Texas Penal Code 21.19 – Unlawful Electronic Transmission of Sexually Explicit Visual Material
WHAT IS UNLAWFUL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VISUAL MATERIAL IN TEXAS?
The Texas law against unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material prohibits texting or emailing sexually explicit photographs or videos to another without consent.
- What is sexually explicit visual material? Texas Penal Code Section 33.021 defines “sexually explicit” as “any communication, language, or material, including a photograph or video image, that relates to or describes sexual conduct.”Texas Penal Code Section 43.25 defines “Sexual conduct” as “sexual contact, actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sado-masochistic abuse, or lewd exhibition of the genitals, the anus, or any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola.”
Sexually explicit visual material includes photographs, videos, or other visual reproduction or image showing a person’s genitals, pubic area, female nipple, anus, or buttocks, a male’s erect penis (even if covered by clothing), or at least one person engaging in sexual conduct.
WHAT IS THE UNLAWFUL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VISUAL MATERIAL LAW IN TEXAS?
Tex. Penal Code § 21.19. UNLAWFUL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VISUAL MATERIAL.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly transmits by electronic means visual material that:
(1) depicts:
(A) any person engaging in sexual conduct or with the person’s intimate parts exposed; or
(B) covered genitals of a male person that are in a discernibly turgid state; and
(2) is not sent at the request of or with the express consent of the recipient.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section or the other law.
WHAT IS THE PENALTY CLASS FOR UNLAWFUL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VISUAL MATERIAL IN TEXAS?
Unlawfully electronically transmitting sexually explicit visual material is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine.
Pursuant to Texas Penal Code Section 12.501, if the offense is committed against a public servant, a member of the public servant’s family or household, in retaliation for or on account of the public servant’s status, the penalty classification is increased to a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail.
WHAT IS THE PUNISHMENT RANGE FOR UNLAWFUL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VISUAL MATERIAL IN TEXAS?
The punishment range for unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material, a Class C misdemeanor, is a maximum fine of $500 and no jail time. If the offense was committed against a public servant and increased to a Class B misdemeanor, the punishment range is a maximum jail sentence of 180 days, and up to a $2,000 fine.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VISUAL MATERIAL IN TEXAS?
A person charged with Class C misdemeanor unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit material may avoid a conviction by pleading guilty or nolo contendere (“no contest”) to a judge in exchange for a grant of deferred adjudication. The period of deferred adjudication for a Class C misdemeanor may not exceed 180 days.
A person charged with Class B misdemeanor unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material may be placed on probation after a conviction, or deferred adjudication without a conviction, for a period of up to two years.
WHAT ARE THE DEFENSES TO UNLAWFUL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VISUAL MATERIAL IN TEXAS?
The statute does not authorize specific defenses to unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material. A person accused thereof may assert any defense in an attempt to negate at least one of the elements the State must prove at trial.
- Does the Texas law against unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material violate the First Amendment? The law against texting or emailing unwanted sexually explicit material directly regulates speech, so it is potentially unconstitutional. An accused may challenge the constitutionality of the statute as overbroad, and it will have to withstand a strict scrutiny analysis.
WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR UNLAWFUL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VISUAL MATERIAL IN TEXAS?
The limitation period for unlawful electronic transmission of sexually explicit visual material is two years.
UNLAWFUL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT VISUAL MATERIAL IN TEXAS
Texas law prohibits texting, emailing, or other electronic transmission of sexually explicit photographs and videos. Enacted in 2019, the constitutionality of this law’s restriction on speech and expression is still in question.
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He was prompt, professional and poised. I was charged with DWI, and Mr Porter got the charge dismissed. I could not be more pleased or thankful. If you get a DWI, hire the best — hire Trey Porter.
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CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15
Driving facts involved failing to maintain a single lane and speeding. Client refused breath test and forced law enforcement to obtain search warrant for blood. Blood test result was not used after challenge from Defense, and State waived and abandoned charge.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client was a college student, worried about the collateral consequences of an alcohol offense. After negotiation and review of the traffic stop, the case was dismissed. Client received no criminal conviction. The charge was later expunged and deleted from client’s record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED .15+
Client was involved in minor accident. Client was at fault in accident. A young executive, client was concerned that a criminal conviction for DWI would result in termination. After review of the traffic stop, it was clear the officer lacked probable cause for arrest. State eventually dismissed DWI charge. Client received no criminal conviction.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DWI 2nd
Client, a military veteran, was facing up to one year in jail. State could not prove intoxication by alcohol, and was prepared to proceed on loss of use by marijuana. After challenging the State to prove that marijuana was ingested at or near time of driving, and that marijuana impaired client’s driving, the State dismissed the case on the day of trial.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Driving facts involved a false claim by police that taillight was out. After challenging the reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop, the State was forced to dismiss the case when video did not match police report. Client has since expunged arrest, and has no criminal record.
CHARGES DISMISSED
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Client is a public school teacher and faced immediate termination upon conviction. The facts of the case were bad. State was unwilling to budge in negotiation, and matter was set for trial – the last shot at avoiding a conviction and preserving client’s livelihood. State was forced to dismiss on day of trial. Client has no criminal record, and has since expunged the DWI arrest.
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