Dallas Internet Sex Crimes Lawyers

Defense From a Team Focused On Protecting Your Freedom

Charges for an internet sex crime should not be taken lightly. A conviction has the potential to ruin your life for years. Additionally, some offenses may require you to register as a sex offender, which can add further hurdles as you try to readjust to society after serving your time.

Remember: A criminal charge does not mean you're guilty. You are innocent until proven beyond a reasonable doubt otherwise, and you have the right to defend yourself against the accusation. You also have the right to have effective counsel on your side as you fight back.

At Palmer Perlstein, we are ready to provide the aggressive defense you need. Our Dallas internet sex crimes lawyers have over 140 years of combined experience, two are former prosecutors, and Attorney Scott Palmer is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Because we work as a team on every case we handle, when you choose our firm, you'll have a powerhouse of defenders on your side. We'll leverage our knowledge, skills, and resources to fight toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.

For personalized attention and zealous advocacy for your internet sex offense case, call our Dallas internet sex crimes attorneys at (214) 891-3382 today.

Types of Internet Sex Crimes in Texas

An internet sex crime is an offense involving some type of sexual-related conduct transmitted online. Texas has several laws that prohibit this type of behavior, and it levies harsh penalties against individuals found guilty.

A few examples of internet sex crimes include:

• Possession or promotion of child pornography: Under Texas Penal Code 43.26, it's illegal for anyone to knowingly or intentionally have or transfer in some way, including via the internet, a visual depiction of a child engaged in a sex act. A child is defined as a person under 18 years of age. Possessing child pornography is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Promoting child pornography is a second-degree felony with penalties that include up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. The degree and punishments increase for subsequent convictions.
• Online solicitation of a minor: Texas Penal Code 33.021 provides that a person commits this offense when they have sexually explicit conversations with minors or send them sexually explicit materials over the internet. A minor is a person under 17 years of age. Additionally, it's an offense for a person to ask a minor to meet up with them to engage in sexual conduct. Generally, the crime is a third-degree felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. However, if the minor was under 14 years of age at the time of the offense, it's a second-degree felony, and a conviction could lead to up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• Online promotion of prostitution: A person commits this offense if they maintain an online site with the intent to advertise or facilitate prostitution. Prostitution is defined as engaging in sexual conduct in exchange for a fee. This crime is generally a third-degree felony, which carries up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. However, it can be charged at a higher degree if the individual was previously convicted of this offense or the conduct involved a person under 18 years of age.
• Aggravated online promotion of prostitution: Under Texas Penal Code 43.041, this offense occurs when a person has an online site that advertises or facilitates prostitution involving 5 or more people. The crime is a second-degree felony and may be penalized by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, if the person has a prior conviction or their conduct involved 2 or more people under 18 years of age, they may be charged with a first-degree felony. The conviction penalties include up to 99 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Reach Out to Palmer Perlstein Today

If you've been accused of an internet sex crime, it's critical to retain legal services as soon as possible. Thorough preparation is key to developing a solid defense, and our Dallas internet sex crimes lawyers will get started on your case immediately after you hire our team.

Discuss your internet sex crimes charge and your legal options with our Dallas internet sex crimes attorneys by calling (214) 891-3382 or submitting an online contact form.