Child sexual assault is a grievous offense that can have repercussions that last a lifetime. In the United States, it is estimated that at least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys experience child sexual abuse.
The effects of being the victim of such a heinous crime can be very damaging, and victims may never recover from them. It is only fitting then that the laws surrounding child sexual assault are very stringent and result in life sentences or other harsh penalties.
Houston, the largest city in the southern state of Texas, is famous for its connection to space exploration. The city has a population of over 2 million people; however, the city is not free from incidents of child sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been accused of committing such an act, a Houston sexual assault of a child lawyer can help defend your rights.
What is child sexual assault?
Child sexual assault is any act where the accused is involved in a sexual act with a minor. If the victim is under 17, the crime is categorized as child sexual abuse. The penalty for and classification of these crimes vary depending on the severity of the offense committed. Each state also has a different set of laws for crimes against children.
Impact of child sexual assault on victims
Victims of child sexual assault experience trauma that can be wide-ranging and affect the social and economic aspects of their lives. In addition to this, assault can leave deep scars on a person’s psyche and affect their mental health and sometimes even their physical health.
The following are a few known consequences of sexual assault:
- Physical injuries
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Depression
- Risky sexual behavior
- Substance abuse
Being sexually assaulted as a child can change the entire course of a person’s life, affecting their ability to score good grades, get a well-paying job, or integrate into society. Sexual assault can impact the ability of a person to live a normal life.
Penalties for child sexual assault
Typically, the penalties for sexual assault involve hefty fines, long jail terms, and registration in the state’s sex offender registry. Under Texas law, these are the penalties:
Second-degree felony
Sexual assault is considered a second-degree felony with a minimum jail term of 2 years.
Indecent assault is the exposure or touching of a person’s genitals. If this is done with a minor (a person under 17) or a person who is 3 years younger than the accused, it is classified as indecency with a child” under Texas law.
While indecent assault is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, if it involves a child, it is classified as a second-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
First-degree felony
If the crime is classified as aggravated sexual assault, it comes with a minimum jail term of 5 years to a life term in prison. A crime is classified as aggravated sexual assault if there were weapons involved or the crime was committed against young children or people with disabilities. In such cases, the crime is considered a first-degree felony.
Sex offender registry
Those convicted of sexual assault must register with their state’s sex offender register. This registry is either partially or fully available to the public, and depending on the severity of the crime committed, the offender’s data may remain available for a few years or life.
Every state has its own registry and records the details of the crime committed, along with details like the offender’s name, address, date of birth, photograph, and so on.
Why legal assistance is necessary
Those accused of sexual assault should not take such allegations lightly, as they can have a huge impact on their lives and turn it upside down. Those convicted of sexual assault can lose their jobs and face discrimination in their daily lives. They can find it difficult to secure loans or affordable housing.
It can become difficult to lead a normal life after being accused or convicted of sexual assault. It is, therefore, essential to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Those who find themselves in such situations should find a good lawyer to represent their case and defend their rights properly.
A lawyer will have good knowledge of the law and the process involved in convicting someone of a crime. They will be able to formulate a good defense and help you navigate the case well.
Conclusion
Child sexual assault can have far-reaching consequences and is therefore considered a felony in most states. Those who are accused of such a crime should seek immediate legal assistance in order to avoid hefty prison terms and social consequences that come with such a conviction.
