The state of Texas has very clear and defined penalties for illegal sexual activities that target children. According to Chapter 43 of the Texas Penal Code, any depiction of minors under the age of 18 involved in sexual behaviors can be prosecuted as child pornography charges. The penalties for this crime depend upon the facts of the case.
Types of Child Porn in Texas
To assign penalties for child porn crimes, the Texas court system distinguishes between different types of adolescent sexual exploitation. The most serious punishments are reserved for behaviors that directly threaten the safety of minors. Severe consequences apply for possession of porno depicting people under 18. Some punishments include:
- Paying, forcing or coercing a kid under the age of 18 to engage in a sexual performance or sexual conduct is a felony in the second -degree, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the same crime is carried out but involves an adolescent under the age of 14, the charge can be upgraded to a felony in the first-degree. This can carry a sentence of five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Creating or promoting sexually explicit material depicting a kid can be charged as a third-degree felony. This carries a punishment of two to 10 years behind bars and a fine of up to $10,000. For the same charge involving a minor under age 14, the crime can be upgraded to a second-degree felony.
- Hiring someone under 18 to work in a sexually-oriented environment or in an environment that requires the youngster to be fully or partially nude, or allowing a juvenile to work in such an environment, is a Class A misdemeanor. This crime can carry a penalty of one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
- Possession of kiddie porn is a third-degree felony. Having such materials with intent to distribute them is a second-degree felony.
Schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp at 713-868-6100 for a better explanation of sex crime sequences.
