The Texas Indecent Assault offense was created by the 86th Texas Legislative Session and went into effect on September 1, 2019. Learn more detailed information about the Indecent Assault offense below.

Indecent Assault essentially enhances certain offenses that would otherwise be considered Class C assault by offensive contact.

What is the current Texas law on Indecent Assault?

The current Texas law defines the offense of Indecent Assault in Penal Code Section §22.012 as follows:^[1]

(a) A person commits an offense if, without the other person’s consent and with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, the person:

(1) touches the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of another person;

(2) touches another person with the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of any person;

(3) exposes or attempts to expose another person’s genitals, pubic area, anus, buttocks, or female areola; or

(4) causes another person to contact the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of any person.

What is the punishment range for Indecent Assault?

Indecent Assault is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.^[2]

Is Indecent Assault a registrable offense?

Indecent Assault does not currently appear on Texas’s list of registrable offenses.^[3]

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §22.012^2. Texas Penal Code §22.012(b)^3. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Section 62.001