Dunham & Jones provides experienced criminal defense representation for clients accused of crimes involving children across the state of Texas. Allegations in these cases are emotionally charged and can lead to serious penalties, including imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration. This comprehensive guide covers the most common “crimes against children” under the Texas Penal Code, their legal definitions, potential penalties, and available defenses.
Protecting the Accused: Defending Against Crimes Involving Minors
Texas takes allegations of crimes against children with the utmost seriousness. From child abuse and neglect to sexual assault and trafficking, these charges carry severe criminal penalties and long-lasting social consequences.
However, an accusation is not a conviction, and every person charged under Texas law has the right to a vigorous defense and the presumption of innocence.
Dunham & Jones defends clients across Texas accused of offenses classified as Crimes Against Children. Our Sex Crimes Attorneys Attorneys bring decades of experience handling these complex cases, protecting parental rights, reputations, and freedom.
Understanding Crimes Against Children Under Texas Law
The Texas Penal Code covers a range of offenses considered “crimes against children.” These may include acts of violence, neglect, exploitation, sexual conduct, or trafficking involving minors under 18.
While the laws aim to protect children from harm, these statutes are often applied broadly and sometimes leading to wrongful arrests, false allegations, or exaggerated claims.
Dunham & Jones provides legal representation for individuals facing charges in the following categories.
Overview of Crimes Against Children
Below are the most frequent categories of offenses against minors in Texas, with Penal Code references:
- Kidnapping & Abduction — Penal Code §§ 20.03, 20.04
- Neglect & Abandonment — Penal Code § 22.041
- Child Pornography Offenses — Penal Code §§ 43.25, 43.26
- Teacher/Educator Improper Sexual Relations — Penal Code § 21.12
- Solicitation / Compelling Prostitution of a Minor — Penal Code § 43.05
- Sexual Exploitation / Performance by a Child — Penal Code § 43.25
- Sexual Assault / Statutory Rape — Penal Code § 22.011
- Child Abuse / Domestic Violence] — Penal Code Chapter 22
- Sexual Abuse of a Child — Penal Code §§ 22.011, 22.021
- Child Trafficking — Penal Code § 20A.02
- Endangerment of a Child — Penal Code § 22.041
- Injury to a Child — Penal Code § 22.04
- Indecency with a Child — Penal Code § 21.11
Dunham & Jones Defense Approach to Crimes Against Children
At Dunham & Jones, our defense strategy centers on challenging the prosecution’s evidence, protecting constitutional rights, and presenting mitigating circumstances. We recognize that false allegations and misinterpretations frequently occur in child-related cases and often arising from custody disputes, school misunderstandings, or coerced statements.
Dunham & Jones’ Defense Priorities Include:
- Protecting clients against public stigma and pretrial media exposure.
- Reviewing digital evidence, police interviews, and forensic reports for inconsistencies.
- Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained statements or evidence.
- Working with expert witnesses in psychology, child development, and digital forensics.
If you are under investigation or charged with a child-related offense in Texas, contact a Sex Crimes Attorney at Dunham & Jones immediately for a confidential free consultation at 800-499-8455.
Kidnapping and Abduction (Texas Penal Code §§20.03–20.04)
In Texas, kidnapping or unlawful restraint of a child involves intentionally or knowingly restraining, abducting, or moving a minor without parental consent. These cases often arise during custody disputes or family conflicts. A conviction can lead to a second-degree felony and severe penalties. Dunham & Jones Sex Crimes Attorneys challenge intent, consent, and witness reliability to protect the accused.
➡️ Learn more: Kidnapping & Abduction Defense
Neglect and Abandonment (Texas Penal Code §22.041)
Child neglect and abandonment occur when a caregiver fails to provide necessary care, supervision, or protection, placing a child at risk of harm. Prosecutors must prove intent or recklessness, which can be difficult in complex family situations. Dunham & Jones defends parents and guardians against false or exaggerated CPS claims and criminal charges.
➡️ Learn more: Neglect & Abandonment Defense
Child Pornography (Texas Penal Code §§43.25–43.26)
Possession, promotion, or creation of child pornography is one of the most serious charges in Texas, often involving digital evidence and federal agencies. Convictions can result in decades of imprisonment and lifetime sex offender registration. Dunham & Jones Sex Crimes Attorneys focus on challenging search warrants, forensic procedures, and lack of intent.
