Have you been charged with sexual coercion in Texas?
Sexual coercion charges are serious. If you are facing these criminal charges, seek out the help of a highly skilled and experienced sexual coercion defense attorney. Our firm has provided comprehensive legal support to those facing these types of charges.
Contact Nathanial Pitoniak, a Houston defense attorney that handles sexual coercion cases, to learn more about how he can help you.
What is sexual coercion?
Sexual coercion is a duress crime. That is, a person provides consent but only because they are under some type of pressure to do so. This type of sexual consent means that the individual did not make the decision to engage due to their free will. Unlike a healthy sexual relationship in which both parties voluntarily consent to the engagement, in this type of situation, one party is coerced into engagement. Though a charge of rape implies that a person did not consent to sexual intercourse, coercion falls between this and voluntary consent. A person who claims sexual coercion feels forced to participate.
To be convicted of sexual coercion, the prosecutor must demonstrate that one of the following occurred.
A person was, in some way, threatened to commit the following offenses:
- Indecent exposure
- Child sexual abuse
- Human trafficking
- Criminal homicide
- Voyeurism
- Revenge porn
- Sexual assault
In addition to this, the defendant proposed not following through with the threats presented to the individual if one of the following outcomes occurred:
- They receive photos or videos of the victim
- They receive some type of sexual act from the victim
- Some other type of benefit is received
In these types of cases, a person is convinced to engage in some type of behavior to prevent others from occurring. In some situations, when there is compromising information available about the party, this can be considered blackmail.
Texas Laws on Sexual Coercion
Coercion, specifically sexual coercion, is illegal, with laws in Texas being put on the books in 2017. Texas laws prohibit this type of activity. Sexual Coercion itself is listed in the Penal Code Section ยง21.18. There, the law specifically states:
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally threatens, including by coercion or extortion, to commit an offense under Chapter 43 or Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8), 21.02, 21.08, 21.11, 21.12, 21.15, 21.16, 21.17, 22.011, or 22.021 to obtain, in return for not committing the threatened offense or in connection with the threatened offense, any of the following benefits:
(1) intimate visual material;
(2) an act involving sexual conduct causing arousal or gratification; or
(3) a monetary benefit or other benefit of value.
(c) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally threatens, including by coercion or extortion, to commit an offense under Chapter 19 or 20 or Section 20A.02(a)(1), (2), (5), or (6) to obtain, in return for not committing the threatened offense or in connection with the threatened offense, either of the following benefits:
(1) intimate visual material; or
(2) an act involving sexual conduct causing arousal or gratification.
What does this mean for you if you have been charged with this type of crime? This law, which was put into place in 2017 under the 85th Texas Legislature, was designed to eliminate sex trafficking.
Penalties for Sexual Coercion Charges
The penalties associated with sexual coercion charges in Texas can range widely based on the type of offense and the severity of it. It is important to know that, if it occurs, it can be considered a third degree felony for repeat offenders. This can lead to jail sentences, fines, and labeling as a sexual offender.
Because the penalties are so significant, it is critical that you work with a sexual coercion defense attorney to help support you in facing these criminal charges. Having an experienced attorney could make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
In many situations, those who are charged and found guilty of this claim may face imprisonment from 180 days up to several years, and more for repeat offenders.
Allow the Law Office of Nathanial Pitoniak to help you. Contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss what’s occurred and what you can expect moving forward.
Common Questions About Sexual Coercion Charges in Texas
Could I go to jail for sexual coercion charges in Texas?
Yes, this is a very serious charge. In cases of repeat offenders, you could face a maximum sentence of 20 years, as this is considered a third-degree felony. Do not go into a courtroom without a sexual coercion attorney to help you in this way.
What should I do if the claims against me are not accurate?
Claims of sexual coercion are always taken seriously by law enforcement. While you may believe that your rights will be protected throughout this process, it is imperative that you fight to defend yourself. Working with our sexual coercion defense attorney will help with the gathering of evidence and creating a legal strategy to showcase your innocence.
How Can Law Office of Nathanial Pitoniak Help You Fight These Charges in Texas
Our goal in supporting you with these charges is to:
- Gather all the evidence available in your case
- Speak to witnesses or otherwise gain insight into what occurred and why
- Provide you with a legal strategy that is designed to ensure your voice is heard
- Protect your rights throughout the claims and court case
- Defend you in a court of law
- Work to reach compromises when necessary
When you work with our firm, you gain insight into all of your legal options. Let us provide you with clear, concise information about what you can expect.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Contact the Law Office of Nathanial Pitoniak now. We are available 24/7 to help our clients with sexual coercion charges and accusations. When you call our Houston law firm, you will learn more about your legal options and rights. Contact us now for immediate assistance.
