Facing Several Online Sex Crime Counts in Texas? Every Count Deserves Its Own Review.

Multi-count online sex crime charges in Texas mean the state has filed two or more counts against one person. The counts often come from several messages, devices, online accounts, or dates. Each count is its own charge, and each one needs its own review. This page explains how these cases are built, how digital evidence is reviewed, and what a defense lawyer does next. 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.

What Multi-Count Online Sex Crime Charges Mean in Texas

A multi-count case is one where prosecutors file more than one count against the same person. Counts often rest on different conversations, phones, accounts, or time periods. Here is what multi-count online sex crime charges Texas cases usually look like.

Many of these cases build slowly. Investigators may seize devices, request account records, and interview the accused or others. Some cases also involve undercover or sting contact.

Texas makes online solicitation of a minor a crime under Texas Penal Code § 33.021. A “minor” under this statute is someone younger than 17, or someone the accused believes is younger than 17. Communicating in a sexually explicit manner with a minor under Penal Code § 33.021(b) is a third-degree felony, raised to a second-degree felony if the minor is younger than 14 years of age or the actor believes the minor is younger than 14. The offense requires intent to commit an offense listed in Code of Criminal Procedure art. 62.001(5)(A), (B), or (K). Knowingly soliciting a minor over the Internet to meet another person for sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse under § 33.021(c) is a second-degree felony. The punishment is increased to the punishment prescribed for the next higher category of offense if it is shown at trial that the offense occurred during regular public or private primary or secondary school hours and the actor knew or reasonably should have known the minor was enrolled in a public or private primary or secondary school at the time of the offense. The statute also says it is not a defense that the meeting did not occur.

This page is written for three readers: the accused, a family member, and a professional whose job or license may be at stake while charges are pending.

What the Defense Covers in a Complex Online Case

A defense in a complex online case starts with a count-by-count review. Each count gets its own file, so nothing is lost in the larger case.

• Review each count separately, with its statute, dates, and alleged conduct.
• Map which device or account supports which count.
• Identify gaps in the state’s proof.
• Review the charging papers, probable cause statement, and any warrant affidavit.
• Check bond conditions, including any limits on internet or device use.

Bond terms matter. Under Texas Penal Code § 25.07, violating a bond condition in a sexual assault or related case can be a separate offense. This includes communicating with a protected person when the order bars all contact, except through the person’s attorney or a court-appointed person.

Sting cases raise a separate question. Under Texas Penal Code § 8.06, entrapment is a defense when a law enforcement agent induces the conduct using persuasion or other means likely to cause persons to commit the offense. Merely giving someone an opportunity to commit an offense is not entrapment.

How Digital Evidence Is Reviewed

Digital evidence is reviewed by asking how each item was collected, who could access it, and whether the timeline matches the data. This review often matters as much as the messages themselves.

In these cases, the evidence commonly includes:

• Device extractions from phones, computers, and tablets
• Message logs and chat histories
• IP and account records from online platforms
• Timestamps that show when content was sent, opened, or saved

Investigations often start with a tip. The NCMEC CyberTipline accepts reports of suspected online child exploitation, including online enticement, and refers them to law enforcement for possible investigation. The federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program describes its role in investigating technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation.

We will review the evidence, including how each item was obtained, who had access to each device or account, and whether the timeline in the reports matches the data. Then we explain what each piece shows and what it does not show. Organizing the review by count makes a large file easier to follow.

How the Case Proceeds: Steps and Timeline

A multi-count case usually moves through four steps, though the order and pace vary.

1. Free first consultation. You share charging papers, arrest or notice documents, bond paperwork, and a list of devices and accounts mentioned in the case.
2. Gathering documents. The defense requests records as the case allows and builds a written, count-by-count summary.
3. Evidence review with you. You review each device, account, and time period, and the team lists questions for the state.
4. Explaining your options. We explain the options, such as negotiation, pretrial motions, or trial preparation, and what each one would involve.

How long each stage takes depends on the number of counts, devices, and records, and on the court’s schedule. No lawyer can predict or assure an outcome. What we can do is review the evidence carefully and explain your options clearly.

Why Work With Barbieri Law Firm

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

The firm’s focus includes online sex crimes, child sex crimes, and aggravated sexual assault. It also handles aggravated assault, family violence, and theft defense for students and non-citizens.

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

Our team includes support staff who keep the case organized. Heather Barbieri is the lawyer handling your matter. Our approach is to explain each count, each piece of evidence, and each option in plain language, so you can make informed decisions.

Related Consequences to Plan For

A multi-count charge can reach beyond the courtroom. These are issues to raise in your first consultation, not predictions of what will happen.

• Firearm rights. Under Texas Penal Code § 46.04, a person convicted of a felony commits an offense by possessing a firearm before the fifth anniversary of release from confinement or from supervision, whichever is later. After that period, possession is an offense anywhere except the premises where the person lives.
• Expunction after an acquittal. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art. 55A.151, a court may not order expunction of records relating to an arrest for an offense for which a person is acquitted if the offense arose out of a criminal episode and the person was convicted of, or remains subject to prosecution for, at least one other offense occurring during that episode. This applies when the offense arose from the same criminal episode and the person was convicted of, or still faces prosecution for, another offense in that episode.
• Family matters. Charges can affect parenting arrangements and custody discussions.
• Employment. An employer or HR interview may come up after an arrest.

Questions People Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer

Is the first consultation free? Yes. The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.

Can a lawyer promise the outcome? No. No lawyer can predict or assure an outcome. A lawyer can review the evidence and explain your options.

What is a multi-count charge? It is a case with two or more counts against one person. Each count can rest on a different message, device, account, or date.

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

Is what I share confidential? What you share during the consultation is confidential.

What should I bring? Bring any charging papers, notices, bond paperwork, and a list of devices and accounts mentioned in the case, if you have them.

Talk With Heather Barbieri About Your Charges

If the paperwork lists several counts, police have seized your phone or laptop, or an investigation has run for months, you do not have to sort it out alone. Heather Barbieri can review each count and explain what the evidence does and does not show. Send your case details through our contact form or call (972) 424-1902 to schedule your free, confidential consultation.

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