Sex Crimes Archives - Page 4 of 30 - Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Ned Barnett

The Difference Between Viewing and Possessing Child Porn

Did you know there is a difference between viewing and possessing child porn in Texas? Generally speaking, possessing child pornography is always illegal, whereas simply viewing it is not necessarily illegal. What’s more important, however, is the issue of whether your alleged viewing or possessing was knowing and intentional. For example, unknowingly possessing child pornography is not illegal. If you borrow a friend’s computer and unbeknownst to you it contains child porn, you have not engaged in a crime. If you or a loved one are facing child pornography charges…

How Romeo & Juliet Laws Work in Texas

Published: Sep 26, 2022 in Sex Crimes

Statutory rape laws were created to protect adolescents from predators who try to have sexual relationships with them, despite being under the age of consent. However, sometimes they can create challenging situations that result in people being accused of statutory rape despite both parties being consensual in the act and only one year apart. That is why some states have enacted Romeo and Juliet laws, Texas being one of them. These laws shine a light on the instances where despite one person being under the age of consent, it does…

Defending Against Solicitation of Prostitution in Houston

Published: Mar 23, 2022 in Sex Crimes

Under Texas statute, solicitation of prostitution is defined as knowingly offering or agreeing to pay to have sex with someone. A conviction won’t just leave you with a jail sentence and fines — the state labels you as a felony offender and significantly limits your rights. How are People Arrested for Solicitation of Prostitution? Law enforcement uses several tactics to arrest those suspected of soliciting prostitution, including undercover sting operations. These occur when the police go undercover to try to catch you in the act. In-Person Sting Operations When sting…

Is Making Solicitation A Felony in Texas Too Punitive?

Published: Mar 12, 2022 in Sex Crimes

If you’re convicted of soliciting prostitution in Texas, you could be in jail from 180 days to two years. But as of September 2021, the punishment has increased under a new law meant to reduce prostitution by making the potential cost much higher for those paying for sex. This means someone arrested for solicitation faces much more serious charges, which are best handled by a lawyer. If you’re arrested for soliciting prostitution, hire a criminal defense attorney because this is a crime with severe consequences. Texas Seeks to Heavily Penalize…

Eligibility for Early Release After a Sex Crime Conviction

Published: Feb 23, 2022 in Sex Crimes

Depending on your conviction and the details surrounding the sexual offense, you may be eligible for early release in Texas. But there are many obstacles you need to navigate to reach that objective. Here are the basics surrounding qualifying for early release, but you will be best served by discussing your case with an attorney. Can I Serve Probation for a Sex Crime? Community supervision, called probation in the past, involves sanctions, conditions, and programs ordered by a judge so you can serve a sentence while avoiding or limiting time…