Charged with Child Enticement in Texas?
Protecting You from Child Enticement Charges
Enticing a Child in Texas
In the state of Texas, under Penal Code §25.04, the crime of “child
enticement” involves soliciting or luring a minor under the age
of 18 to engage in a sexual activity, including being part of pornography
or the creation of pornographic materials.
There are several different types of child enticement, each of which could
lead to serious criminal charges and life-impacting penalties if you are
convicted.
At
Jerry Loftin & Associates, we use our carefully-developed approach that balances grit and tenacity
to help you achieve the results you seek from your charges. With more
than 65 years of combined experience, our firm has developed a reputation
as one of the top firms in the Fort Worth area. Since 1970, we have proudly
stood beside those who are facing serious criminal charges, including
sex crimes, and fought to preserve their name and their freedoms from the harshness
of the criminal justice system. Don’t face your charges alone; let
an esteemed member of our team help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Call Jerry Loftin & Associates today at 817.591.7850 to discuss your
charges in more detail, starting with a
free initial consultation.
Types of Child Enticement
Child enticement can be found in three different ways, each covered by
a different statute in the Texas Penal Code and each with potentially
differing penalties.
The three different types of child enticement include:
-
Enticing a child: this is the “simple” form of this crime, which involves persuading
or enticing a child to accompany the adult, while interfering with the
parent or guardian’s lawful custody of the child. This crime is
a Class B misdemeanor, but could also be elevated to a third-degree felony
if the adult commits a felony against the minor.
-
Soliciting a minor online: This involves using electronic means (including chat rooms, email, cell
phones, etc.) to communicate with a minor younger than 17 in a sexually
explicit way. These are third degree felony charges, but become second-degree
felony charges if the minor is younger than 14.
-
Sexual performance by a child: This is a second degree felony and is charged when an adult authorizes
a minor to engage in sexual conduct, including producing or promoting
child pornography. Penalties can include a fine of up to $10,000 and between
two and 20 years in prison.
Sex Offender Registry
If you are convicted of child enticement, you could be forced to have to
register as a sex offender for life in addition to the long jail sentences,
heavy fines, and other potential consequences of a guilty conviction.
Do not hesitate to retain high-quality legal defense from a skilled attorney.
Contact Jerry Loftin & Associates online now.