Fort Worth, TX Internet Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Lawyer Helping People Accused of Online Sex Crimes in Fort Worth, Texas

Over the years, law enforcement has expanded its reach to crack down on internet sex crimes. These are prosecuted just as seriously as other sex crimes, with possible punishments including prison time, fines, and sex offender registration. If you have been accused of an online sex offense, a Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your options and represent you in court.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we understand just how much damage an accusation of sexual misconduct can do. Attorney Edwardo Meza will provide you with individualized legal counsel suited to the details of your case, exploring all avenues to minimize the charges against you.

Online Promotion of Prostitution

Prostitution offenses that involve an enterprise are prosecuted harshly, and online promotion of prostitution is no exception. You can be charged with this offense if you own, manage, or operate an online service that refers people to prostitutes or facilitates transactions of sex in exchange for money.

In most cases, this crime is prosecuted as a third-degree felony with up to 10 years in jail. However, it can rise to a second-degree felony with up to 20 years in jail if the service allegedly involved prostitutes under the age of 18. If the enterprise involves five or more persons (whether as solicitors or prostitutes), you could face charges of aggravated promotion of prostitution.

You may be able to get your case dismissed if you can prove that you did not own, manage, or operate the alleged service. Alternatively, The Meza Law Firm, PLLC can negotiate for a lesser charge through an aggressive plea bargain.

Revenge Porn

The practice of sharing or distributing intimate photos of another person without their consent, otherwise known as revenge pornography, is a crime under Texas law. There are multiple elements that must be satisfied for these actions to qualify as a criminal offense:

• The intimate visual material was distributed with the intent to harm the person depicted
• The victim had reason to believe the material would be kept private
• The distribution of the material resulted in harm to the victim
• The victim's identity was revealed in the distribution of the material

Additionally, you can face criminal charges if you are accused of using intimate visual material to blackmail someone else. You may have a valid defense against this charge if the distribution was part of a "lawful and common practice" of medical care or law enforcement procedure, or if you were reporting an unlawful activity.

If convicted of this offense, you may be penalized under state jail felony charges, which carry a potential sentence of between 180 days and two years in jail.

Possession of Child Pornography

Knowingly possessing or intentionally accessing visual material of a minor engaged in a sexual act is a serious crime. A first offense is punishable as a third-degree felony, but if you have already been convicted of a child pornography offense once before, you could be charged with a felony in the second degree. On a third conviction, you face first-degree felony penalties, which could lead to life behind bars.

A conviction of this offense may also result in you being placed on the sex offender registry for years. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we will consider all possible defenses against this charge, whether it means arguing for your rights in court or negotiating for a lighter sentence.

Meet With a Fort Worth, TX Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with an internet sex crime, your freedom may be at risk. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, our Tarrant County criminal defense attorney can provide you with aggressive advocacy and qualified legal advice against allegations of sexual misconduct.

Do not wait to contact an attorney if you have been accused of a sex crime. Call our offices at 817-732-6392 or reach out to us online for a free consultation.