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Sex Crimes

What is the Burden of Proof in Texas Sexual Assault Cases?

Published: Oct 15, 2025 in Sex Crimes

Allegations of sexual assault carry some of the most serious consequences under Texas law. Not only can a conviction result in lengthy prison time and mandatory sex offender registration, but the accusation alone can permanently damage your reputation, career, and relationships. If you’re facing such charges, you need to understand what the burden of proof is in your case, and how a Houston sexual crimes defense lawyer like Ned Barnett can help you. Call (713) 222-6767 to schedule your consultation today. What is “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” in Criminal Cases? Under…

What is Rule of Evidence 412 in Texas Sexual Misconduct Cases?

Published: Sep 12, 2025 in Sex Crimes

If you are facing accusations of sexual assault or another sex crime in Texas, the stakes could not be higher. Your freedom, reputation, and future are all on the line. While every criminal case involves complicated rules of evidence, sex crime cases bring special challenges because of Texas Rule of Evidence 412. This rule, often called the “rape shield law,” limits what evidence a jury can hear about the alleged victim’s sexual history. It was designed to protect accusers from harassment and irrelevant attacks, but it can also make it…

scales of justice

Know the Law: What’s The Age of Consent in Texas?

Published: Jul 21, 2025 in Child Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes Involving Children

Every state, including Texas, has an age at which an individual can legally consent to sex. Before this, a minor cannot lawfully consent to sexual intercourse or other actions. This can put adolescents and young adults at odds with the law. It can even result in severe statutory rape charges, despite the activity being consensual. If you are accused of having sex with someone younger than the age of consent, contact a Houston sex crimes lawyer from The Law Offices of Ned Barnett right away. Statutory rape is serious, so…

Public Decency, Touching Offenses & Voyeurism in Houston, TX

Published: Jul 20, 2025 in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

The Texas Penal Code prohibits sexual conduct that is damaging to the well-being of society. This includes indecent exposure and public lewdness, and understanding the nuances between the two is important, as the penalties differ significantly. As the name implies, indecent exposure involves exposing your genitals or anus in public with the intent to arouse or gratify. Public lewdness, however, is explicitly sexual conduct in public. Therefore, the penalties for public lewdness are harsher than for indecent exposure. For instance, if you get caught masturbating in public, you can be…

Gavel and stand saying "bail" on top of a pile of money

Bail for Texas Sex Crimes: Your Rights, Risks & What to Do Next

Published: Jul 12, 2025 in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

If you have been arrested for a sex crime, you don’t always have to await your trial behind bars. Instead, you may be eligible for bail. Bail is a deposit of money with the court that is returned to you if you attend all of your legal proceedings. It’s basically a guarantee that you will go to court instead of fleeing. A judge will determine your bail amount based on the severity of the offense, your criminal past, the likelihood that you will flee, and the danger you allegedly represent…