Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Collin County, Texas

Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Collin County

A sex crime conviction in Collin County carries life-altering consequences—mandatory sex-offender registration, employment barriers, housing restrictions, and years in prison. You need a criminal defense lawyer who understands Texas sex crime law and fights to protect your rights from the moment you’re accused.

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas, serving Collin County and the surrounding region. Heather Barbieri is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, meeting rigorous standards for criminal defense practice. We focus specifically on defending professionals accused of sex crimes, online sex offenses, child sex crimes, aggravated assault, and family violence—not general criminal work.

What Texas Law Defines as Sexual Assault

Sexual assault under Texas law covers a wide range of conduct, and penalties depend on the severity of the charge. Under the Texas Penal Code, sexual assault is a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Aggravated sexual assault—involving serious bodily injury, a weapon, or a victim under 14—is a first-degree felony with sentences of 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of 25 years when the victim is younger than 10.

Online solicitation of a minor ranges from a third-degree felony (2 to 10 years) to a first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life), depending on the minor’s age and the nature of the contact. Indecency with a child is a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years) for sexual contact, or a third-degree felony (2 to 10 years) for exposure. Continuous sexual abuse of a young child is a first-degree felony with 25 to 99 years or life, with no statute of limitations.

Sex-Offender Registration: A Lifetime Consequence

Conviction for most sex crimes in Texas requires lifetime sex-offender registration under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This isn’t simply a legal requirement—it shapes where you can live, work, and go. Registration creates a public record, affects employment prospects, restricts housing options, and carries collateral consequences that extend far beyond your sentence.

A sex crimes defense lawyer in Collin County must understand how registration requirements work and how they factor into your defense strategy and any potential plea negotiations.

Aggravated Assault and Family Violence in Collin County

Aggravated assault—when a deadly weapon is used or serious bodily injury occurs—is a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years) or first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life) depending on the circumstances. When the victim is a family or household member, the charge may be prosecuted as family violence.

Assault family violence is a Class A misdemeanor or escalates to a third-degree felony (2 to 10 years) if there’s a prior family-violence conviction or if the offense involves impeding the victim’s breathing or circulation. These charges carry mandatory arrest policies and can result in protective orders that restrict your access to your home and family.

Why Defense Matters in Sex Crime Cases

Sex crime accusations are taken seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors. The stakes are enormous: prison time, lifelong registration, employment loss, and social stigma. Early, aggressive defense is critical.

A skilled sex crimes defense lawyer in Collin County will:

• Investigate the evidence thoroughly. Police reports and witness statements aren’t always accurate. We examine forensic evidence, digital records, witness credibility, and procedural compliance.
• Challenge search and seizure issues. Illegal searches or seizures can exclude critical evidence and strengthen your defense.
• Evaluate consent and mental state. Many sex crime cases turn on questions of consent, capacity, or the defendant’s intent—areas where skilled cross-examination and expert testimony matter.
• Protect your constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent, to counsel, and to a fair trial. We ensure those rights are respected from arrest through trial.
• Explore negotiation and mitigation. Not every case goes to trial. We evaluate whether negotiation, diversion, or mitigation strategies serve your interests.

What Happens After an Arrest in Collin County

After arrest, you’ll face an initial appearance, bail hearing, and preliminary examination. Prosecutors will present evidence to the grand jury, which decides whether to indict. Throughout this process, your attorney’s job is to protect your rights, challenge weak evidence, and prepare your defense.

Early representation matters. Statements you make to police, even if you think you’re helping your case, can be used against you. Experienced counsel advises you on when to speak and when to remain silent.

Defending Professionals Accused of Sex Crimes

Professionals—teachers, healthcare workers, engineers, business owners—face unique pressures when accused of sex crimes. A conviction doesn’t just mean prison; it means the end of your career, loss of professional licenses, and permanent damage to your reputation.

We understand the stakes for professionals in Collin County. Our defense strategy accounts for your employment, your family, and your future. We examine the facts and the law in each case and pursue the strongest defense available, whether that involves seeking dismissal, trying the case, or negotiating a resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Defense Starts Now

Sex crime charges in Collin County demand immediate, skilled legal defense. The consequences—conviction, registration, imprisonment, career loss—are too severe to delay. Barbieri Law Firm, led by Heather Barbieri, who is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, brings a focused practice in sex crime defense to your case.

If you’re facing sex crime charges in Collin County—whether for sexual assault, online solicitation, child sex crimes, aggravated assault, or family violence—don’t face this alone. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and your defense options with our team.