The state of Texas has cracked down more than ever against those accused of child sexual abuse, child pornography, indecency with a child, sexual performance, solicitation of a minor, and all types of sexual assault crimes, commonly known as rape. A guilty plea to a sex crime in Texas has many far-reaching ramifications, including, but not limited to:

* A defendant will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life for many types of sex crimes, including indecency with a child for touching and sexual assault on a child. There is no differentiation under Texas sex offender registration laws (at this time) between forced rape, incest, and a consensual legal rape scenario, such as a 20-year-old defendant with a 14-year-old girlfriend.

* A defendant, once sentenced to prison, will not be eligible for parole consideration until half of the prison term, calculated under Texas prison regulations, is served.

* A defendant placed on deferred adjudication probation may have probation extended for up to 20 years.

* If a defendant commits a sex offense and is found guilty after a prior deferred sentence, direct probation, or prison sentence for a sex offense, the defendant will receive an automatic life sentence.

These Texas laws, among many others, must be taken into account by a defendant contemplating a guilty plea or facing trial. It is very important that a defendant hires a competent criminal defense attorney who is well versed in sex offender laws. as well as divorce and child custody considerations, as these issues often go hand in hand with a charge of sexual assault or injury to a child.