How Long Do Child Molesters Go to Jail For?

January 19, 2024

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, 98.8% of convicted sex offenders will serve jail time, with their average sentence served being about 16 years (191 months). If the sex offender committed a rape, the average sentence served nationwide was 14-15 years. About 1/5 of rapes committed had mandatory sentencing minimums. If a mandatory minimum was involved, the average time served for rape in the US is 26.5 years. Without a mandatory minimum, the average time served for rape is less than half of that (12 years). A statutory rape conviction typically results in 2.5 years of incarceration.

Whether you have been accused of child molestation or are a victim of it, you may be curious about the jail time involved. Texas is known for its tough stance against sex offenders, particularly those who victimize young people. Child molestation is a felony, which means prison time is always possible.

If you are charged with this type of offense, seek representation from a Williamson County sex crimes defense lawyer right away. 

Definition of Child Molestation

There are a variety of crimes in Texas that can be considered “child molestation,” such as: 

• Sexual Assault (Texas Penal Code §21.011)
• Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student (Texas Penal Code §21.12)
• Indecency With a Child: Sexual Contact (Texas Penal Code §21.11)
• Indecency With a Child: Exposure (Texas Penal Code §21.11)
• Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (Texas Penal Code §22.021)
• Prohibited Sexual Conduct (Texas Penal Code §25.02)
• Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child or Children (Texas Penal Code §21.02)

Child pornography and sexting with a minor might also be considered to fall under the umbrella of “child molestation” by some.

Child Molestation Penalties in Texas

Note that if the perpetrator also physically assaulted the child (punching, slapping, kicking, using a weapon), penalties can be more serious. Many of the crimes listed above have penalties from 2-20 years in jail plus fines up to $10,000. 

However, the most serious of these child molestation crimes, like Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (i.e., rape of a minor) and Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child (only two instances required), can yield a life sentence. The sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child, if the victim was 0-13 years old, is a minimum of 25 years in prison up to a life sentence with no option for parole.

Other Consequences of a Child Molestation Conviction

In addition to being incarcerated, a convicted child molester can expect many other repercussions, such as:

• The law requires that you register as a sex offender anywhere from ten years to the duration of your lifetime
• You can be sued by the victim up until their 48th birthday
• You may need to move and/or have limited access to places where you can lawfully reside as many cities dictate that registered sex offenders may not live within 2,500 of a school, park, or other child’s facility
• You can lose custody of your children
• You can lose your job or find it hard to gain employment, as registered sex offenders are not allowed to interact with minors at work (school, hospital, store, restaurant, etc.)

Williamson County, TX, Child Molestation Lawyer Available Now

Scott Magee is an experienced, compassionate, and professional Williamson County, TX, child molestation defense attorney. If you are facing decades in prison, please contact us right away. We have handled many cases like yours. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule a free case evaluation.

Contact R. Scott Magee, Attorney at Law, to receive expert guidance and dedicated representation for your criminal defense case.

Categories: Criminal Defense