviction carries other severe consequences, including:
Mandatory Sex Offender Registration – May last for life, depending on the offense.
Loss of Employment and Housing – Many employers and landlords refuse to work with registered sex offenders.
Restricted Custody and Parental Rights – Convictions can impact your ability to have custody or visitation with children.
Permanent Criminal Record – Making it difficult to secure loans, housing, and future employment.
Sex crime allegations can be devastating, and a conviction can change your life forever. If you are facing charges, time is critical—you need aggressive legal representation immediately. The Law Office of Robert Barrera Arellano will fight for your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case. If you or a loved one is facing sex crime charges in Texas, don’t wait.
Yes. In Texas, law enforcement can arrest you based on an allegation. However, a strong legal defense can challenge weak or false claims.
Yes. Charges can be dismissed if there is insufficient evidence, procedural errors, or proof of false accusations. An experienced attorney can help build a strong defense.
It depends on the offense. Some charges require lifetime registration, while others allow for possible removal from the registry after a certain period.
Contact an attorney immediately. Early intervention can help prevent charges from being filed or strengthen your defense.
Possible defenses include mistaken identity, false accusations, lack of evidence, consent (in certain cases), and constitutional violations.
From our office in San Antonio, Texas, we serve clients throughout Atascosa County, Frio County, Wilson County, Karnes County, and Bexar County, including but not limited to Pearsall, San Antonio, Floresville, Jourdanton, Karnes City, Dilley, Moore, Bigfoot, North Pearsall, Hilltop, Pleasanton, Poteet, Leming, Christine, Charlotte, La Vernia, Sutherland Springs, Stockdale, Poth, Saspamco, Kenedy, Runge, and Falls City.
