Internet Sex Crimes
Internet Sex Crimes Defense in Houston: Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
In recent years, Internet sex crimes have become an increasing problem. These crimes are particularly difficult to prosecute because Internet access creates a degree of anonymity that makes crimes hard to track. In an effort to curb this growing dilemma, federal and state governments have increased legal penalties for computer-based sex crimes and allocated extra resources to prosecute offenders. As a result, a person who is charged with Internet sex crimes can face severe consequences if convicted.
Types of Internet Sex Crimes
Many of the laws that target online sex crimes focus on the protection of children and minors. For example, distribution or possession of online pornography involving minors is frequently prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Additionally, online solicitation of minors for sexual activities is seen as a very serious problem that requires severe legal penalties.
However, Internet sex crimes involving minors are not the only illegal activities that are targeted by cybersex crime laws. Any conduct that is regarded as “lewd and lascivious behavior” is a punishable offense in many jurisdictions. This behavior can include indecent exposure, unwelcome sexual advances and explicit content targeted at people who do not wish to see such material.
Attempts to solicit prostitution or using the Internet to engage in sex trafficking activities are also prosecuted under Internet sex crime laws. These behaviors are considered especially heinous and can bring strict punishments.
Internet Sex Crime Penalties
The nature of the legal punishment for an online sex crime depends on the circumstances of the offense, but the penalties are universally severe. Some of the typical penalties can include:
- A person convicted of a misdemeanor computer-based sex crime can face a minimum sentence of two years behind bars.
- A federal or felony offense conviction for cybersex crimes has the potential to carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Many Internet sex crime convictions require the convicted person to register as a sex offender. This registration can last for the duration of the convicted person’s life.
- Some online sex crime convictions require the convicted individual to attend sex offender counseling and undergo community supervision for a specified length of time.
Defending Against Allegations
It is possible for a person to defend against charges of Internet sex crimes. A sex crimes lawyer can argue that the defendant did not believe that they were communicating with a minor when they solicited sexual activities. Also, a defense can be based on the fact that the accused person did not have access to their computer at the time the offense was alleged to have occurred.
Get Help From a Houston Internet Sex Crimes Attorney
To learn more about Internet sex crimes or to get help with planning a defense strategy, talk to attorney Greg Tsioros at (832) 752-5972.