Charged With an Online Sex Crime in Allen? Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer Now

Looking for an online sex crimes defense lawyer in Allen? The charges covered here are felonies under Texas law, and the punishment depends on the specific offense, the facts and any prior record. This guide explains the charges, the stakes and what to avoid right now. Barbieri Law Firm is a criminal defense practice based in Frisco, Texas, and it offers a free initial consultation with no obligation to continue.

What Online Sex Crime Charges Look Like in Allen and Collin County

The main online charges in Texas are online solicitation of a minor, possession or promotion of child pornography, and sexual performance by a child. Each has its own grade and punishment range.

Online solicitation of a minor is covered by Texas Penal Code § 33.021. Grading depends on the subsection. Under subsection (b), which covers sexually explicit communications and applies to an actor who is 17 or older and acts with intent to commit an offense listed in Code of Criminal Procedure article 62.001(5)(A), (B) or (K), the offense is a third-degree felony, or a second-degree felony when the minor is younger than 14. The statute also reaches cases in which the actor believes the person is younger than 14. Knowingly soliciting a minor online to meet for sexual contact is a second-degree felony under subsection (c).

Possession or promotion of child pornography falls under § 43.26. Its grade depends on factors such as the number of depictions, prior convictions and the age of the child shown. Sexual performance by a child is a second-degree felony, and a first-degree felony when the victim is younger than 14.

For a first-degree felony, Texas law allows life in prison or a term of 5 to 99 years, plus a fine up to $10,000.

Residents of Allen, Plano and McKinney can all face these charges. The timeline starts with the investigation, not the court date. That means the first weeks matter as much as the trial.

How Online Sex Crime Investigations Usually Begin

Most online cases start with an investigation, and that often happens before any charge is filed. Investigators may seize phones and computers. They may seek search warrants for accounts and messages, and use subscriber records tied to IP addresses. Some cases begin with undercover online chats.

A defense lawyer looks at how the evidence was gathered. Reviewing a case often includes looking at how the evidence was gathered. Ask whether a warrant was issued and what it covers. A lawyer can also request discovery, which is the evidence the State holds.

Entrapment is a separate question. Under Texas Penal Code § 8.06, it is a defense when a law enforcement agent induces the conduct using persuasion or other means likely to cause persons to commit the offense. Simply giving someone an opportunity to commit an offense is not entrapment.

Mistaken identification and false accusations are documented causes of wrongful convictions. The National Registry of Exonerations publishes research on both. That is why the source of every accusation and every piece of evidence deserves a close look.

Investigators may reach out before any charge. Call us before you answer police questions. That choice matters from the first contact.

Sex Offender Registration and Other Consequences to Discuss Early

A conviction or deferred adjudication for many online sex offenses can require sex offender registration in Texas. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art. 62.001, a reportable conviction includes deferred adjudication. The list includes online solicitation of a minor and child pornography offenses.

How long registration lasts depends on the offense. Some covered offenses require lifetime registration; for example, § 43.26 child pornography offenses carry it. For other covered offenses, the duty can end on the 10th anniversary of a date the statute sets. The duration rules are in Code of Criminal Procedure art. 62.101.

Deferred adjudication is not automatic. Under art. 42A.101, a judge may defer proceedings after a plea and a finding that the evidence substantiates guilt.

Prior record matters too. Under Texas Penal Code § 12.42, a defendant convicted of certain repeat sex offenses must be punished by imprisonment for life under subsection (c)(2) when a listed prior conviction exists, and under subsection (g)(1) a prior guilty or nolo contendere plea that led to deferred adjudication counts as a previous conviction even if the person was later discharged. Parole eligibility for such a sentence is governed by Government Code § 508.145. A prior conviction can also be used again for enhancement, under § 12.46.

Ask early about the other effects, too. These include job and license issues, housing, travel, and family or custody matters.

Protecting Your Position in the First Days of an Online Investigation

In the first days, don’t delete anything, don’t contact anyone involved, and don’t post about the allegation. Each of these can create new problems for the defense.

Deleting accounts, messages or devices can create separate legal trouble. It can also damage the defense. Contacting the alleged minor, the complainant or their family can be used against you. Posts on social media or in group chats can become evidence.

Share every relevant fact with your lawyer, including the full context of any message. Details that feel embarrassing still matter. A lawyer can judge the evidence accurately only when the full picture is in front of them.

Write down what you remember, including dates and who said what. Keep those notes for your lawyer, and avoid sharing them with others.

What Happens at a Free Initial Consultation

The firm offers a free initial consultation with no obligation to continue. You describe the charge or investigation, the timeline and the evidence you know about. Then the lawyer explains your possible options in plain terms.

The lawyer reviews what the State may hold, including devices, messages, warrants and any interview statements. Bring whatever you have, including dates and the exact text of messages.

No lawyer can know how a case will end. So the lawyer explains options rather than assuring an outcome. You leave with a clearer picture of the next steps and what each possible result could mean. Fees are explained during the conversation.

Heather Barbieri and the Frisco Criminal Defense Practice

Barbieri Law Firm is a Frisco, Texas criminal defense firm led by Heather Barbieri. The firm handles sex crimes, aggravated sexual assault, child sex crimes, online sex crimes, aggravated assault and family violence across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.

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

Our office staff help schedule consultations. Our team works with clients from Allen and nearby communities. We focus on the facts of your situation, from the first call through any court date.

Serving Allen and Other Texas Communities

For a broader overview, read our online sex crimes defense lawyer guide.

Readers in neighboring communities can visit our Celina page and Southlake page. Readers in West Texas can read our separate Midland page.

Talk With Heather Barbieri About Your Allen Case

If investigators have your messages, devices or accounts, you need clear answers before the next step. Here are a few common questions.

Can an online sex crimes defense lawyer in Allen review my case for free? Yes. Barbieri Law Firm offers a free initial consultation with no obligation to continue.

Can deferred adjudication avoid registration? Not always. Under the statute’s definitions, deferred adjudication can be a reportable outcome for listed offenses.

Should I delete messages to protect myself? No. Deleting messages can create separate problems and can harm your defense.

If police have your phone, messages or accounts, call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through the contact form to schedule your free initial consultation.

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

No lawyer can know how a case will end, so no outcome is assured.