Facing a Child Sex Crime Accusation in Southlake? Talk With a Lawyer First.

Child sex crimes defense is criminal defense for adults accused of a sex offense involving a child under Texas law. Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas, and it defends these cases across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.

This page explains the charges, the process from first call to case decisions, and the stakes. It is general information, not advice about your case. Every case turns on its own facts.

What Child Sex Crimes Defense Covers in Texas

Child sex crimes defense covers cases where the State accuses someone of a sex offense against a child. It can begin during an investigation or after a charge is filed.

Texas sorts these cases by conduct, age and the facts alleged. The main offenses include:

• Indecency with a child, Penal Code § 21.11, applies when a person, with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire, engages in sexual contact with a child younger than 17, or causes the child to engage in sexual contact, and it also reaches certain exposure conduct. The statute provides affirmative defenses, including the age-difference defense in § 21.11(b). It also covers exposing one’s genitals to a child with that intent while knowing the child is present, or causing a child to expose, a third-degree felony.
• Sexual assault. Texas Penal Code § 22.011 covers sexual assault. The statute defines a “child” as a person younger than 17.
• Aggravated sexual assault. Texas Penal Code § 22.021 is a first-degree felony. A first-degree felony in Texas carries life or a term of 5 to 99 years, plus a fine of up to $10,000.
• Online solicitation of a minor. Texas Penal Code § 33.021 covers sexually explicit messages to a minor. It also covers soliciting a minor to meet for sexual contact, which is a second-degree felony.

We review the evidence in your case, including how it relates to each element of the charge, and explain your options. Defense work tests each element against the evidence, including the statements and the records.

Who This Defense Is For

This defense is for adults and families facing a child-related sex allegation in Texas. It can apply before or after a charge is filed.

• An adult who has been told they are the subject of an investigation.
• Someone who received a police or child-protective interview request, or who was arrested or summoned.
• Parents, spouses and other family members who need to understand the process and protect the accused person’s rights.
• Cases where the allegation comes from a child, a teen, or an adult who says the conduct happened in the past, including delayed reports.

Each case turns on its own facts. This page cannot tell you how your case will end. The first consultation is the place to ask about your situation.

What Happens From the First Call Through the Case

The process starts with a free initial consultation. Then it moves through evidence review, early strategy and case decisions.

1. Free initial consultation. You describe the allegation, the investigation or charge, and any dates or deadlines you know. There is no obligation to continue.
2. Evidence review. Heather Barbieri reviews what the State has, such as police reports, forensic interview recordings, digital device evidence, and any bond conditions or protective order.
3. Early strategy. The firm explains whether to speak with investigators, how bond conditions and contact limits work, and what to avoid while the case is open.
4. Negotiation, motions and trial preparation. The firm explains each option, including pretrial motions, plea discussions and trial, so you can decide how to proceed.

Timing depends on the court and the charge. Ask about the next deadline at your first meeting.

Charges, Penalties and Long-Term Consequences

Texas child sex charges carry long prison ranges. A conviction can also bring registration duties that may last for life.

• Minimum terms. Under § 22.021, the minimum term is 25 years if the victim is younger than 6, or younger than 14 and the case involves the aggravating circumstances in § 22.021(a)(2)(A).
• Repeat offenses. Under § 12.42, prior convictions can increase punishment. Under § 12.42(c)(2), a repeat conviction for a qualifying sex offense carries a mandatory life sentence, and Gov’t Code § 508.145 governs parole eligibility for that sentence. Under § 12.42(c)(4), a defendant must be sentenced to life without parole if it is shown at trial for an offense under § 20A.03 or § 21.02, or for an offense under § 22.021 that is punishable under § 22.021(f), that the defendant has a qualifying prior final conviction.
• Exposure under § 21.11(a)(2) is not a triggering current offense under § 12.42(c)(2)(A), but a prior § 21.11 conviction, including one for exposure, can serve as the predicate prior under § 12.42(c)(2)(B).
• Duration. Under Art. 62.101, the duty to register for a sexually violent offense generally ends only at death, subject to exceptions in the chapter.
• Deferred adjudication. Under Art. 42A.111, a judge may not dismiss and discharge early a defendant charged with an offense that requires sex offender registration.

Other consequences, such as employment, housing, child custody and immigration status, can follow a charge. Review them with your lawyer early.

How Barbieri Law Firm Approaches These Cases

Heather Jean Barbieri leads Barbieri Law Firm and directs each defense.

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

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

Our team handles scheduling, records and office work. Heather Barbieri handles the legal work and directs the defense.

The firm reviews the evidence, including reports, recordings and devices. It explains your options in plain terms. It then prepares for each court date.

Common Questions About Child Sex Crimes Defense

Here are direct answers to common questions.

Talk With Heather Barbieri About Your Situation

If you were just told about a child-related allegation, a police contact or a pending charge, you need clear answers about your options and the next deadline.

Call (972) 424-1902 for a free initial consultation, or send us your case details. Heather Barbieri will review the allegation, the investigation or charge, and the dates that matter most.

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