Full question:
What is the punishment for statutory rape in the state of Texas?
- Category: Criminal
- Subcategory: Sentences
- Date:
- State: Texas
Answer:
In Texas, the penalties for statutory rape depend on several factors, including the offender's history. According to Texas law (Tex. Penal Code § 21.11), a person commits an offense if they engage in sexual contact with a child under 17 years old, or if they expose their genitals or cause the child to expose theirs with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.
There are affirmative defenses available if the offender was not more than three years older than the victim and of the opposite sex, did not use force or threats, and was not required to register as a sex offender.
Specifically, engaging in sexual contact with a child is a second-degree felony, while exposing genitals is a third-degree felony.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.