An Overview of Child Sexual Assault Laws in Texas

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 5-Jun-2014

Texas has strict laws regarding child sex abuse. Prosecutors aggressively pursue severe penalties for those accused of child sex abuse, due to the egregious nature of the offense. If you’ve been accused of sexual assault against a child, it’s imperative to protect your rights by hiring a criminal defense lawyer right away. One of the types of sex crimes involving children that an individual may be accused of is child sexual assault.

Definition of Child Sexual Assault

In Texas, child sex abuse is defined as any sexual act that harms the child’s emotional, mental, or physical well-being. Child sexual assault often involves a relative; however, it may also involve a stranger. It may be investigated as a one-time offense or it may have gone on for a long period of time. Child sexual assault is defined as any action that involves the penetration of the child’s anus or sex organ, or the penetration of the child’s mouth with a sex organ. It also involves any action that caused a child’s mouth to make contact with the sex organ or anus of another individual or any action that caused the child’s anus to make contact with the mouth or sex organ of another individual.

Investigation of Child Sexual Assault

Depending on the case, law enforcement officers and/or Child Protective Services (CPS) can investigate an alleged child sexual assault. The child may undergo a physical examination, and family members and other possible witnesses may be questioned. The interview of the child is conducted in an age-appropriate manner for the child, so as not to cause undue trauma.

Prosecution of Child Sexual Assault

In Texas, alleged offenders are usually charged with a second degree felony for child sexual assault. Upon conviction, the offender faces a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 20 years in state prison. Repeat offenders may be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

An accusation of child sex abuse has severe social consequences; your reputation, relationships, and livelihood are at stake. The criminal defense team at the Law Offices Of Jeffrey C. Grass routinely handle cases of child sex abuse, including child sexual assault. Call our criminal law firm in Plano at today to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney and to learn about your legal rights.