Family Violence Defense Attorneys in Texas
If an individual offers to accept or give anything of value for the delivery of a child, he or she has committed a third degree felony. If an individual is convicted of this crime in Texas, he or she could face the following penalties:
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- Being required to register as a sex offender
- Difficulties in finding employment
- Tarnished reputation
- Restrictions on types of employment
- Inability to receive educational funding from the government
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged offender is guilty of the crime. If the defense can create doubt that you committed the offense, you may be acquitted of the charges against you. Therefore, it is vital that you contact an experienced attorney who can help you defend you against these charges.
If you are facing false or exaggerated accusations, contact Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law for a consultation about your defense options. Our lawyers focus exclusively on complex domestic violence-related charges in Texas. Our family violence attorneys are former police officers and prosecutors which gives them additional insight into the criminal justice system you may face. We work diligently to protect your rights and clear your name.
Texas Laws Regarding the Sale or Purchase of a Child
According to Tex. Penal Code § 25.08, it is illegal to sell or purchase a child. Under this statute, an individual is guilty of this third degree felony offense if he or she offers to give/accept, or gives/accepts a thing of value, for acquiring the possession of an individual under the age of 18 for the purpose of adoption.
Sale or purchase of a child can be upgraded to a second degree felony if the sale or purchase of the child is for sexual purposes. Sexual purposes are defined under Tex. Penal Code § 43.25 as:
- Sexual conduct – any sexual contact, simulated sexual act, masturbation, or obscene exposure involving the breasts, genitals or anus
- Sexual performance – any act that involves sexual conduct
- Performance – a visual representation of acts that are sexual in nature that is exhibited in front of an audience of one or more people
- Promote –to sell, advertise, publish, present, or deliver
- Simulated – the depiction of sexual conduct in which the person engaged in the sexual conduct exposes any portion of their breasts, buttocks, or genitals
Potential Penalties Upon Conviction
- If charged with the sale or purchase of a child as a third degree felony, an individual faces a minimum of two years in prison, and a maximum of 10, along with the possibility of up to $10,000 in fines.
- If the individual has his or her charges enhanced to a second degree felony, he or she can be sentenced to between two and 20 years behind bars, and be ordered to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Contact Our Firm Today for a Free Consultation
If you have been accused of the sale or purchase of a child in Texas, contact Dunham & Jones. Our domestic violence attorneys are highly experienced in these complex cases and will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and repercussions to your alleged offense. For a free consultation, call 800-499-8455 or complete our online form.
