Facing an Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Allegation in Collin County?

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Arrest Defense in Collin County

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a first-degree felony in Texas, and an arrest on this charge is serious. An arrest is not a conviction. This guide explains the charge, what usually happens after an arrest in Collin County, and how a criminal defense lawyer approaches the case.

What aggravated sexual assault of a child means under Texas law

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is defined in Texas Penal Code § 22.021. The statute covers conduct such as causing the penetration of a child’s sexual organ, anus or mouth. It also covers contact between a child’s sexual organ, anus or mouth and another person.

A victim younger than 14 is one of the aggravating circumstances in the statute. The offense is a first-degree felony. Under Texas Penal Code § 12.32, the punishment is life or 5 to 99 years in prison, but § 22.021(f) raises the minimum term to 25 years if the victim is younger than 10, or younger than 14 and the offense is committed in a manner described in § 22.021(a)(2)(A). A fine of up to $10,000 is also possible.

An arrest starts the process. It does not decide guilt. Charges are resolved through the court system, and each step matters.

This page is for the accused adult. It is also for the parent, spouse, partner or friend who is trying to understand what comes next. For a broader look at this area, see our child sex crimes defense guide.

What happens after an arrest in Collin County

After an arrest, a case usually moves through booking, a first appearance before a judge, a bond decision and later court settings. Each stage can shape what happens next.

• Booking: The person is processed and held.
• First appearance: A judge reviews the charge and the bond question.
• Bond: A judge sets bond. The amount and conditions depend on the facts of the case and the person’s record.
• Court settings: Later dates where the case is reviewed and scheduled.

The first days matter. Bond conditions can limit contact with the complaining person and others. Avoid discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. Calls, texts and social media posts can be used later.

If you want to talk through your situation before the next court date, call (972) 424-1902.

Should you answer police questions after an arrest?

A lawyer should review the situation before you answer investigators’ questions. Many people believe a short explanation will clear things up. In practice, statements can be recorded, repeated and read in ways you did not intend.

Investigators often ask friendly, simple questions at the start. A short answer can leave out context that matters. A lawyer can help you understand what the question is really asking and what the answer could mean.

The timing and content of any statement are part of the defense. That is why early review is so useful.

How a criminal defense is built for this charge

A defense starts with the evidence, a timeline of events and a careful review of how the accusation arose. Every case is different, so the work depends on the facts.

A criminal defense lawyer usually reviews:

• The police report and charging papers
• Forensic interview recordings, where available
• Medical records, where available
• Texts, phone records and other electronic data
• Witness statements

From there, the lawyer builds a timeline. Gaps, inconsistencies and questions the evidence leaves open all matter. The source of the accusation and any circumstances that bear on credibility are reviewed on their facts.

Knowing this early helps shape the defense.

Our lawyers review the evidence, explain your options and advise you on each decision before it is made. No honest lawyer can say how a case will end. The goal is clear information and careful choices.

What a conviction can mean: penalties and registration

A conviction can bring a long prison term, limits on probation and sex offender registration. Every case is different, and the facts of each case matter.

• 25-year minimum: The minimum term rises to 25 years if the victim is younger than 10. It also rises if the victim is younger than 14 and the offense is committed in a manner described in § 22.021(a)(2)(A).
• Probation limits: § 22.021 defines aggravated sexual assault but does not itself address judge-ordered community supervision; that limit comes from a different law.
• Registration: Registration questions depend on the specific offense and the facts of the case, and we will review them with you.

Many people face effects beyond the courtroom. These can include work, housing, family matters and travel. That is why an early review of the charge matters.

Related charges in a family or child case

Related charges often come up with the same accusation. Charges can be added or changed as the investigation continues. Read the full charging papers with a lawyer, not only the arrest summary.

Related charges may include other sex offenses under the Penal Code, such as sexual assault under § 22.011. The charge that is filed depends on the facts the authorities report.

If a family member is accused, the household has its own questions. The Texas Attorney General’s crime victims’ rights page describes these protections. A defense lawyer can explain how these rights fit into the case.

Why choose Barbieri Law Firm for this charge

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas. The firm defends people accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.

Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization, leads the firm. The firm’s lawyers include Heather Barbieri and Carrie Thomas, supported by the firm’s staff.

The first consultation is free, confidential and carries no obligation to continue.

Frequently asked questions

Here are short answers to common questions about this charge.