Charged with Indecency with a Child in Collin County?

Indecency with a child is a Texas felony involving sexual contact or sexual exposure with a child younger than 17. An accusation is not a conviction, and the exact details of the charge matter a great deal. If you’re researching this charge for yourself or someone you love, this guide explains what it means, what a child sex crimes defense lawyer reviews, and what to avoid early.

What Indecency with a Child Means Under Texas Law

Indecency with a child is an offense against a child younger than 17, committed with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. The law applies whether or not the accused knew the child’s age at the time, under Texas Penal Code § 21.11.

• Sexual contact. The accused touches the child’s anus, breast, or genitals, including through clothing. Touching the child with the accused’s own anus, breast, or genitals also counts.
• Exposure. The accused exposes his or her anus or genitals while knowing a child is present. Causing the child to expose the child’s own anus or genitals also counts.

Each form carries its own felony grade. Sexual contact is a second-degree felony. Exposure is a third-degree felony. That difference changes the punishment range, so the exact charge matters from day one.

Intent is central. The state must prove the conduct and the intent behind it. The details of each alleged act matter.

This page is for the person accused. It is also for a parent, spouse, or relative who just learned about a police, CPS, school, or family report.

What a Defense Covers in an Indecency with a Child Case

A defense starts with the charging papers. Then it tests the evidence against each element the state must prove.

• Charging papers and the arrest affidavit. We review what the paperwork alleges and compare it with the offense charged.
• The child advocacy or forensic interview. We look at how it was conducted, recorded, and written up.
• Digital evidence. That includes phone records, messages, images, and metadata, and how police collected them.
• Timeline and access. We check dates, opportunity, and whether the account stays consistent across statements.
• Prior statements and alternative explanations. We look for any motive or pressure on the complainant.
• Affirmative defenses. Under Texas Penal Code § 21.11, the accused must meet every condition. Under Texas Penal Code § 21.11, those conditions include that the actor was not more than three years older than the victim and of the opposite sex, and did not use duress, force, or a threat against the victim at the time of the offense. A separate defense applies if the accused was the child’s spouse.

Some cases turn on a false accusation or a mistaken identification. The National Registry of Exonerations tracks wrongful convictions, including those tied to these causes.

Where the evidence calls for it, an outside forensic consultant can help review the records. We will review the evidence and explain your options. No lawyer can promise an outcome.

How the Process Works, Step by Step

A case usually moves through five stages, from first contact to resolution. Each stage depends on what the evidence shows.

1. First contact. You describe what happened, including any police, CPS, or school contact and the dates.
2. Document review. We review charging papers, bond conditions, and any no-contact or protective orders.
3. Early protective steps. Investigators deal with counsel only, and important records are preserved.
4. Investigation. We request discovery (the evidence the state must share), review witness materials, and bring in an outside forensic consultant when needed.
5. Resolution. The case may end through negotiation or motion practice. Whether to go to trial is your decision, made after advice.

Timelines vary. They depend on the county court calendar, how complex the evidence is, and whether the case is resolved or tried. No one can promise how long your case will take.

Consequences to Plan For Before Any Decision

A conviction carries felony prison time and a fine, and the range depends on the form charged. Both carry a fine of up to $10,000.

A prior final felony conviction can raise a third-degree felony to second-degree punishment under Texas Penal Code § 12.42.

Bond conditions carry their own risk. Under Texas Penal Code § 25.07, violating a bond condition in a sexual abuse case can be a separate offense. Going to or near a protected person’s home or workplace, or a child’s school, can count if the order or bond says so.

Chapter 62 registration status matters to the defense, so we check it early. Family court, custody, employment, and school issues can run on their own track alongside the criminal case.

What Not to Do Before You Speak with a Defense Lawyer

The first few days matter most. Early mistakes often involve statements, messages, and contact with the complainant.

• Do not give a statement to police, CPS, a school, or an employer without advice.
• Do not discuss the allegations with the complainant, with family who may be witnesses, or on social media.
• Do not delete messages, photos, accounts, or devices. Deleting records can create separate problems.
• Do not contact the complainant or their family in any way that could break a bond condition or protective order.
• Tell your lawyer everything, including facts that seem harmful. That information is confidential and helps counsel plan the defense.
• Bring bond papers and every notice you received. Write down the timeline while your memory is fresh.

Why Work with Barbieri Law Firm

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

Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is the founding attorney.

The firm explains the evidence and the options candidly. We do not promise outcomes. This page does not describe past results, because every case turns on its own facts and record.

The firm serves Collin County and nearby communities, including Frisco, Plano, and McKinney.

Questions People Ask Before Calling a Lawyer

Most questions come down to the charge, what to avoid saying, and cost.

What does indecency with a child mean in Texas? It is a felony under Texas Penal Code § 21.11. It involves sexual contact or exposure with a child younger than 17, done with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.

What should I not say before I call a lawyer? Do not give statements or discuss the allegations with anyone. Tell your lawyer the full truth, because that conversation is confidential.

How much does a defense lawyer cost? Fees depend on the facts and the work each case needs. Flat fees and payment plans may be available. We do not charge a fee that depends on the outcome of the criminal case.

Can a parent or relative call on behalf of an adult accused? Yes, a family member can reach out. The accused is the client, so we will confirm who the client is before discussing case details.

If you’re facing a charge you never expected, you don’t have to work out the law alone. Call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through our contact form. We will review the evidence with you and explain your options.

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