Asked 4/23/2016 – Houston, TX

My girlfriend is 16 years old and a guy (who she does not know) walked up to her in her high school and said “You’re thick. You have a nice ass.” Could he be charged for that? If so what could be charged with? This situation may escalate, so let’s say he touches her normally (such as putting his arm around her when she asks him to stop doing it) or with sexual intent (such as grabbing her butt) against her will. What could he be charged with? Final question, how does she take lawful action against him if any of this were to happen?

Answer

Any type of unwanted contact can be considered assault. Assault charges can range from class c misdemeanors, punishable by fine only, to first degree felonies (in aggravated cases) punishable from 5 to 99 years confinement in prison. How an assault case is file is determined by law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office who will prosecute the case. If she wishes, have your girlfriend make a report with the school resource officer and let the State of Texas take the case from there.