Fighting Allegations of Teacher/Student Relationships

 Posted on September 25, 2025 in Sex Crimes

As a teacher, an accusation of inappropriate conduct with a student can destroy your career. Not only that, but you could face serious penalties in a criminal court of law. To protect your future, get in contact with a Denton County, TX criminal defense lawyer with experience handling sex crimes.

At Magaña & Van Dyke, we understand how serious it is to be accused of having an improper relationship with a student. Our firm can provide you with comprehensive legal support to combat damaging allegations and defend you in court. We have decades of experience in criminal defense, and in the past, we have represented clients accused of serious sex crimes.

Penalties for an Improper Teacher/Student Relationship

Texas law defines an improper teacher/student relationship as "engaging in sexual contact, intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse" with someone enrolled in a primary or secondary school while working as an employee for that school (Texas Penal Code Sec. 21.12). This does not just include teachers, but teacher interns, educational aides, administrators, school counselors, and other employees in a school district.

In Texas, this crime is prosecuted as a second-degree felony, which carries a prison sentence of two to 20 years along with a possible $10,000 fine. If you are accused of committing another sex crime in the alleged relationship, like soliciting a minor, you could be charged with both offenses.

Responding to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct as an Educator

If you have been accused of a crime involving an improper relationship with a student, you may be assailed with questions from law enforcement and the public. Oftentimes, it is best to remain silent while the legal proceedings are ongoing. Keep in mind that any statements you make to police or prosecutors could be used as evidence against you. No matter how well-intentioned, anything you say could be construed as proof of your guilt.

In general, the only person you should talk to about your case is your attorney. Our firm can strategize with you ahead of time, helping you prepare for the hearing.

Defense Strategies Against Allegations of Teacher Misconduct

When you are facing second-degree felony charges for an alleged improper relationship, it is important that you explore all possible defenses. The law does make exceptions for certain relationships, such as a relationship with an age gap of three years or less that began before the accused person started working as an educator.

Our firm can also help you challenge false allegations with a thorough investigation. We will review testimony from the accuser and other parties, and if there is not enough evidence to suggest you were in an improper relationship, we will seek a dismissal of the charges.

Contact a Denton County, TX Criminal Defense Attorney

As a teacher, confronting allegations of misconduct can be frightening. At Magaña & Van Dyke, we are here to protect you with strong counsel and advocacy in court. To schedule a free consultation with our Cooke County, TX sex crime defense lawyers, call our offices at 940-382-1976 today. Se Habla Español.