8 th Grade Lesson Sex & the Law Texas Version

It Can be Against the LAW! Criminal Law: Sexual Activity as a Teen

Criminal laws determine at what age... l you can receive adult punishment for the most serious offenses. l you can be punished as an adult for any felony. l you are an adult.

In Texas under criminal laws, teens at age... l 14 can receive adult punishment for the most serious offenses. l 15 can be punished as an adult for any felony. l 17 are adults.

Age of Consent in Texas According to the law, you have to be 17 years old to legally consent to have sex.

Blue 16 Blue 16 Dark Green 17 Dark Green 17 Light Green 18 Light Green 18

Criminal Law Defines Sex According to the law, sexual contact is intentional touching of the anus, breasts, or genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.

It’s ALL Sex!

Types of Crimes l A misdemeanor is a crime less serious than a felony and punishable by a fine, jail time, or both. l A felony is a serious crime punishable by prison time or death.

Misdemeanor Sexual Offenses l Disorderly Conduct (Mooning) (Mooning) l Indecent Exposure (Flashing) (Flashing) l Public Lewdness (Sexual activity in a public place) (Sexual activity in a public place)

Felony Sexual Offenses l Indecency with a Child (less than 17) l Sexual Assault (rape) l Aggravated Sexual Assault

Indecency with a Child l Sexual contact with a child under age 17 l Indecent exposure when a child under 17 is present

Sexual Assault (Rape) l Sexual intercourse, oral sex, contact with or penetration of the genitals/anus of a child under age 17 l Using force or threats to accomplish any of these acts regardless of age l Most sexual assaults, like child sexual abuse, are committed by someone the victim knows

Aggravated Sexual Assault Sex involving any of the following... l a child under age 14 (forced or unforced) l threats of death, serious injury, or kidnapping l a deadly weapon -- including hands l drugs

Teen Sexting in Texas Texas punishes teen sexting under its law against electronically transmitting sexual depictions of children. Under this law, it is illegal for one minor to electronically send an image of someone younger than 18 years old to another minor; this includes images of the sender, recipient, or another underage person.

l However, minors have a defense to prosecution when the images are solely of the sender or recipient, were sent within a dating relationship, and both parties are not more than two years apart in age (including if one party is 18 or older). (including if one party is 18 or older). l Images sent to harass or bully the recipient may incur additional penalties for the sender. l Images sent to harass or bully the recipient may incur additional penalties for the sender.

Class A Misdemeanor Not more than 1 year in a county jail and/or a fine of not more than $4,000

Penal code- Intimate Visual Material Damages for mental anguish, court costs, attorney fees l Jail –up to a year l Fines – up to $4000

Possessing or Administering Date Rape Drugs Is a FELONY! RohypnolGHB

People convicted of felonies may... NEVER carry a firearm. NEVER carry a firearm. NEVER hold public office. NEVER hold public office. l Lose licenses (driving, fishing, hunting, professional). l Have to report felony convictions when applying for a job.

Punishments for Sexual Crimes PrisonProbationRestitution Special Programs Court Costs Boot Camp CurfewFines Community Service Texas Youth Commission (juveniles only)

Registering as a Sex Offender

Juveniles Serving Time (2001) Sexual/Aggravated Sexual Assault Indecency with a Child 22% Aggravated Assault 10% Murder/Capital Murder 34% Other 7% Aggravated Robbery 21%

Making good decisions... can help you avoid getting in trouble with the law.

Have a personal plan... l Set sexual limits. l Communicate your limits. l Be with others who RESPECT those limits. l Be abstinent.

Avoid risky situations... l Parties where there are drugs/alcohol l Dating much older partners l Being alone where no one can help if needed l Leaving a party/crowd with someone you don’t know extremely well

Realize that... l No one has the right to expect sex. –“I spent a lot of money on her.” –“She led me on.” l No one has the right to force or pressure you into ANY sexual activity. l Forced sex is against the law.

What if I Was Forced? l Don’t blame yourself -- it is NEVER your fault. l Get help -- tell someone you can trust and REPORT the abuse/assault. l BE BELIEVED.

No matter what your past, make the decision now not to have sex!

STOP before you act. THINK about what you should do. GO ahead and do the right thing. When it comes to sexual activity...

You are... WORTH THE WAIT ®.