Houston law enforcement and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office treat child-related allegations as high-priority cases. That means detectives act fast, interviews begin early, and the consequences of saying the wrong thing can be immediate. Knowing what comes next can shape the entire outcome of your case.

What “Indecency With a Child” Means Under Texas Law

Indecency With a Child is a broad statute, and many people accused of this offense don’t fully understand what conduct is included — or how easily a situation can be misinterpreted. The law does not require physical injury, violence, or even intent to commit a more serious offense. Once an allegation is made, Houston investigators often treat the case with the same seriousness as higher-level charges. Understanding the legal definition is an important first step in preparing a defense.

Texas Penal Code § 21.11 covers two types of allegations:

• Indecency With a Child by Contact – intentional touching of certain body parts of a child under 17, or causing the child to touch the accused.
• Indecency With a Child by Exposure – exposing oneself with intent to arouse or gratify sexual interest.

In Houston, these cases often begin with a report from a child, a parent, a school employee, a doctor, or a mandated reporter. Once the allegation is made, the case is usually assigned to HPD Special Victims Division or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children Unit.

Even when the accusation is based on a misunderstanding, a false statement, or pressure from another adult, law enforcement may still aggressively pursue the case.

How These Cases Move Through the System

The moment a report is filed, the process begins — often without the accused knowing. In Houston, investigators and prosecutors follow a structured path designed to move quickly, gather evidence early, and build a case that can withstand scrutiny. For someone who has never been involved in the criminal justice system, this can feel fast, confusing, and intimidating. Understanding the stages helps you avoid mistakes that could harm your defense.

Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

1. Law Enforcement Opens an Investigation

HPD or HCSO detectives begin interviewing the child and potential witnesses. In many cases, the child’s interview is conducted at the Children’s Assessment Center (CAC) in Houston.

2. Detectives Contact the Accused

People often assume that cooperating or “telling their side” will resolve the misunderstanding. Unfortunately, this is where many damaging statements are made and later used by prosecutors.

3. Digital and Physical Evidence Is Collected

Investigators may request:

• Phone messages
• Social media activity
• Photos, videos, location data
• Clothing or forensic samples (in contact cases)

4. The Case Is Referred to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office

Prosecutors review the evidence and decide whether to accept charges. Many people do not realize that the DA can file charges without ever interviewing the accused.

5. Arrest or Surrender

If charges are accepted, the accused is either arrested or allowed to self-surrender with a lawyer’s help.

Because each step can move quickly, having representation early is critical.

If you suspect you may be under investigation, the safest step is to speak with a lawyer who understands Houston’s criminal process and can intervene early. Contact Brett Podolsky today for a free, confidential consultation.  

Why These Accusations Occur and How Innocent People Get Caught Up in Them

Indecency With a Child allegations often arise from emotionally charged environments. Children may misinterpret events, adults may influence the narrative, and misunderstandings can spiral into criminal accusations. In a large, fast-moving city like Houston, investigators often receive reports from schools, daycares, hospitals, or family members who feel obligated to notify authorities — even when the facts are unclear. It is not uncommon for innocent people to be swept into an investigation based on limited or inaccurate information.

Common scenarios include:

• Misinterpretation of accidental contact
• A child repeating something misunderstood or out of context
• Custody disputes in Harris County family courts
• Attempts by an adult to gain leverage in a relationship conflict
• False reports influenced by anger, fear, or pressure
• Memory issues or suggestive questioning during interviews

Even when no crime occurred, the accusation alone can create serious consequences.

Your Rights When You Are Accused

When detectives reach out, people often panic and try to explain themselves to “clear things up.” But in reality, investigators are trained to interpret statements in ways that support the allegation. Knowing your rights — and using them — is one of the most important parts of protecting yourself. In Houston, law enforcement expects people to be unfamiliar with the process and often relies on voluntary statements to strengthen the case.

You have the legal right to:

• Remain silent
• Refuse to speak with detectives
• Request an attorney before answering any questions
• Decline consent to search your property or devices (unless there’s a warrant)

Speaking without legal representation can create problems that are extremely difficult to fix later.

If investigators have reached out or you’re worried they might, contact us before responding so we can help you protect your rights.

How a Houston Defense Attorney Protects You Early

Early intervention is one of the most powerful advantages in a Houston sex-crimes case. When an attorney becomes involved quickly, they can often prevent harmful interviews, challenge weak evidence, and communicate with prosecutors before charges are filed. This stage of the process is critical — many cases are shaped or even resolved based on what happens in the first days of an investigation.

A skilled Houston indecency with a child  lawyer will:

• Communicate with detectives on your behalf
• Prevent interviews or searches that could harm your case
• Secure texts, emails, social media, or photos that clarify the situation
• Identify inconsistencies in the child’s statements
• Challenge improper questioning or suggestive interview methods
• Consult with forensic, medical, or psychological experts
• Present evidence to the DA to stop charges from moving forward

The goal is simple: protect your rights, prevent avoidable mistakes, and position your case for the strongest possible defense.

Consequences You Need to Understand Right Away

Indecency With a Child is treated as a major felony in Houston, and even an arrest can have long-term consequences. Beyond potential criminal penalties, people often face restrictions at home, work, and within their communities. Having a clear understanding of what’s at stake helps you appreciate why early legal action is essential.

Potential outcomes include:

• Prison time
• Lifetime sex-offender registration
• Restrictions on employment, travel, and housing
• Loss of contact with children in your family
• Permanent damage to your reputation

But early, strategic defense work can make a meaningful difference — especially before charges are formally filed.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If you’ve been accused of Indecency With a Child in Houston, your next steps matter. The earlier you involve an attorney — before speaking with detectives, before evidence is collected, and before the DA reviews the case — the better your chances of protecting your future.

If you are under investigation or have been accused, contact Houston sex-crimes defense attorney Brett Podolsky immediately for confidential guidance and a clear plan forward.