Child Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Collin County

Barbieri Law Firm is a child sex crimes defense law firm serving Collin County from Frisco, Texas. This page explains the main Texas charges, the penalties that can raise exposure, and how a defense case is built. It is general information, not advice about your specific case.

What Child Sex Crimes Charges Are in Texas

Child sex crimes charges in Texas come from several statutes, and each has its own elements.

Possession or promotion of child pornography. Under § 43.26, a person commits an offense by intentionally or knowingly possessing visual material that shows a child engaging in sexual conduct. Accessing that material with intent to view it also counts. The State does not have to prove the identity of the child shown.

Online solicitation of a minor. Under § 33.021, a “minor” is a person younger than 17, or a person the actor believes is younger than 17. The statute covers knowingly soliciting a minor online to meet, with intent that the minor engage in sexual contact or intercourse. It is not a defense that the meeting never happened.

Aggravated sexual assault adds aggravating facts, including a victim younger than 14.

Investigations often start before any charge is filed. A case may begin with a report, a forensic interview, a search of a phone or computer, or an online sting. Suspected online exploitation can be reported to the NCMEC CyberTipline, which refers tips to law enforcement for possible investigation.

This page is for accused adults, and for parents, spouses, and adult children who have learned of an investigation, a warrant, or a grand jury matter in Collin County.

Penalties, Enhancements, and Registration Consequences

Penalties depend on the statute, the child’s age, and any prior record. Some enhancements require a life sentence, so the stakes are high from the start.

A first-degree felony carries life or 5 to 99 years in prison, plus a fine of up to $10,000. A second-degree felony carries 2 to 20 years, plus a fine of up to $10,000. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony. Under Penal Code § 22.021(f), the minimum term is 25 years when the victim is younger than 6, or younger than 14 with specified aggravating circumstances.

Prior convictions can raise the range further. Under § 12.42, a prior final felony conviction can move a first-degree felony into a life range. Under Section 12.42, notwithstanding the otherwise applicable punishment range, a defendant convicted of a sex offense listed in Section 12.42(c)(2) who has a prior conviction or deferred adjudication for a listed sex offense faces mandatory life imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Registration often lasts longer than any prison term. Under art. 62.001, a “reportable conviction or adjudication” includes deferred adjudication. The list includes sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, online solicitation of a minor, and possession or promotion of child pornography.

Bond terms matter early. Under § 25.07, violating a bond condition in a sexual assault or abuse case can be a new offense. Going to or near a protected person’s home, or a school or child-care facility where a protected child attends, is one example. A violation can add a charge while the first case is still pending.

What the Defense Covers in Collin County Cases

A defense starts with what the State has, and then tests each piece. The review begins with the charging papers, the probable cause affidavit, and the offense report.

• Investigation records. The review covers interview recordings, child advocacy center records, device searches, warrant affidavits, and the chain of custody for each device or file.
• Device data. When the case depends on files, metadata, or timestamps, outside digital examiners can review the evidence.
• Entrapment. Under § 8.06, entrapment is a defense when a law enforcement agent induces the conduct through persuasion or other means likely to cause a person to offend. Merely giving someone an opportunity to commit an offense is not entrapment. This question often arises in online stings.
• Solicitation defenses. Under § 33.021, the meeting-solicitation offense has defenses. One applies when the actor was married to the minor. Another applies when the actor was not more than three years older and the minor consented.
• Prior-acts evidence. Prosecutors may try to introduce other alleged acts.
• Motions and trial preparation. Motions are filed where the facts support them, and each one has its own requirements.

How the Process Works, Step by Step

The process moves from consultation to case review, early protection, investigation, and then resolution. Each step builds on the one before it.

1. Free initial consultation. You describe the situation. The lawyer explains the charges, the possible penalties, and the next steps. No lawyer can ensure an outcome at this stage.
2. Case review. The charging papers, discovery, and records are reviewed, and any gaps are identified.
3. Early protection. Bond, no-contact, and registration exposure are addressed before the next court date.
4. Investigation and motions. Discovery is requested, motions are filed where warranted, and outside examiners are coordinated when needed.
5. Resolution or trial. Options include negotiation and trial.

Timelines vary with county court calendars, the stage of the case, and whether a grand jury is involved. No fixed number of weeks or months applies to every case.

Common Questions Families Ask

Most questions come down to what the State can prove, what the penalties are, and what happens next. The review of the evidence shapes the options.

Why Barbieri Law Firm

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas, led by Heather Barbieri. The firm defends people accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses. It is a child sex crimes defense law firm that serves Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Texas.

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

Our team includes assistants and office staff who support the case work. The firm’s approach is straightforward. We review the evidence, including the charging papers, the investigation records, and any device data. Then we explain your options clearly.

Talk With Barbieri Law Firm About Your Collin County Case

If a child-related investigation or charge has just reached your family in Collin County, you don’t have to face it alone. Schedule your free initial consultation, call (972) 424-1902, or send your case details through the contact form.

No lawyer can ensure an outcome in a criminal case.

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