In the news again are two more instructors from San Antonio-Lackland Air force base being investigated for sexual misconduct involving male students. It it reported that a male instructor face allegations that involve alleged sexual abusive contact and that a female instructor is alleged to have sex with a male student during basic training.

With these allegation, the total comes to thirty two basic-training instructors under investigation at this base alone. So far six have been convicted of misconduct. The Military’s response is to increase the number of trainers assigned to each group of recruits from 1 to 2.

Sexual allegations can have a devastating effect on one’s reputation. Even the allegations are false it is hard to shake the stigma that is associated with a sex crime charge. “Sex crime allegations can have a nasty effect on your reputation at work, within your family and in your community” says Houston Attorney Paul Darrow. If you have been accused of a sex crime it is important to find legal representation as soon as possible and salvage your reputation.

Sex crimes are among the most tragic and unnerving types of crime that occur in the United States.

According to the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment, a quarter of a million children are sexually assaulted every year in Texas. The most common age bracket of victims of sexual assault is 10 to 14 years old.

A 2010 study found that 34.6% of victims’ offenders were a member of their family (usually extended family); 48.1% were among other people with whom they were familiar; 17.3% a stranger or other unknown individual. Although it is commonly assumed that substance use or abuse plays a role in most sexual assault cases, incidence of alcohol was only present in 13% of cases, and drug presence in only 4%.

The following are the three classes of misdemeanors and three degrees of felonies associated with sex crimes in Texas, as well as the punishments associated with each one:

Misdemeanors:
•    Class A: Fine up to $4,000 or up to 1 year in jail or both. An example of a Class A misdemeanor is “promotion of prostitution” (paying for sex).
•    Class B: Fine up to $2,000 or up to 180 days in jail or both. An example of a Class B misdemeanor is “indecent exposure.”
•    Class C: Fine up to $500. Homosexual conduct was considered a Class C misdemeanor until determined unconstitutional in 2003. The only offense that is currently classified as a Class C misdemeanor is “obscene display or distribution.”

Felonies:
•    First-degree felony: No more than 99 years or less than 5 years in institutional division. An example of a first-degree felony is “aggravated sexual assault.”
•    Second-degree felony: No more than 20 years or less than 2 years in institutional division. An example of a second-degree felony is “sexual assault.”
•    Third-degree felony: No more than 10 years or less than 2 years in institutional division. An example of a third-degree felony is “prohibited sexual conduct” (usually incest).

Texas strictly adheres to all federal standards in punishment and deterrence of sexual misconduct. Texas’s Council on Sex Offender Treatment, founded in 1983, has been recognized by the State of Texas as the experts in the treatment and management of sex offenders. CSOT has the four primary functions of maintaining public safety, treating to assure public and behavioral health, regulation of rules and providing proper education and information to the public.

The State of Texas and the CSOT work hard to ensure that Texas is one of the states that classify sex offenders and set their registration requirements based on risk assessment. Rather than basing a decision solely on the offense, sex offenders and the specificities of their crimes are thoroughly evaluated.

Since being convicted of a sex crime in Texas usually results in very heavy penalties, those that are accused of a sex crime are encouraged to contact a sex crime defense lawyer to help them sort out their options and decide on the best way to defend themselves from the associated punishments.