If you or your loved one has been arrested for indecency with a child in Texas, you’ll need to act fast. The State of Texas takes sexual offenses against children very seriously, which is why contacting a bail bonds agent in Fort Worth or the surrounding area immediately is you best chance of getting out of jail and preparing your defense.
If you’re wondering what the penalty for indecency with a child is and are looking to get fast and reliable bail in Texas, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Indecency with a Child?
According to Section 21.11 of the Texas Penal Code, indecency with a child can be categorized by two types: 1) by sexual contact and 2) by exposure.
Both types of indecency with a child involve children under the age of 17 and, if you are convicted of the crime, it could have devastating consequences on your personal and professional life, not to mention your reputation.
Indecency with a child is a very serious offense and according to the State of Texas, the testimony of a child alone is enough evidence to support a sex offense conviction.
Indecency with a Child by Contact
Indecency with a child by contact is a sexually violent offense that occurs when a person engages in sexual contact with a child or causes the child to engage in sexual contact, and he/she is not the person’s spouse.
Sexual contact is considered any touching by a person, such as touching through clothing or fondling of the anus, breast, or genital area of a child, with the intent of getting aroused or gratifying a sexual desire. It also includes intentionally touching a child, even through clothing, with one’s anus, breast, or genital area.
Indecency with a child by contact does not involve penetration.
Indecency with a Child by Exposure
Indecency with a child by exposure occurs when a person exposes their anus or any part of their genital area in the known presence of a child or causes the child to expose their anus or any part of their genital area with the intent of getting aroused or gratifying a sexual desire.
According to the Texas courts, one does not need to commit “exposure” in order for indecency with a child by contact to occur. Meanwhile, it is also possible to commit indecency with a child by exposure without committing “sexual contact”. Hence why there are two distinct types of indecency.
Penalties for Indecency with a Child
What is the penalty for indecency with a child? In Texas, there are harsh penalties for sexual offenses with children. Indecency with a child is always a felony offense; however, depending on if it’s by exposure or by contact, the penalties will differ slightly.
- Indecency with a Child by Contact:This is a second-degree felony and is punishable by either a fine of up to $10,000 or between two to 20 years in prison, or both. A person convicted will also need to register as a sex offender for life.
- Indecency with a Child by Exposure:This is a third-degree felony and is punishable by either a fine of up to $10,000 or between two to 10 years in prison, or both. A person convicted will also need to register as a sex offender for 10 years, and if convicted again, will need to register for life.
Bail for Indecency with a Child in Texas
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Texas and need a bail bond in Tarrant County for indecency with a child, PCS Bail Bonds can help you. With over 25 years of courthouse experience, you can depend on us to get you out of jail as fast as possible. Our licensed bail bond agents in Fort Worth are able to serve all jails within Tarrant County, Texas, and can be at the jail to assist you in as little as 30 minutes.
Contact us now by phone at 817-335-1655, at our email, visit in-person, or fill out our bail bond request form. You can be confident that you’re working with experts who are dedicated to helping you.