Defending Against Improper Relationship Charges in Texas
If you have been accused or charged with Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student in Texas, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. This is a serious felony offense that can destroy reputations, end careers, and lead to lengthy prison sentences.
Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Grant Scheiner has extensive experience defending educators and school employees accused of these charges. His legal team will aggressively challenge the evidence, protect your career, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Call 713-783-8998 now for a confidential case review
What is an Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student?
Some people refer to this charge as “Sexual Relationship Between Teacher and Student”, “Sex Between School Employee and Student”, or “Statutory Rape Involving an Educator.”
Under Texas Penal Code § 21.12, this charge applies when a teacher, school employee, or certain licensed professionals allegedly engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with a student enrolled in the school where they work.
Consequences of a Conviction:
✔ Felony conviction and a permanent criminal record
✔ Prison time of up to 20 years
✔ Loss of employment and professional licensure
✔ Severe damage to personal and professional reputation
If you are under investigation, do NOT speak to law enforcement or school officials without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Texas Penalties for Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student
Under Texas Penal Code § 21.12, Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student is a Second-Degree Felony, punishable by:
✔ 2 to 20 years in prison
✔ Up to a $10,000 fine
✔ Permanent felony record
Does This Charge Require Sex Offender Registration?
Unlike other sex-related offenses, Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student does NOT require mandatory Sex Offender registration in Texas. However, a conviction can still permanently impact your future, employment, and personal life.
What the Prosecution Must Prove
To convict someone of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, prosecutors must prove:
✔ The accused was an employee of a public or private primary or secondary school.
✔ The complainant was a student enrolled at that school.
✔ The accused engaged in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with the student.
✔ OR, the accused was required to hold a teaching certificate, permit, or other state license to work in the school system.
The state does NOT need to prove coercion, force, or lack of consent—even if the student was willing or initiated the relationship, it is still illegal under Texas law.
Defenses to Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student
✔ Spousal Exception – It is a defense if the accused was legally married to the complainant at the time of the alleged offense.
✔ Age Exception – If the accused was not more than three years older than the student, AND the relationship began before the accused was employed at the school, this can be a defense.
✔ False Allegations – Jealousy, revenge, school politics, or personal disputes can lead to fabricated claims.
✔ Insufficient Evidence – The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an improper relationship occurred.
✔ Unlawful Investigation – If school officials or law enforcement violated due process, evidence may be suppressed in court.
If you are facing charges, you need an aggressive, strategic defense team that understands how to fight back.
Call 713-783-8998 now to discuss your legal options
Why You Need an Experienced Defense Attorney
✔ We advise our own clients: Do NOT speak to law enforcement, school officials, or anyone else without legal representation.
✔ Do NOT attempt to explain or defend yourself without an attorney present.
✔ Do NOT discuss your case with colleagues, students, or administrators.
At Scheiner Law Group, P.C., we will:
✔ Review all evidence and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
✔ Investigate false accusations and expose potential motives for fabricated claims.
✔ Defend your professional reputation and fight to keep your record clean.
✔ Negotiate for case dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing.
Protect Your Future – Get the Right Legal Defense
If you are a teacher, coach, administrator, or school employee accused of an Improper Relationship, your career and future are at stake. The Scheiner Law Group has successfully defended professionals in similar cases and will fight to protect your rights.
Call 713-783-8998 now for a confidential consultation
Why Choose Scheiner Law Group, P.C.?
✔ Decades of experience defending professionals accused of criminal offenses
✔ Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Grant Scheiner
✔ Aggressive trial strategy and in-depth legal knowledge
✔ Proven success in high-profile cases
Your reputation, freedom, and career are on the line. Let us build your strongest defense today.
Call 713-783-8998 now to speak with an attorney