Texas Sex Crime Laws & Penalties — All You Need to Know

In 2025, Texas continues to aggressively arrest and prosecute sex crime offenses. With Texas sex crime laws & penalties evolving, digital surveillance increasing, and arrests surging, it’s important for those under investigation or facing arrest to understand exactly how sex crimes are being prosecuted, the penalties that apply in case of conviction, and just how far-reaching the effects are.

Sex Crime Categories in Texas

In Texas, sex crimes are divided into various major offenses, including aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, indecency with a child, online solicitation of a minor, possession or promotion of child pornography, prostitution, human trafficking, and public lewdness and indecent exposure.

Every offense falls under a specific provision of the Texas Penal Code, with sex crimes commonly being under Chapter 21 and Chapter 43. Depending on the charges in question and whether there are any aggravating factors, a sex crime could be classified as a felony of the first, second, or third degree. These felonies can come with the potential for years, decades, or even life in prison.

2025 Penalty Guidelines for Common Texas Sex Crimes

As a general rule, the penalties for sex crimes in Texas are:

• Sexual assault: Under Texas Penal Code §22.011, the sentence is usually up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 if classified as a second-degree felony.
• Aggravated sexual assault: Texas Penal Code §22.021 classifies this crime as a first-degree felony with a prison sentence of 5 to 99 years or life.
• Indecency with a child: Texas Penal Code §21.11 classifies cases involving contact to be second-degree felonies and cases involving exposure to be third-degree felonies.
• Child pornography: Under Texas Penal Code §43.26, child pornography cases involving promotion or distribution are classified as a second-degree felony, with possession cases being classified as third-degree.

In addition to prison sentences, most of these offenses commonly come with mandatory registration as a sex offender, usually for life. This means that those convicted can face restrictions on where they can live, who will hire them, in addition to significant social stigma.

Reported Sex Crimes and Victim Data in Texas (2020–2025)

Data reported by police departments in Texas from May 2022 to May 2025 shows the significant scope of crimes that are being reported of a sexual nature in this state, with 28,518 sex crime reports being filed. According to the latest victim age report, victims who were aged 10 to 19 accounted for the greatest number of incidents, or 14,866 cases, with children aged 0 to 9 being the second most affected group, with 7,233 cases.

These figures show how minors are a vulnerable group that is disproportionately impacted by sex crimes in Texas. This means that laws and penalties are particularly strategic when it comes to offenses that involve children, with prosecutors commonly working to push toward maximum penalties.

What You Can Do if You’re Accused

If you believe that you’re under investigation or if you’re facing charges for sex crimes in Texas, it is crucial to avoid contact with law enforcement without having an experienced attorney. It is highly recommended that you work with a skilled criminal defense attorney who has both deep knowledge and experience related to sex crime cases in the state.

A skilled attorney can help you document everything that happened and preserve crucial evidence, such as communication logs, photo or video footage, and digital evidence. Under no circumstances should you use devices that could contain any relevant data or try to delete any evidence, as this could lead to additional criminal charges.

As sex crimes are among some of the most serious in the Texas criminal justice system, with penalties being far-reaching and potentially lifelong, it’s crucial to hire a dedicated attorney who can help you mount a strong defense and fight back against your charges.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Main Categories of Sex Crimes Under Texas Law?

A: Under Texas law, the main categories of sex crimes are sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, possession or promotion of child pornography, public lewdness, prostitution, online solicitation of a minor, and more. Each sex crime offense comes with penalties that are dependent on the nature and severity of the offense.

Q: Are There Mandatory Sex Offender Registration Requirements in Texas?

A: Yes, there are mandatory sex offender registration requirements in Texas that come with the majority of sex crimes under the Texas Sex Offender Registration program. Offenders may be required to be registered in the database and regularly update their information for years or even their entire lives. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand the mandatory sex offender requirements you may be facing.

Q: Can a Person Be Charged With a Sex Crime for Consensual Activity?

A: Yes, in some cases, a person may be facing sex crime charges linked to what they may have thought was a consensual activity. For example, if one of the parties involved in the incident is under age, this could lead to charges such as indecency with a child or statutory rape. In the state of Texas, the age of consent is generally seen as 17.

Q: Are There Any Defenses Available in Texas Sex Crime Cases?

A: Yes, there are robust defense strategies available in Texas sex crime cases, which are highly dependent on the specific details of the case and the severity of the charges. Common defense strategies include proving mistaken identity, showing that the act was consensual, demonstrating the crime was committed by accident, presenting an alibi, or showing that the defendant’s constitutional rights were breached.

Fight Back Against Your Sex Crime Charges With a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or someone you love is facing sex crime accusations or charges in Texas, it’s crucial to act right away, as the repercussions of a conviction can be highly damaging and permanent. A compassionate and experienced sex crime attorney from Segura & Kiatta is eager to meet with you during a free consultation to help you understand your rights and options. Contact us today to get started.