2019
Texas Punishes Sexual Assault More Harshly If You’re Married
Regardless of the circumstance, sexual assault is one of the most grievous offenses one person can commit against another. In all 50 states, sexual assault and other sex crimes are punished more severely than most other criminal offenses.
There is a bizarre distinction in Texas law, however, which calls for enhanced penalties if the defendant is married and commits the sexual assault against someone other than their spouse.
This law was recently upheld in Texas courts when a man was convicted for statutory sexual assault after having sex with his son’s friend (who was under the age of 16). His charges were elevated to a first-degree felony…because he was married.
Let’s take a look at how this case played [...]