Dallas Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer

Types of Internet Sex Crimes

In Texas, your most common types of internet sex crime involve sexually related conduct transmitted online. Texas has several laws prohibiting this type of behavior and it punishes these crimes with severe penalties for those found guilty.

Internet sex crimes include:

• Possession or promotion of child pornography: It a crime 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 punishment increase for subsequent convictions.
• Online solicitation of a minor: It is a crime when a person has a sexually explicit conversation with a minor or sends the minor sexually explicit materials over the internet. A minor is a person under 17 years of age. It is also a crime if a person asks a minor to meet up with them to engage in sexual conduct. This offense is commonly a third-degree felony which carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years and 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 result in penalties up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

• Online promotion of prostitution: It is a crime if a person maintains an online site with the intent to advertise or facilitate prostitution. Prostitution is engaging in sexual conduct in exchange for a fee. Online promotion of prostitution is a third-degree felony, carrying up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the individual has been previously convicted of this offense or the conduct involved a person under 18 years of age, the offense may be enhanced to a higher degree.
• Aggravated online promotion of prostitution: It is a crime when a person has an online site that advertises or facilitates prostitution involving 5 or more people. Aggravated online promotion of prostitution is a second degree felony, carrying up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. If the person has been previously convicted or their conduct involved 2 or more individuals under the age of 18, the offense may be enhanced to a first degree felony, carrying a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years, or life and up to a $10,000 fine.

Call the Aulbaugh Law Firm Today!

If you or a loved one is being investigated for or otherwise accused of an internet sex crime, you need to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Contact the Aulbaugh Law Firm immediately to ensure your rights and freedom are protected.  As a former Chief Felony Prosecutor and a Board Certified Criminal Law specialist, James Aulbaugh, your Dallas internet sex crimes lawyer, will immediately start working on your case to ensure the best possible outcome for you.