Sex Crimes

Age Is More Than a Number: Lying About Your Age Is Not a Defense to Sex Crimes in TX

Published: Jun 12, 2024 in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

Many people are surprised to learn that in Texas, age deception is not a valid defense against sexual assault charges involving a minor. Even if you genuinely believed the minor was an adult, or if the minor lied, you can still be convicted of serious crimes like statutory rape. Why Age Deception Is Not a Defense to Sexual Assault in Texas Adults are expected to take full responsibility for their actions, mainly when their actions involve minors. Suppose you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual offense…

Should You Take a Polygraph? Lie Detector Tests in Texas Sex Crimes

Published: Apr 30, 2024 in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

Few tools in the criminal justice system are as controversial and misunderstood as the polygraph test. Commonly referred to as a “lie detector,” the polygraph is frequently employed in high-stakes sex crime investigations across Texas. Despite their widespread use, the results of these tests are not generally admissible in court. Yet, they can significantly influence an investigation. Here, we’ll delve into the role of polygraph tests in Texas sex crime investigations, exploring their applications, legal status, and the decisions that accused individuals must face. Polygraph Tests in Texas With decades…

The Effect of ‘Cancel Culture’ on Texas Sex Crime Charges

Published: Feb 29, 2024 in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes

It’s no surprise that public opinion wields a lot of power. As we’ve seen over the past few years, this power has manifested into a popular term, “cancel culture.” But when cancel culture is used irresponsibly, people can suffer. It’s important to understand the ramifications of cancel culture on individuals who have been accused, but not convicted, of sexual misconduct and sexual offenses. Here, we’ll explore how determining the focus of popular opinion can go wrong and highlight genuine concerns about how cancel culture affects those accused (sometimes falsely) of…

The Legal Challenges of LGBTQ+ Members Facing Texas Sex Crime Accusations

Published: Dec 15, 2023 in Sex Crimes

Houston, TX, is a large, diverse city with a mosaic of identities and experiences. And while the legal system touts equal treatment for everyone, the reality is not so inclusive. One example of this disparity is how the LGBTQ+ community must navigate a complex system that wasn’t built with them in mind, particularly when facing accusations of sex crimes. As a criminal defense attorney in Harris County and former prosecutor with considerable experience in sex crime cases, attorney Ned Barnett has witnessed firsthand how societal biases, legal intricacies, and cultural…

10 Questions about Consent in Texas for the Accused

Published: Sep 15, 2023 in Sex Crimes

Sex crimes, particularly those involving questions of consent, are some of the most controversial and sensitive in Texas’ justice system. The implications of such accusations can be life-changing. Understanding the nuances of consent is crucial for anyone facing charges like sexual assault. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about consent in Texas. 10 Frequently Asked Questions about Consent in Texas 1. What is Consent? Texas law defines consent as a voluntary, clear, and ongoing agreement to participate in a specific sexual activity. This means…