Houston Internet Sex Crime Attorney

Request a Free Consultation: (713) 597-2221

The Law Offices of Jed Silverman provides legal representation for individuals charged with Internet sex crimes, such as child pornography and unlawful disclosure of intimate material. If you have been charged with or are under investigation for an internet-related offense, call us immediately to start protecting your rights.

There are many sex offenses in the Texas Penal Codes, some of which are commonly linked to the use of the internet or other electronic means. These can include unlawful disclosure of intimate material, display of harmful matter to a minor, child pornography, online solicitation of a minor, and transmission of visual material depicting a minor. The Law Offices of Jed Silverman can offer experienced defense for individuals charged with such crimes.

Request a FREE and confidential case evaluation by calling our Houston internet sex crime lawyers at (713) 597-2221 or filling out our online form.

Texas Penal Code Sec. 21.16(d): Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material

According to this subsection of the Texas Penal Code[1], it is a criminal offense to promote certain visual material on an internet website. 

That “certain visual material” is described in Subsection (b) of this statute, and includes:

• Material that intentionally reveals depictions of another person’s intimate parts exposed or engaged in sexual conduct, without that depicted person’s consent.
• Material that the depicted person had reasonable right to believe would be kept private.
• Material that would harm the depicted person.
• Material that reveals the identity of someone in any manner.

This type of offense is a Class A misdemeanor.

Texas Penal Code Sec. 43.24: Display of Harmful Material to a Minor

Texas law criminalizes the display of harmful material to a minor, including displays sent via the internet. This might include online chat rooms, social media sites, and email. This offense is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, and can be enhanced to a felony of the third degree if the “harmful material” depicted a minor engaged in such displays.

Harmful material can include:

• Nude pictures
• Person or persons engaged in sexual activity
• Other material deemed to have no redeeming social value for minors

Texas Penal Code Sec. 43.26: Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography

The “visual material” described in this statute is typically obtained and transmitted via the internet. It can include films, photographs, and any reproduction of those videos and photos. Possession or promotion of child pornography is charged as a felony of the third degree in Texas, but could be enhanced if the individual has been convicted under this statute previously.

Texas Penal Code Sec. 43.261: Electronic Transmissions of Certain Visual Material Depicting a Minor

In Texas, it is a Class C misdemeanor for a minor to use electronic means to promote visual material depicting another minor engaged in sexual conduct or to possess such material. This could be enhanced to a Class B misdemeanor if the intent of such possession or promotion was to harass, abuse, embarrass, or offend the individual(s) depicted. “Electronic means” often refers to text messaging and social media[2].

Texas Penal Code Sec. 33.021: Online Solicitation of a Minor

It is a felony of the third degree in the state of Texas to use email, text message, online service, or other electronic messaging system to intentionally communicate in a sexually explicit manner with a minor or to distribute sexually explicit material to a minor. According to Sec. 33.021[3], a possible defense is to prove that the defendant was not more than three years older than the minor was at the time of the exchange, and that the minor consented to such communication.

Expert Witness in Computer Forensics

Computer forensics can be an important element in the defense of individuals charged with internet-related offenses. The word “forensics” describes a process of collecting, analyzing, and presenting evidence in criminal court. According to US-CERT[4], computer forensics is a discipline that combines a scientific collection of evidence with elements of law and computer science. An expert in computer forensics can collect and analyze data from computer systems, networks, wireless communications, and storage devices to be used in court. Attorneys dealing with these types of cases could employ a computer forensics expert as a witness in the accused individual’s defense.

Get a Free Consultation With an Internet Sex Crime Lawyer in Houston

We go beyond the computer screen to find the evidence for an effective defense. Often, our legal team works closely with various specialists to support our argument and challenge the government's case against you. This includes working with private investigators, forensic computer analysts, and other specialists who can aid us in securing the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Houston internet sex crime attorney Jed Silverman represents clients in courts throughout Texas. Right now, you need an experienced lawyer to protect your rights and your future. Start by calling us at (713) 597-2221 right away.

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