Indecency With a Child

Houston Indecency With a Child Lawyer – Shahin Zamir

Section 21.11 of the Texas Penal Code spells out the elements of indecency with a child. This crime happens whenever certain acts occur between a child who is under the age of 17 and an adult. Some of the behaviors that are considered to be indecency with a child include:

• Engaging in sexual contact with a minor
• Causing a minor to engage in sexual contact (can be with the perpetrator or another individual)
• Exposing the anus or genitals with the purpose of sexual arousal
• Causing the anus or genitals of a child to be exposed for sexual purposes

Fondling or inappropriate touching are sexual acts under Texas law and can occur through clothing.

Call Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900

Possible Punishments for Indecency With a Child

When the crime only involves exposure, it is treated as a third-degree felony. The potential punishments for a third-degree felony in Texas can include:

• Two to 10 years in prison
• A fine of up to $10,000

Indecency with a child is considered a felony of the second degree when the act involves sexual contact. This is a more severe class of felony, as sexual contact with a minor is deemed more harmful than indecent exposure. The penalties for sexual contact with a child can include:

• Two to 20 years in prison
• A fine of up to $10,000

In addition, a person who is found guilty of indecency with a child or any other sex crime is required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his or her life regardless of whether the charge is a second or third-degree felony. To avoid any unnecessary penalties, those who are facing charges should get in touch with an indecency with a child lawyer.

Affirmative Defenses Against Your Charges

In order to mitigate charges for indecency with a child, a few affirmative defenses are available:

• The involved parties are married
• The defendant is not more than three years older than the victim and is a member of the opposite sex
• No force or threat of force was used in the commission of the act
• The defendant has no prior sex crime convictions

Talk to an Indecency With a Child Attorney in Houston

Houston criminal defense attorney Shahin Zamir is a proud member of the American Bar Association and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He is also a former assistant district attorney who successfully tried more than 30 jury trials. As such, he will use his vast amount of skills and aptitude to defend you against an indecency with a child accusation. Mr. Zamir strongly believes in the right of every person to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He will work hard to make sure that prosecutors prove every element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Those who are in need of legal representation for charges of indecency with a child should reach the Law Office of Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900.