➡️ Learn more: Child Pornography Defense
Teacher / Educator Improper Sexual Relationship (Texas Penal Code §21.12)
Texas law prohibits teachers and school employees from engaging in sexual relationships with enrolled students and even if the student is over 18. Such accusations can destroy a career and reputation overnight. Dunham & Jones provides confidential defense for educators, challenging false allegations and procedural errors in investigations.
➡️ Learn more: Improper Teacher-Student Relationship Defense
Solicitation or Compelling Prostitution of a Minor (Texas Penal Code §43.05)
It is a felony to solicit or compel a person under 18 to engage in prostitution or sexual activity. These cases often stem from undercover stings or misinterpreted online communications. The Sex Crimes Attorneys at Dunham & Jones defend clients against overreach, entrapment, and lack of intent.
➡️ Learn more: Solicitation or Compelling Prostitution Defense
Sexual Exploitation of a Child (Texas Penal Code §43.25)
Sexual exploitation involves producing, directing, or inducing a child to perform in sexually explicit material, including images or videos. These charges carry severe penalties, often alongside child pornography allegations. Dunham & Jones challenges intent, context, and digital evidence to expose investigative flaws.
➡️ Learn more: Sexual Exploitation of a Child Defense
Sexual Assault of a Child / Statutory Rape (Texas Penal Code §22.011)
In Texas Sexual assault of a child occurs when an individual engages in sexual conduct or penetration with a person under 17.
Consent is never a valid defense in these cases. Dunham & Jones defend clients by challenging forensic evidence, witness reliability, and procedural violations.
➡️ Learn more: Sexual Assault of a Child Defense
Child Abuse / Domestic Violence (Texas Penal Code Chapter 22)
Child abuse allegations often arise from domestic disputes or CPS reports. These can include physical injury, emotional harm, or exposure to family violence. We defend parents and caregivers accused of abuse by analyzing medical reports, witness accounts, and intent.
➡️ Learn more: Child Abuse & Domestic Violence Defense
Sexual Abuse of a Child (Texas Penal Code §§22.011 & 22.021)
Sexual abuse includes intentional sexual contact, touching, or acts with minors under 17, with aggravated charges for victims under 14. Convictions can carry decades in prison. Dunham & Jones challenges unreliable testimony and false accusations to ensure fair trials.
➡️ Learn more: Sexual Abuse of a Child Defense
Child Trafficking (Texas Penal Code §20A.02)
Child trafficking in Texas involves transporting or recruiting minors for sexual or labor exploitation. These cases often overlap with federal investigations and carry potential life sentences. Dunham & Jones defend clients by scrutinizing law enforcement methods and challenging unlawful digital evidence.
➡️ Learn more: Child Trafficking Defense
Endangerment of a Child (Texas Penal Code §22.041)
Endangerment charges allege that a caregiver placed a child in danger of injury, death, or impairment. No harm needs to occur, only risk. Dunham & Jones will demonstrate lack of intent and challenge claims of imminent danger.
➡️ Learn more: Child Endangerment Defense
Injury to a Child (Texas Penal Code §22.04)
Injury to a Child charges in Texas involve causing physical or mental harm to a minor, intentionally or accidentally. Dunham & Jones examines evidence, medical reports, and CPS findings to disprove criminal intent or misdiagnosis.
➡️ Learn more: Injury to a Child Defense
Indecency with a Child (Texas Penal Code §21.11)
In Texas Indecency with a Child involves allegations of sexual contact or exposure with minors under 17. Even unintentional acts or misunderstandings can lead to felony charges. Dunham & Jones Sex Crimes Attorneys aggressively defends against false allegations and challenges unreliable testimony.
➡️ Learn more: Indecency with a Child Defense
Contact Dunham & Jones Today
If you or someone you love has been accused of a crime involving a child, the situation is serious, but you still have rights and options.
Dunham & Jones defends clients throughout Texas against accusations involving abuse, neglect, or sexual offenses against minors. Call 800-499-8455 today for a confidential free consultation and let our experienced sex crimes attorneys fight to protect your freedom and your future.
