Indecent exposure laws in Texas are severe, especially when involving children. Houston child sex crime attorney Neal Davis will fight for your rights, your freedom and your reputation.
Here’s the story: You walk by a school playground on your way to the store, when all of a sudden a group of kids run up to their teacher and say you showed them an inappropriate body part. Now it’s your word against a child’s, and the odds are stacked against you.
Unfortunately, this narrative is one that happens all the time in America – and the endings are not always happy.
If you or a loved one have experienced this scenario first-hand or are in a similar situation, then you may be at a loss of what to do next. Confusion, despair and anxiety are just some of the emotions you may be feeling right now as this legal nightmare unfolds. You want to put this horrible chapter in your life behind you, but aren’t quite sure how.
At the Neal Davis Law Firm, we understand the gravity of the situation and how you are feeling. If over 25 years of experience successfully representing clients in both state and federal courts has taught us one thing, it is the importance of acting quickly and judiciously when facing a serious sex offense charge like indecency with a child by exposure. We are prepared to pour decades of knowledge, experience and passion into your case in order to secure the best possible outcome.
Seek resolution, success and justice in your indecency with a child case.
Discuss your case with Neal Davis, an experienced and committed Houston child sex crime defense attorney, to take the next step towards resolving this nightmare. There’s no cost, no commitment – this first one’s on us.
What is indecency with a child by exposure?
Indecent exposure with a child present, and knowing what constitutes the crime of indecency with a child by exposure, can be confusing depending on the situation. For instance, what if a family has a relaxed attitude toward nudity in their home? Or what about breastfeeding mothers who feed their babies in public with other adults and children present? How about PE classes, medical examinations and sports teams where children have to change or shower in front of teachers, doctors and coaches?
Obviously, few of these scenarios listed above are considered indecency with a child by exposure. So what exactly does indecency with a child by exposure mean?
The definition of indecency with a child according to the Texas Penal Code (Section 21.11) is as follows: A person commits an offense if, with a child younger than 17 years of age, whether the child is of the same or opposite sex, the person:
- engages in sexual contact with the child or causes the child to engage in sexual contact; or
- with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person:
- a. exposes the person’s anus or any part of the person’s genitals, knowing the child is present; or
- b. causes the child to expose the child’s anus or any part of the child’s genitals.
Neal Davis in trial for indecency
with a child
State v. C.G.
(Harris County, TX)
Not Guilty in 2023
When determining whether or not an act can be considered the crime of indecency with a child by exposure, the key phrase in the law is: “with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.”
If it can be proven that exposure occurred accidentally or without any sexual intent, then the charges may be dropped. If, on the other hand, the accused purposefully exposed himself/herself – or caused a child to expose himself/herself in order to obtain sexual satisfaction – then the crime of indecency with a child has occurred.
Texas sentencing laws for indecency with a child
How many years in prison might I face if convicted of indecency with a child?
The first indecency with a child offense falls under the category of indecency with a child by contact and this is a more serious felony. The second crime is considered indecency with a child by exposure. While both are listed as a criminal offense according to Texas sex crime law, each charge has different punishments if convicted.
Indecency with a child by contact is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years of incarceration, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Indecency with a child by exposure is a third-degree felony, which in Texas means you could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and a fine.
Being convicted of either crime could also make you a registered sex offender for the rest of your life.
Defending against a charge of indecency with a child by exposure
False allegations of indecent exposure with a child happen all the time – whether due to simple misunderstandings or a deliberate attempt to harm the reputation of another person because of a grudge. Also, children are highly susceptible to influence from adults, which means all child exposure allegations should be carefully investigated.
Indecency with a child by exposure cases often turn into a he said/she said argument in court, and the only evidence against a person is the child’s account of what happened. Sometimes, though, that’s all a jury needs to convict.
Plus, simply being charged with such a crime can cost an innocent person their job, reputation and social relationships if they don’t have experienced legal representation on their side.
“This man saved my life from false imprisonment. Neal’s belief in ‘liberty and justice for all’ as laid out in the Constitution of the United States, and especially as that principle relates to constitutional rights regarding the receipt of a fair trial, coupled with his refusal to quit fighting, are attributes of a noble spirit and a man of high character. When I interviewed Neal to defend me against very serious false accusations and criminal charges that followed, his candor about what I was up against and his real interest in my general welfare made choosing him to defend me a ‘no brainer.’ Hiring Neal after hearing Dick DeGuerin say ‘Neal is a real fighter’ was the best decision I could have made and this was after interviewing a number of attorneys. He cares about people, truth, and justice; an attorney who will not give up; a man who will defend the rights of anyone accused of a crime with every fiber of his being to ensure fairness and the protection of our legal rights.”
Houston | Client’s child sex abuse case was dismissed
Verified Customer
Discuss your case with an experienced
Houston indecency with a child defense attorney
When you or a loved one find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of being charged with a child sex offense crime like indecency with a child by exposure or contact, it is time to take action by contacting an experienced sex crime defense lawyer immediately.
Neal Davis has over 25 years of experience handling cases like yours, and his proven record of success in both state and federal cases throughout Texas and the country is a testament to his high level of commitment when it comes to fighting for his clients’ constitutional rights and the right to a fair trial. He is often able to resolve cases quickly and quietly, outside of court, so that his clients can close this difficult chapter in their life.
Contact Houston’s Neal Davis Law Firm today to discuss your case and secure the best possible outcome in your Texas indecency with a child case.
Learn More About Sex Crime Defense
- Overview of Sex Crime Defense
- Child Sex Offenses
- Child Pornography Possession Defenses
- Online Solicitation of a Child
- Texas Sex Crime Law
- Indecency with a Child by Contact
- Indecency with a Child by Exposure
- Aggravated Child Sex Abuse
- Child Molestation Defense
- Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
- Improper Teacher / Student Relationships
- Hiring a Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer
- Sexual Assault of a Child (Statutory Rape)
- Title IX Defense & Campus Sexual Assault
Related Articles From Our Sex Crime Defense Blog
Former Houston Man Charged with Online Solicitation
Sex crime allegations, especially those involving minors, carry severe penalties that can impact every aspect…
Misconduct Allegations Made at Fort Bend Schools
Allegations of inappropriate conduct and improper teacher/student relationships are serious matters that can have profound…
Houston Sex Trafficking Sting Closes Nightclubs, Brings Arrests
“Operation Bad Traffic,” a cooperative undercover initiative by Houston-area law enforcement agencies, has led to…
Texas Pastor Resigns After Underaged Sex Abuse Revealed
The pastor of a “megachurch” in North Texas has resigned following revelations that he sexually…
College Athletes Can Now Play During Sexual Misconduct Probes
New federal regulations hold that college athletes who have been accused of sexual misconduct can…
Can Sex Sting Arrests Lead to Prison?
In case you’re wondering if persons arrested in law enforcement sex sting operations can go…
