Midland County Sex Crimes Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights Against Sex Crime Charges in Midland

Criminal accusations of a sexual nature hold out the possibility of severe sentences with lasting long-term consequences. Non-legal penalties include the loss of standing and respect in the community, even before the trial takes place. People accused of these crimes deserve strong legal advocacy throughout the process and they need a Midland sex crimes defense lawyer who believes in them.

Our team at Tommy W. Hull, PC knows that not everyone accused of a crime is a bad person, and not every accused person is even guilty. He works hard to make sure all his clients get the personal attention and vigorous legal defense they deserve.

Have you been charged with a sex crime in Texas? Call Tommy W. Hull, PC today at (432) 223-0044 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our sex crimes attorney in Midland!

Understanding Sex Crimes in Texas

The most common criminal charges in this area involve sexual assault–also referred to as rape. It involves sexual conduct without the consent of the other person. If the conduct in question resulted in physical injuries–or even threats to inflict physical injuries–the charge can be upgraded to aggravated sexual assault. The possession or sale of child pornography is a crime that can bring felony charges.

Other criminal charges include public lewdness and indecent exposure, wherein the accused person is alleged to have displayed themselves. The crime of voyeurism comes when the secret observation of someone else. Voluntary sexual relations could turn criminal if one person records the encounter without the consent of the other.

Prostitution--the exchange of sexual favors for money or other consideration–is a crime. So is trafficking in prostitution–i.e., being the “pimp” who oversees a prostitution ring’s business apparatus.

Sexual offenses against minors can involve a wide range of possible charges. For one, any of the above crimes can be elevated to include this charge if the alleged victim is a minor. Statutory rape is when someone 18 years or older has sexual relations–even voluntary ones–with someone under that age. Inappropriate relationships between a teacher and student can fall under this category.

When the alleged victim is a family member or intimate partner (past or present), the charge can turn into one for domestic violence.

Exploring the Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas

With possible crimes ranging from aggravated sexual assault to public lewdness, it stands to reason there is going to be a broad possibility of penalties.

Misdemeanor offenses can be punished with as little as a fine of $500 or less. Felony convictions can put someone in jail for the rest of their life.
Where a convicted person falls on that range will depend not only on the exact nature of the charge against them but also on their previous criminal record (if any) and the alleged victim's age.

Sex crimes differ from others because the sentence can also include a requirement to register as a sex offender. The convicted person's name goes into a database accessible to the public. Further sanctions may also restrict social media use, gun ownership, and the loss of child custody.