Do You Have to Register As a Sex Offender for Statutory Rape in Texas?

Statutory rape is generally thought of as an adult having sexual contact with an adolescent. And under Texas law, it is harshly punished even when both parties consented. As a possible felony, statutory rape can mean prison and registration as a sex offender.

Unfortunately, many young adults end up registering as sex offenders for having relations with a boyfriend or girlfriend only a few years younger than them.

If you are facing criminal accusations due to consensual sex, contact The Law Offices of Ned Barnett now. Ned Barnett knows the difficulties of navigating relationships in this day and age and how to properly present your case. This could be the difference between clearing up a complicated situation and sparing yourself from dire consequences.

Call (713) 222-6767 for a free, initial consultation to see how attorney Barnett can help.

Statutory Rape in Texas

In Texas, the age of consent is 17-years-old. A person 16 or younger can not consent to any sex. Even if it was consensual, it was not lawful.

If you are accused of having sexual contact with a minor, the exact charge depends on the circumstances. There is not a specific statutory rape law in Texas.

Alleged sex with a minor can be charged as:

• Indecency with a child – a third or second-degree felony
• Sexual assault – a third or second-degree felony
• Aggravated sexual assault – a first-degree felony

Sex Offender Registration for Statatory Rape

All of these sex crime charges require you to register as a sex offender in Texas. The only caveat is that not all of them require lifetime registration.

For instance, if you are charged with indecency with a child by exposure, you must register for 10 years. Afterward, you have the right to de-register and have your information removed from public sex offender lists.

How to Defend Against Statutory Rape

The best way to avoid having to register as a sex offender is to vigorously defend against sex crime charges. An affirmative defense to statutory rape charges is that you are not more than three years older than the minor, who was at least 14-years-old.

Therefore, if you were 18 and had sex with a 16-year-old, there is an affirmative defense available. This can help you avoid a criminal record and sex offender registration. But, if you are 20 and accused of sexual relations with a 16-year-old, then the age difference is too great for this defense.

Contact a Houston Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

If you are charged with a crime for having sexual contact with a minor, call The Law Offices of Ned Barnett at (713) 222-6767 right away.

Attorney Ned Barnett has more than 30 years of experience in the legal field, and decades of experience as a criminal defense attorney. As a former prosecutor and Houston sex crimes attorney Attormne Barnett understands how these changes happen, particularly when protective parents are involved. He will thoroughly review your situation, recommend the next best steps, and vigorously defend you in court.

Don’t simply accept your fate and register as a sex offender for years, decades, or the rest of your life. In the Houston area, discuss your defense with attorney Ned Barnett.