What Is Jessica's Law?

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 14-Nov-2014

Jessica’s Law is a piece of legislation that enacts tougher penalties on those convicted of sex crimes. It arose from a Florida case, which involved the kidnap, rape, and murder of a nine-year-old girl. The man convicted in this case was sentenced to death. Since then, the girl’s father has been advocating for tougher laws throughout the U.S. and a couple of dozen of them have obliged him. Recently, Jessica’s Law, or the Jessica Lunsford Act, was passed in Texas. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime, our Plano criminel defense lawyer can help you understand what this new law means for your case.

Continuous Course-of-Conduct
In Texas, Jessica’s Law defines a new sex crime known as continuous sexual abuse. An individual could be accused of this crime for allegedly having committed two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child. The child must be under the age of 14 and the acts must have been committed over a period of at least 30 days. These types of sexual acts include aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, indecency with a child, and burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a sex crime. For purposes of prosecution, a jury need not agree upon guilt for all sex acts. They only need to find the defendant guilty of committing at least two acts.

Super Aggravated Sexual Assault
Jessica’s Law also created an offense known as super aggravated sexual assault. This charge can apply if the child is younger than six. It can also apply if the child is younger than 14 and the alleged conduct would qualify the crime as being aggravated sexual assault.

Punishment Range
Both of these new offenses carry a punishment range of 25 to 99 years in prison. Convicted offenders would not be eligible for early release. A second conviction of continuous sexual assault results in life in prison without parole. Super aggravated sexual assault is punishable as a capital felony, which means it could result in the death penalty.

Jeffrey C. Grass, a criminal defense lawyer serving Texas, is well versed in the latest legislation regarding sex crimes and other criminal charges. When you partner with the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass, you’ll receive all the resources of a major criminal law firm with the personalized attention of a boutique firm. To arrange for legal representation today, call .