Our children are the most important people in our lives, and when they get into trouble, we want to protect them. It’s terrifying for a parent to learn that their child has been charged with a major crime, even worse if that crime is of a sexual nature.
The State of Texas takes these charges very seriously, and if your child is found guilty, it can have an extremely detrimental effect on their future. One of the most devastating outcomes of conviction for a sex crime is being required to register as a sex offender. This could follow your child for the rest of their life.
Children often do unwise things, sometimes dangerous or even harmful, without regard for potential consequences. If your child faces a sex crime charge, the juvenile defense lawyers at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian are here to help. Our firm deals with cases like this daily, and we can help guide you through this difficult time. Call us at (972) 369-0577 today to discuss your case free of charge.
Why You Need A Lawyer
A sex crime charge is incredibly serious for anyone but presents special complications for a young person. The severity of these charges means you need legal representation experienced in Texas sexual defense law. Your child has rights, just as anyone else accused of a crime. You need an attorney to make sure those rights are upheld in court. A skilled juvenile defense lawyer can review the case’s facts and put together a solid argument for leniency or dismissal.
Why You Should Choose Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian
Facing a sex crime charge is a frightening situation for juveniles and families. Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian has been representing Texas families for years, and we take pride in our ability to provide compassionate and high-quality legal counsel to you and your child.
Our Criminal Law Board Certified attorneys will work relentlessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your child’s case, whether getting the charges dismissed or getting them on probation and having their juvenile record sealed. We’ll investigate the circumstances of your child’s charge and develop a strong case on your child’s behalf. This is one of the scariest situations you and your child can go through, but you don’t have to do this alone. We’ll be by your side through every step of the case.
Juvenile Sex Crimes Cases We Handle
Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian can help your family with the following types of charges, among others:
- Possession of child pornography – Children and teens can get into all sorts of trouble online, including trading and looking at indecent pictures of each other. If a young person sends a nude photo of themselves to their underage boyfriend or girlfriend, both parties could be charged with possessing or promoting child pornography. This is a felony under Texas law, and the penalties vary depending on how many pictures were exchanged and whether the offender has a prior record.
- Indecency with a child by contact – When a person engages in sexual contact with a child, they commit the offense of indecency with a child by contact. Sexual contact is defined in the Texas Penal Code as the following acts if committed with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person:
(1) any touching by a person, including touching through clothing, of the anus,
breast, or any part of the genitals of a child; or
(2) any touching of any part of the body of a child, including touching through
clothing, with the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of a person. - Indecency with a child by exposure – A person commits this offense when they expose their anus or any part of the genitals to a child or cause the child to expose their own anus or any part of their genitals to arouse or gratify any person’s sexual desires sexually.
These two latter indecency charges can be separate, as “contact” may include touching a person sexually through their clothing without exposure, and “exposure” may occur without contact.
Legal Issues in Juvenile Sex Crime Cases
There are a few special legal issues you may want to consider if your child has been charged with a crime of a sexual nature.
Children tried as adults – The juvenile court system typically handles cases against those under 17. If the offender is 14 years of age or older, the juvenile court judge may decide to transfer the case to an adult court, and the child would face the same penalties as an adult in the corrections system. Judges usually reserve this option for violent or repeat offenders who don’t respond to rehabilitation.
Registration as a sex offender – Texas requires convicted juvenile sex offenders to register with their local law enforcement agency. Their information is publicly available in the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry.
Romeo and Juliet Law – Texas Penal Code 22.021 allows juveniles between 14 and 17 years old to legally consent with someone within three years of their age, as long as the other party is at least 14 and gives their consent. This protects sexually active teenagers from being treated as sex offenders. A teenager may still be subject to statutory rape charges if they have sex with someone outside their age range, however.
Contact Our Juvenile Defense Team Today
If your child has been accused of a sex crime, your family is going through an unbelievably stressful ordeal. We know what it’s like to worry about your children and their future, especially when going up against the criminal justice system.
You and your family have rights, and the juvenile defense lawyers at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian will make sure those rights are protected. When you hire our firm, you bring in a skilled team of advocates who will fight to bring the best resolution to your case so that you and your family can move forward with your lives. Call us at (972) 369-0577 or fill out our contact form today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.