Charged With Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child in Collin County?

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Charge Review in Collin County, Texas

An aggravated sexual assault of a child charge review starts with one question: exactly what is the State charging? Under Texas law, this offense is a first-degree felony. This page explains the charge, what a review covers, and the early steps that can shape your loved one’s case.

What Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Means Under Texas Law

Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a sexual assault with a legal aggravating circumstance. Texas defines the offense in Texas Penal Code § 22.021. It is a first-degree felony.

The statute covers penetration or sexual contact that the law describes in detail. It adds an aggravating circumstance, such as a victim younger than 14. For child victims, the statute applies whether or not the actor knows the child’s age.

Texas law defines a child as a person younger than 17 years of age (Texas Penal Code § 22.011).

The punishment range comes from Texas Penal Code § 12.32. A first-degree felony carries life or a term of 5 to 99 years in prison. A fine of up to $10,000 can also apply.

In some listed situations, the minimum prison term rises to 25 years under Texas Penal Code § 22.021(f), while the general first-degree range under § 12.32 is life or 5 to 99 years. One example is a child younger than 10 at the time of the offense.

Two points matter from day one. A review of the case starts with the charge and the facts alleged in it.

Assault, Indecency or Sexual Assault: How the Charge Is Classified

The charge turns on the conduct alleged, the child’s age and any aggravating fact the State claims. Each category carries its own felony level.

• Aggravated sexual assault of a child: the conduct described in § 22.021, plus an aggravating circumstance. This is a first-degree felony.
• Sexual assault of a child: sexual conduct under Texas law against a child younger than 17.
• Indecency with a child: involving a child younger than 17, either sexual contact with the child (or causing the child to engage in sexual contact), or, with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire, exposing one’s anus or genitals knowing the child is present or causing the child to expose the child’s anus or genitals (Texas Penal Code § 21.11). Sexual contact is a second-degree felony. Exposure is a third-degree felony.

Under Texas Penal Code § 21.11(d), the degree depends on the subsection charged: second degree for sexual contact and third degree for exposure. The punishment range for a first-degree felony is set by § 12.32. Read the charging paper closely.

Charges can involve a stepparent, a relative or another adult in the home. Texas law defines a household as people living together in the same dwelling, related or not (Texas Family Code § 71.005). The review looks at who lived where, who had access and which dates the allegations describe. For more on these cases, read our stepparent and relative guide.

What a Charge Review Covers

A charge review covers the paperwork, the timeline and any court orders in your loved one’s file. Each item can change how the case looks.

• Charging paper: the document that formally sets out the charge.
• Police and offense reports: the timeline, places and people the reports describe.
• Forensic interview recording: if one exists, along with any written summary.
• Medical or exam records: where they exist in the file.
• Court orders: protective orders and bond conditions, including no-contact and residence terms and any deadlines in the paperwork.

The review also looks for gaps and inconsistencies. Dates, places and names that do not line up deserve a close look. A recording is compared with the written reports and the charge.

Before the first consultation, write down the dates, places and people you remember. Rough notes still help. After the review, the firm explains your options in person or in writing, along with the reasons behind each one.

How the Review Works, Step by Step

The review moves through four steps, from first contact to a written plan. Each step builds on the one before.

1. First contact. You reach out by phone or through the firm’s contact form. The first consultation is free, confidential and has no obligation to continue.
2. Document intake. You bring the paperwork you have, even if it is incomplete. The firm tells you what is still missing. Bring originals if you have them.
3. Evidence review. The firm reviews the items listed above. It also checks the case status in the Collin County court system.
4. Options and next steps. You receive the options in writing or in person. You then decide whether to hire the firm.

How long each step takes depends on the facts and the stage of the case. Between steps, you can call with new questions.

Early Steps That Affect Your Loved One’s Case

The first days after an arrest can shape bond, protective orders and what investigators learn. Acting early helps the review cover these points.

• Protective orders. At a defendant’s appearance before a magistrate after arrest for an offense involving family violence, the magistrate may issue an order for emergency protection.
• Bond conditions. Violating a bond condition tied to victim or community safety can be a separate offense in a sexual assault case (Texas Penal Code § 25.07).
• Forensic interviews and CPS. Before your loved one speaks with CPS or investigators, ask the firm how to handle that request.
• Victim rights. Texas gives crime victims rights in these cases, including safety measures and case updates (Texas Attorney General victims’ rights).

Three missteps can complicate a case. Don’t wait to gather papers. Don’t post about the accusation online. Don’t discuss it with the child or any witness.

Why Families Bring This Review to Barbieri Law Firm

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

Heather Barbieri leads the firm. Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Carrie Thomas is also one of the firm’s lawyers. Our lawyers and our team are ready to talk through the paperwork with your family.

The firm handles aggravated sexual assault, child sex crimes, online sex crimes, aggravated assault, family violence, and theft defense for students and non-citizens. If your family is unsure which offense applies, the review starts with the charging paper.

Common Questions About a Charge Review

A charge review is the first stage, and it helps your family choose the next step. Here are short answers to common questions.

Talk Through the Charge With a Collin County Defense Lawyer

A charge review gives your family a clear view of the charge, the paperwork and the next court date. If your loved one has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, bond terms and court dates may already be moving. Call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through the contact form. The firm reviews the paperwork and explains your options in plain terms, so your family can decide what comes next.

Attorney responsible for this site: Heather Jean Barbieri, Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco, Texas.