Under Texas criminal law, sexual assault is considered a second-degree felony. A person who is convicted of sexual assault faces the potential of a prison sentence between two and 20 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. If the victim is someone who was prohibited by law from marrying or living under the appearance of being married to the offender (i.e., a minor, or a close relation), sexual assault is classified as a first-degree felony, for which a convicted offender can face up to 99 years in prison. Aggravated sexual assault, which is any sexual assault involving drugging, the use or threat of a weapon or bodily harm, a victim under the age of 14, or the involvement of multiple offenders, is also classified as a first-degree felony.
In addition to potential prison time and fines, a person convicted of sexual assault also faces the prospect of registering as a sex offender once they are released from prison.