Texas Legislative Changes In Sex Crimes
This past legislature brought three important changes in sex crimes defense. Under the Code of Criminal Procedure a court may now order to an alleged victim of sexual assault of any age, regardless of whether or not there is the threat of further harm by the alleged offender.
In regards to punishment, in Penal Code Section 12.42 a second or subsequent conviction for aggravated sexual assault or a conviction for aggravated sexual assault following a conviction for aggravated assault is now punishable by life imprisonment without parole.
A welcome change involves sexual offender registration. A defendant convicted of Indecency with a Child or Sexual Assault need not register as a sex offender if the victim or intended victim was at least 15 years old, the defendant was not more than 4 years older than the victim or intended victim, and the defendant is not a threat to public safety.
I have represented many people charged with sexual offenses and it is always important to keep up with the changes in law. If you or someone you know is in need of the services of a Houston Sexual Assault Attorney, call Texas Board Certified Attorney Mario Madrid at 713-877-9400.
