In Texas, the age of consent is 17 years old. The age of consent is gender neutral and applies the same to both heterosexual and homosexual conduct.
Like many other states, Texas does not enforce harsh penalties for individuals who has sex with someone under 17 as long as that person is not more than 3 years older than the minor. However, unlike other states, there is a provision that specifically states that the close-in-age exception does not apply to people who are required to register for life as sex offenders.
What Can Happen If Someone Underage Has Sex?
If you have sex with someone under 17 years old and are not married to him or her, you might be charged with indecency with a child, which is a second degree felony. If you have sex with someone younger than 14 years old then that can be considered aggravated sexual assault and is a felony in the first degree.
Punishment for a second degree felony can range from 2 to 20 years, while punishment for a first degree felony can range from 5 years to life.
Do I Need a Texas Lawyer?
If you have been accused of statutory rape you should speak with a lawyer immediately. Don’t be added to a sexual predator list – find an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney who will be able to advise you of your rights, help you with a defense, and advise you as to what options may be open to you. LegalMatch has numerous defense attorneys in major Texas cities such as Houston available now to assist you!
