Common Internet Sex Crimes in Texas

By Kevin Harris

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on Nov 14, 2025

While the internet provides instant access to information, the digital age we live in has a downside. The internet can act as a trap for Texans who are quickly caught up in sex crimes, who may not even realize they’re committing them. You may wonder: What are some common internet sex crimes in Texas? A better understanding of some of the more common sex crimes across the internet can help you avoid any misunderstandings and criminal allegations.

What Are the Most Common Internet Sex Crimes in Texas?

While the internet is global, we’re focusing on sex crimes across the Lone Star State for our purposes in this post. In Texas in 2025, some of the most common internet sex crimes mostly focus on the exploitation of minors and the non-consensual sharing of sexual material, with an increased emphasis on artificial intelligence-generated content.

Some of the most common offenses include:

• Sextortion: This crime involves obtaining sexual images and using them to blackmail or extort the victim for money, additional images, or other favors. Even if the images were initially obtained consensually, obtaining them is typically a crime in Texas. The FBI has recently noted a significant increase in this crime.
• Revenge Pornography & Nonconsensual Image Sharing: This criminal activity involves posting or distributing sexually explicit photos or videos of an adult without their consent, usually to harass or upset them.

  While often a state-level charge, many Texas jurisdictions have specific laws against this activity. Recent legislation criminalizes the non-consensual creation and distribution of AI-generated sexually explicit content and penalizes anyone threatening to share such content.

• Cyberstalking & Harassment: This crime involves using electronic communication to harass, bully, or threaten someone through a pattern of malicious behavior. This can include sending unsolicited lewd messages and/or explicit photos.
• Online Prostitution & Sex Trafficking: The internet, including the dark web and various online classified sites, is often used to arrange prostitution and facilitate human trafficking rings. Using the internet to solicit sexual activity in exchange for payment or engaging in the online recruitment and exploitation of individuals for commercial sex is a crime.

In Texas, these crimes have severe consequences, often involving jail time, fines, and/or mandatory, lifelong registration as a sex offender.

Crime Data

It can be helpful to look at recent crime rate data to get some important insight into which charges are more likely to be prosecuted by the state. In Dallas, for example, the total crime rate in 2023 was 4,711.6 offenses for every 100,000 residents. The most-reported crimes were murder, rape, and robbery that same year.

It’s important to understand that an allegation doesn’t always result in a conviction. Recent data reflects this. In fact, only about 2% of criminal cases are actually brought to trial. This means anyone facing charges for an internet crime is entitled to the presumption of innocence under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Call a Trusted Lawyer

When you hire an experienced Texas lawyer, they can build a strong case if you’re facing any internet crimes charges. A skilled Texas criminal defense lawyer is crucial in sex crime cases, as they can challenge evidence, protect your rights, and potentially prevent charges from being filed.

They act as your advocate from the start, guiding you through questioning, ensuring due process, and developing strategies to fight allegations, especially in complex situations like false accusations.

Every sex crimes case involving the internet is unique, and an attorney can provide information specific to your situation. Don’t try to handle a sex crime accusation alone. An experienced Texas criminal defense attorney offers a fighting chance to avoid serious, life-altering consequences. Call a Texas lawyer for dependable legal assistance as soon as possible.

FAQs

Does Early Intervention From a Lawyer Help With an Internet Sex Crimes Case?

Yes, early intervention from a lawyer is critical for an internet sex crimes case. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible is essential. A lawyer can advise you on what to say or what not to say to the police, which can prevent self-incrimination. When you hire a lawyer, they ensure you don’t accidentally build a stronger case against yourself.

Does an Accusation of an Internet Sex Crime Mean I Am Going to Automatically Be Convicted?

No, an accusation involving an internet sex crime does not mean you’re going to automatically be convicted. An accusation is just the start of a criminal case in the Texas criminal justice system. In our state, everyone is presumed innocent until the evidence proves otherwise. The government must prove an internet-related sex crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Many cases are resolved out of court, which is why it’s important to hire a defense attorney.

Can an Attorney Build a Defense to My Internet Sex Crime Allegations?

Yes, when you hire an attorney, they can build a defense on your behalf for charges relating to internet sex crime allegations. They can challenge Texas police procedures, challenge any unreliable witnesses, and identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.

Then, your attorney can negotiate with state prosecutors for lesser charges or dismissals, especially if the evidence to be used against you is weak. Hire an attorney right away so they have plenty of time to build your defense.

What Does an Internet Sex Crimes Lawyer Cost in Texas?

It can be hard to provide reliable information about the cost of all internet sex crimes lawyers in Texas because every attorney sets their own fees and costs. Attorney fee agreements are based on their experience level, the specific charges involved, and whether the case goes to trial. If you’re considering hiring a specific attorney, contact them to ask about their specific written fee agreement and what it includes.

Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer at Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC

If you are facing allegations involving internet sex crimes, hire a sex crime lawyer with extensive experience at Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC. For more than  11 years, we have helped individuals across Texas protect themselves from criminal allegations. Our judgment-free lawyers are happy to collaborate with you about your specific case. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.