Indecency With a Child Defense Attorney

defense lawyer from Broden & Mickelsen, LLP

Are you facing indecency with a child charges in Texas and unsure where to turn? An experienced child sex crime defense lawyer from Broden & Mickelsen, LLP can provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. We understand the severity of the charges against you and are committed to fighting for a favorable outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.

How Broden & Mickelsen Can Help if You Are Facing Texas Criminal Charges for Indecency with a Child

Facing charges of indecency with a child in Texas can make anyone feel overwhelmed and fearful about the future. You are dealing with serious accusations that require a sophisticated defense strategy to protect your rights. At times like these, the right defense team can make all the difference. That’s why Broden & Mickelsen, LLP should be your first choice for legal representation.

Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers bring together more than 60 years of combined experience defending Texans against serious state and federal charges. When you choose us, you’re not just getting a lawyer. You’re gaining allies in Clint Broden and Mick Mickelsen, who are both board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in criminal law and criminal appellate law. This certification is a mark of excellence and a testament to our deep understanding and skill in criminal defense.

Our firm has a proven track record of success in managing complex cases from the moment of arrest through trial, criminal appeals, and post-conviction relief proceedings. We provide comprehensive representation at both the trial and appellate levels in federal and state courts, so you get the robust defense you need at every stage.

In addition to charges for indecency with a child, our team can handle a wide variety of cases involving sexual crimes, such as:

When you come to us for help with your sex crime defense case, we can support you by:

  • Evaluating the physical evidence against you to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
  • Advising you of your rights and explaining the legal process in clear terms
  • Developing a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation
  • Working to have your charges dismissed if possible
  • Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties
  • Representing you in court with professionalism and confidence
  • Questioning witnesses to challenge their credibility and statements
  • Presenting evidence and arguments that support your defense
  • Protecting you from making self-incriminating statements
  • Consulting with experts to strengthen your defense
  • Seeking alternative sentencing options to avoid jail time
  • Appealing your case if necessary to fight for a better outcome

Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.

What Is Indecency with a Child?

Texas law defines two specific crimes related to indecency with a child: indecency with a child by contact and indecency with a child by exposure. Here’s a straightforward explanation of both:

  • Indecency with a Child by Contact – A person commits an offense under this Penal Code section when they engage in sexual contact with a child younger than 17 who is of the same or opposite sex. Sexual contact includes any touching, even through clothing, of a child’s anus, breast, or genitals. It also includes touching any part of the child’s body with these parts of the adult’s body with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
  • Indecency with a Child by Exposure – If someone exposes a person’s genitals or a person’s anus, for sexual arousal or sexual gratification, knowing a child under 17 is present, they can face indecency with a child charge. It is also illegal under this crime to expose a child’s genitals or anus for sexual arousal or gratification of any person. This action doesn’t require physical contact but involves exposing oneself or the child in a sexual manner in the other’s presence.

Possible Penalties

Texas indecency with a child charges can have serious repercussions. Indecency with a child by contact is a second-degree felony under the Texas Penal Code. The penalties for conviction include a period of incarceration ranging from 2 to 20 years in a state prison and possibly fines up to $10,000. Penalties can be enhanced if the sexual conduct occurred at a post-secondary school or if the defendant has a criminal history.

Indecency with a child by exposure is typically charged as a third-degree felony. For those convicted of this offense, the penalties are slightly less severe but still significant. A person accused of this crime could end up serving time in prison for 2 to 10 years and might also have to pay fines of up to $10,000.

Besides incarceration and fines, both offenses require lifetime registration lifetime registration as a sex offender. Being a registered sex offender can significantly affect where you live, work, and interact with the community. Your name and offense details become public information.

Possible Defenses to Criminal Charges of Indecency with a Child

When facing criminal charges of indecency with a child in Texas, a strong defense strategy is crucial. Our lawyers use various approaches to protect our client’s rights and fight the accusations, such as:

  • Challenging the Credibility of the Allegations – This strategy involves questioning the truthfulness and reliability of the alleged victim’s accusations. Our lawyers might look for inconsistencies in the accuser’s story or evidence that the allegations are fabricated or exaggerated.
  • Showing Lack of Intent – In cases of indecency with a child, proving the accused had an intent to commit the act is essential. This defense argues that the defendant did not engage in sexual contact or exposure with the intent to arouse or gratify any person’s sexual desire.
  • Highlighting Affirmative Defenses – Under Texas law, it is an affirmative defense if the defendant was not more than three years older than the alleged victim, did not use force, duress, or threats, and had no history of prior offenses requiring sex offender registration. If the defendant was legally married to the child at the time, this can also serve as an affirmative defense.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation

Dealing with Texas indecency with child charges can be daunting, but you don’t have to face this alone. Let Broden & Mickelsen, LLP stand by your side and defend your rights. Contact us now for your free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.