Fort Worth Indecency With a Child Defense Lawyer

Skilled Attorney Defending Against Allegations of Indecency With a Child in Tarrant County, Texas

If you are accused of engaging in sexual contact with a minor under 17, you could be exposed to serious criminal penalties under Texas law. A conviction of this offense may also come with mandatory sex offender registry for life. If you have been accused of this offense, reach out to a Fort Worth, TX indecency with a child defense attorney today.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can help you fight allegations of sex crimes, drawing on over a decade of legal experience. We will review your case in detail, reviewing possible defenses and considering any mitigating factors as we pursue the best possible outcome.

What Is Indecency With a Child?

In Texas, "indecency with a child" is a specific criminal charge that covers two broad types of allegations involving a child younger than 17. One version involves alleged sexual contact. The other version involves alleged exposure done with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. Texas law also makes clear that a person can be charged regardless of whether the accused claims they knew the child's age at the time.

The penalties depend on the way the state files the case. Indecency with a child by contact is generally a second-degree felony, which can carry two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Indecency with a child by exposure is generally a third-degree felony, which can carry two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Beyond incarceration, a conviction can trigger long-term consequences that reshape a person's life, including sex offender registration requirements, restrictions on where you can live or work, and damage to family relationships, reputation, and future employment.

These cases often involve intense emotions, high pressure, and fast-moving investigations. The choices you make after an arrest, or even before charges are filed, can affect what evidence the state gathers and how the state frames the accusation.

Affirmative Defenses Against Indecency With a Child

Texas law recognizes a narrow affirmative defense in certain indecency cases. In general terms, this defense may apply when the accused was not more than three years older than the child, the accused did not use duress, force, or threats, and additional statutory conditions are met. The defense is fact-specific, and it does not automatically apply just because two people are close in age.

Our attorney will look at the specific conduct alleged, and what the state is claiming about coercion or threats. We will also evaluate whether the charge is framed in a way that makes the affirmative defense legally available. Even when an affirmative defense is potentially in play, it still needs to be developed and presented strategically, with supporting evidence, rather than assumed.

Other Defense Strategies for Indecency Charges

Proof can be a major issue in indecency cases. If the prosecution does not have a strong foundation of evidence to back up their claims, our firm can attack their argument, since the state must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

A thorough defense may also examine how interviews were conducted, whether investigators used suggestive questioning, and whether the state is relying on assumptions rather than corroboration. If the case involves searches of a phone, home, or vehicle, a lawyer can also evaluate whether law enforcement followed constitutional rules, and whether key evidence can be excluded when those rules were violated.

Contact a Fort Worth, TX Indecency With a Child Defense Attorney

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we know how damaging allegations of a child sex crime can be. We will fight hard for you, pursuing reduced or dismissed charges using all of the available evidence. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Fort Worth, TX indecency with a child defense lawyer to arrange a free consultation today.