Sexual Exploitation Attorney in Irving, TX

Felony Defense That Accounts for Criminal & Immigration Consequences

A sexual exploitation charge in Irving is a felony offense with consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. I’m Erin Kelley, and I defend individuals facing this charge with focused, one-on-one attention and a strategy that accounts for every dimension of what’s at stake. My firm shares office space with two immigration attorneys, so non-citizen clients can have their immigration exposure evaluated alongside their criminal defense from the very first consultation.

I intentionally keep my caseload smaller than most criminal defense attorneys. That means you get timely answers, direct communication, and a defense approach built around your specific situation. Spanish-speaking clients work with me directly. No translator needed.

If you’re facing a sexual exploitation accusation in Irving, don’t wait for formal charges before seeking legal counsel. Call me at (469) 564-3420 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

What Texas Law Actually Prohibits Under This Charge

Most people searching for information about sexual exploitation charges in Texas don’t realize the offense is formally titled “Employment Harmful to Children” under Texas Penal Code § 43.251. The statute prohibits employing, authorizing, or inducing a child to work in a sexually oriented commercial activity, or in any place of business that permits or requires a child to work nude or topless. A “sexually oriented commercial activity” includes massage establishments, nude studios, modeling studios, love parlors, and similar enterprises whose primary business involves providing sexual stimulation or gratification to customers.

One detail that catches many people off guard: under § 43.251, “child” means any person younger than 21. That’s a broader definition than in many other Texas sex offense statutes, and it matters for understanding who can be named as a victim. The statute also doesn’t require proof that you knew the age of the person involved. In cases where related conduct includes visual depictions, federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2251 can become an additional layer of exposure.

Investigations often involve digital records, business records, and undercover operations run by the Irving Police Department or other Dallas County agencies. By the time someone learns they’re under investigation, the evidentiary record can already be substantial.

Felony Classifications & What a Conviction Can Cost You

Sentencing exposure under § 43.251 depends on the age of the alleged victim:

• Second-degree felony when the alleged victim is 14 or older, carrying 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• First-degree felony when the alleged victim is younger than 14, regardless of whether you knew their age, carrying 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

Dallas County judges adhere closely to statutory sentencing requirements in felony sex offense cases. Beyond incarceration, a conviction may require registration on the Texas Sex Offender Registry, which can restrict where you can live and work. Irving law enforcement actively monitors registration compliance, and any lapse can result in additional criminal charges. Other collateral consequences include loss of professional licenses and, for non-citizens, potential deportation.

Why Irving Clients Facing This Charge Come to Kelley Legal

Sexual exploitation cases at the Dallas County Criminal District Court, located at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, move quickly and carry high stakes. My familiarity with how the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases lets me respond to filings and hearings without delay. Getting involved before charges are formally filed can be critical: it can create opportunities to challenge search warrants, preserve favorable evidence, and shape the defense before the prosecution’s narrative takes hold.

For clients with immigration status at risk, I work directly with the immigration attorneys in my office to evaluate whether any proposed plea agreement could trigger deportation or other adverse consequences. Affordable payment plans are available.

If you need a sexual exploitation lawyer in Irving who will give your case the attention it deserves, call (469) 564-3420 or use the online contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish.