In Texas, Transmitting an STD is a Crime

Individuals in the State of Texas who are aware that they have previously been infected with HIV or AIDS could face criminal charges if they knowingly expose someone else to the disease. Specifically, the accused could be charged with attempted murder or assault with a deadly weapon. Moreover, individuals who are aware that they have previously been infected with some other sexually transmitted disease (STD) could wind up facing a criminal assault charge.

If you are currently facing one of these serious charges, Denton criminal defense lawyer Brent D. Bowen Attorney at Law may be able to assist you. A criminal defense attorney could go over the facts and circumstances of your criminal charge with you and help you formulate the very best legal defense to the pending charge in your case.

Deadly Weapon Assault Charge

In the State of Texas, a deadly weapon refers to anything that could be used to bring about a serious injury – or death – to some other individual. Consequently, if someone knows that he or she was previously infected with HIV or AIDS and decides to intentionally expose another individual to that disease, he or she could be charged with and convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. Specifically, infected semen could meet the definition of a deadly weapon in the event the accused has unsafe sex with the other person.

Attempted Murder Charge

In the same way, knowingly exposing a sexual partner to HIV or AIDS could result in an attempted murder charge. To be charged with and/or convicted of attempted murder in this context, the accused must specifically intend to expose the other individual to disease and infect the alleged victim with the disease.

Assault Charges

In the State of Texas, a person could be charged with assault if he or she causes bodily injuries to another person. A person could also be charged with assault if the accused knew that he or she had an STD and intentionally engaged in certain conduct that resulted in the alleged victim being infected with the STD. Common STDs include chlamydia, hepatitis, and syphilis.

Potential Penalties

If the accused is convicted of attempted murder, he or she could receive between two and 99 years in jail – or life imprisonment – along with a maximum fine of $10,000. A conviction for assault causing serious bodily injury (or assault with a deadly weapon) could result in between two and 20 years of jail time, along with a maximum fine of $10,000. An assault that results in bodily injury could lead to a maximum one-year jail sentence, along with a maximum $4,000 fine.

Talk with an Experienced Denton Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing a criminal charge for allegedly transmitting an STD to someone else, you could be facing some extremely harsh penalties. Brent D. Bowen, Attorney at Law, could assist you with defending your case at every stage and representing you during courtroom proceedings.

To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with an experienced Denton criminal defense attorney, please call us today at (940) 222-2488, or contact us online for more information.