Facing a Child Grooming Accusation in Houston
John T. Floyd and his team of experienced defense attorneys in Houston, Texas, believe that your rights are worth fighting for, especially if you’re being accused of child grooming. Sex crimes like these face severe consequences and can have devastating effects on your reputation. Our legal team at John T. Floyd Law Firm is prepared to defend your rights in court, provide you with the legal assistance you need, and listen to your side of the story. Ensuring a top-notch defense lawyer is how the best possible outcomes can be reached.
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The severity of child grooming charges in Houston requires competent attorneys who know how to handle these cases with the care and expertise required. Here at John T. Floyd Law Firm, you can count on a reliable team that knows how to build solid defenses against these accusations. |
Child Grooming Charges: The Texas Law Perspective
Child grooming, as defined in the Texas Penal Code Section 15.032, is a sex crime charge designed to protect children from predators who attempt to sexually abuse them, and whose method is to establish a trustful relationship with the child before the sexual offense takes place, whether it’s assault, exploitation or trafficking.
Charges within this section come with penalties that range from a third-degree felony (up to 10 years in prison) to a second-degree felony (up to 20 years), if the person has prior convictions for sexual offenses against children.
Behaviors That Encompass Child Grooming
If you’re being charged with child grooming, it’s important to take into consideration the behaviors that the prosecutors will use as proof for the case, even if you are not guilty of it.
Building TrustThe accuser may highlight that you’ve presented yourself as a friendly individual only to gain access to the alleged victim. |
Material TreatsIf you’ve offered the victim gifts or treats, the prosecutors can use this against you by presenting it as bribery. |
Filling a Needed RoleIn many cases, the abuser might position themselves as a mentor or protector to the victim. The accuser can use this argument against you if you’ve been a trusted adult to the alleged victim. |
Additional Offenses to Child Grooming Charges
Normally, prosecutors include charges of sexual assault, sexual act causing harm, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and other additional offenses such as the following:
- Sexual conversations with a child.
- Causing a child to watch a sexual act.
- Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
- Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
- Arranging or facilitating a child sex offence.
- Meeting a child following sexual grooming.
👨⚖️ Read more: Five Ways Out of a Texas Sexual Assault
How John T. Floyd Fights Child Grooming Charges
Affirmative Defense for Minor Offenders
The Texas law recognizes an affirmative defense for specific scenarios where both the accused and the prosecutor are minors. The affirmative defense applies if the charged citizen is under 18 years old and the alleged victim is another child who is not more than 3 years older or younger, and if they had a relationship prior to the sexual offense.
Lack Of Intent of Child Grooming in Houston
Another defense involves questioning the prosecution’s assertion of intent. Under Texas’ law, to be convicted of child grooming, the accused must have intentionally persuaded the minor into the sexual offense act. By demonstrating your lack of intention behind the actions you’re being accused of and providing evidence that your interactions with the alleged victim did not have a criminal intent, John T. Floyd’s team can build a strong defense.
No Overt Act to Facilitate an Offense
Using this defense involves the argument that the accused individual must have decided to take the necessary steps to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the minor into the sexual act. John T. Floyd will ensure to show that you did not engage in any act that facilitated a criminal offense involving the minor in order to create your defense.
How severe are the penalties for a child grooming conviction in Texas?
Can a minor be charged with child grooming?
Can I be convicted without physical or DNA evidence?
The Best Legal Team in Houston, Texas, to Defend You from Child Grooming Charges
With our legal advice and representation, you will have a powerful defense against your child grooming accusations. As soon as these allegations begin, your next step should be contacting us as soon as you can to start building a strong defense and prove your innocence. John T. Floyd and all of our team is part of the Texas Board of Legal Specializations, and we are ready to bring you the support you need in court.
