Sex Crimes Involving Children

Why Online Stings are Prejudiced Against the Intellectually Disabled

Published: Apr 14, 2020 in Sex Crimes Involving Children

Law enforcement frequently uses online stings to make sex crime arrests, like distributing child pornography or soliciting a minor for sex. But online sex stings are fraught with potential legal issues, including when officers don’t consider the person online might be intellectually disabled. People’s psychological, intellectual, emotional, and social capabilities range significantly.The American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities defines an individual with an intellectual disability as someone with an IQ below 75, significant limitations on two or more adaptive skills, and whose condition arose before they turned 18. Common…

Avoiding Jail for Child Porn: Therapy & Treatment Options

Published: Mar 22, 2020 in Child Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes Involving Children

When you’re facing charges for child pornography in Texas, there are several potential outcomes. The best-case scenario is the prosecutor drops the charges, or the judge dismisses the case. The second-best scenario is that a jury acquits you. But if a conviction is likely or possible, you have to contemplate how to mitigate the consequences. One way to avoid jail time is to pursue therapy and other treatment options. An experienced sex crime lawyer at The Law Offices of Ned Barnett can help. Contact us online or call (713) 222-6767…

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

Published: Feb 21, 2020 in Child Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes Involving Children

Every state, including Texas, has an age when 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 take…

Are You a “High Risk” Sex Offender?

Published: Feb 14, 2020 in Child Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes Involving Children

Under Texas sex offender registration law, if you are labeled as a sex offender or released after January 1, 2000, you will be evaluated and assigned a risk level. The Risk Assessment Review Committee establishes the guidelines. Then, the court, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, or the Texas Youth Commission, will use this to determine your risk level. The process may describe you as a high-risk sex offender. This means there are signs that you are likely to continue unlawful sexual behavior. As you may suspect, this will have a…

Have You Been Accused of an Improper Teacher-Student Relationship?

Published: Jan 27, 2020 in Sex Crimes, Sex Crimes Involving Children

Teaching is challenging and forming personal relationships with students may be the most effective way to make a difference. But as a teacher, you should always be aware of the boundaries between you and your students. If you are ever accused of violating those boundaries and forming an inappropriate relationship with a student in Harris County, you need to speak with Houston sex crimes lawyer Ned Barnett immediately. There is a lot an experienced defense lawyer can do, but early intervention is critical. Contact The Law Offices of Ned Barnett…