Child Sex Crimes Defense in Celina and Collin County

If you face a child sex crimes charge in Celina, the first step is knowing exactly what the State alleges. Texas treats each child sex offense differently. The degree of the charge, the punishment range and the registration exposure depend on the statute, the victim’s age and any prior convictions. Barbieri Law Firm is a child sex crimes defense law firm that handles these cases for clients in Celina and across Collin County. The firm is based in Frisco, Texas, and can be reached at (972) 424-1902.

Who Needs Child Sex Crimes Defense in Celina and Collin County?

Adults charged or under investigation for an alleged offense involving a minor need this defense. So do the parents and family members who must make decisions with them.

An allegation is not proof.

Cases often begin in one of these ways:

• a report to Celina or Collin County police
• a disclosure to a school or family member
• a forensic interview with a child
• a search of phones or computers
• an arrest warrant

Each one creates early choices about bond, interviews and evidence. A Celina case may be filed in Collin County or Denton County courts, depending on where the alleged offense occurred. Barbieri Law Firm also handles matters across Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.

What Child Sex Offenses Are Charged in Texas, and What Do They Carry?

Texas charges child sex offenses under several Penal Code sections. Each one carries its own degree and punishment range.

• Indecency with a child, Penal Code § 21.11. Sexual contact is a second-degree felony. Exposure is a third-degree felony. Sexual contact requires intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.
• Sexual assault of a child, § 22.011. The offense is generally a second-degree felony, subject to exceptions the statute lists.
• Aggravated sexual assault of a child, § 22.021. It is a first-degree felony. The minimum term rises to 25 years if the victim is younger than 10, or younger than 14 with the conduct listed in subsection (a)(2)(A).
• Online solicitation of a minor, § 33.021. Soliciting a minor to meet for sexual contact is a second-degree felony. Conduct during school hours, with a minor the actor knew or should have known was enrolled, can raise the grade one category. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children describes common online enticement tactics. Related details appear on our online sex crimes defense page.
• Possession or promotion of child pornography, § 43.26. The grade depends on the number of depictions, prior qualifying convictions and whether a depicted child appears younger than 10. Some grades are first-degree felonies.

Prior convictions can change the range. Under Penal Code § 12.42, prior felony convictions can raise the punishment range, and § 12.42(c)(2) requires a sentence of life imprisonment when a person convicted of a qualifying offense, such as sexual assault (§ 22.011) or aggravated sexual assault (§ 22.021), has a qualifying prior sex-offense conviction, including a prior conviction under § 22.011, § 22.021 or § 21.11(a)(1). Texas Penal Code § 12.42(c)(4) takes precedence over the life sentence in subsection (c)(2). If the current offense and the prior final conviction both qualify under § 12.42(c)(4), including a sexually violent offense as defined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art. 62.001(6), an offense under § 20A.03, or continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual under § 21.02, and the defendant committed both on or after turning 18, the required sentence is life in prison without parole. The prior conviction can also be a substantially similar offense under another state’s law. Under § 12.46, a conviction used for enhancement can be used again later. Ask your lawyer to check every prior record early.

Registration is a separate, long-term consequence. Under art. 62.101(a), the duty to register for such an offense ends at death, subject to exceptions in the statute. Other registration duties may end after 10 years, depending on the offense and how the case ended.

What Does the Defense Cover From the First Week?

Early work focuses on bond, the charging papers and the evidence, because those shape every later decision.

• Bond and no-contact orders. Violating a bond condition in a sexual assault or family violence case is a separate offense when the condition protects a victim or the community. Penal Code § 25.07 says agreements between the affected people do not change the order’s validity.
• Charging papers and discovery. We review the charge, the probable cause affidavit and all discovery, including forensic interview recordings and outcry witness statements.
• Digital evidence. Phones, messages and metadata can show who said what and when. We rebuild the timeline of each disclosure.
• Interviews and memory. We examine how interviews were conducted and whether statements were obtained lawfully, including questions of suggestion and memory.
• Witnesses and records. School and family records, witnesses and context evidence are investigated where they exist.
• Motions and trial preparation. We file pretrial motions and discuss pleas only with your authorization. We prepare every case for trial in Collin County courts.

How Does a Child Sex Crimes Case Typically Move?

A case usually moves from a first consultation to evidence review, pretrial work and then resolution or trial.

1. Free first consultation. We review what is known and explain your options. You decide whether to continue, with no obligation.
2. Immediate steps. We address bond and any police interview. Speak with counsel before answering questions about the allegation.
3. Discovery and investigation. This often takes weeks to months. The pace depends on the court and the amount of forensic material.
4. Pretrial motions and negotiations. Each decision is explained first. Nothing is done without your informed consent.
5. Trial or resolution. Timing depends on the charge, the court calendar and the volume of digital or forensic evidence.

No lawyer can predict or promise how any case will end.

Why Choose Barbieri Law Firm for Child Sex Crimes Defense?

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas, focused on defending sex crimes and assaultive offenses.

Our firm is led by Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Our team includes assistants and office staff who support the firm’s work.

Our practice covers Celina, Prosper, McKinney, Plano, Allen, Southlake, Dallas, The Woodlands and Midland, and it reaches across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.

This page includes no case results or testimonials. Results depend on the facts of each case, and no lawyer can predict an outcome.

What Questions Do Families Ask Before Choosing Defense Counsel?

Most families ask about arrest, dismissal, fees and talking to police first. Short answers are below.

Will my family member be arrested? Arrest depends on the facts and the investigation. Early counsel can address bond and surrender questions.

Can the case be dismissed? We review the evidence and explain your options. No lawyer can predict or promise a dismissal.

Is the first meeting free? Yes. The first consultation is free, and you have no obligation to continue.

How are fees handled? Flat fees and payment plans may be available. We discuss costs at the consultation.

Should we talk to police or a school investigator first? Speak with a lawyer before answering questions about the allegation. Share every fact with your lawyer so the defense can plan.

Does the firm handle cases outside Celina? Yes. The firm handles matters across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.

Talk With Heather Barbieri About Your Celina Case

A police call, an interview request or a warrant can change a household quickly. If that is where your family stands, call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details to set up your free first consultation.

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