Sex crimes defense for Midland clients, from a Frisco firm that focuses on criminal defense

Barbieri Law Firm is a sex crimes defense law firm that represents people charged with sex offenses and related assault charges in Midland and across Texas. Our office is in Frisco. The first consultation is free, with no obligation to continue. This page explains the charges we defend, how a case usually moves, and what can raise the stakes. No one can predict how a case will end, but a first meeting can help you see your options clearly.

Sex Crimes Defense for Midland Clients: What This Service Covers

Sex crimes defense is criminal defense work for people accused of sex offenses. A sex crimes defense law firm Midland clients can reach starts by reviewing the charge, the evidence, and the options.

This service is for adults in Midland and across Texas who face an arrest, an indictment, a notice of investigation, or police questions about a sex offense or a related assault. Family members may also reach out for help. A parent, spouse, or partner may be worried about someone they love.

We review the charge, the proof, and the process with you. We explain what each step means, so you can make informed choices. We are based in Frisco, Texas. We do not have a Midland office, and this page does not claim one. Midland clients can call (972) 424-1902 and ask how we arrange meetings.

Charges the Firm Defends: Sexual, Online, Child-Related, and Assaultive Offenses

The firm defends sex crimes, aggravated sexual assault, child sex crimes, online sex crimes, aggravated assault, and family violence charges. Each one has its own required proof and penalty range.

• Sexual assault. Texas law covers specific sexual acts done without consent or in listed circumstances. It is generally a second-degree felony, with higher grades in listed cases.
• Aggravated sexual assault. This charge adds a factor, such as serious bodily injury, a deadly weapon, or a victim younger than 14, elderly, or disabled. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.021, the offense carries a 25-year minimum term when the victim is younger than 6, or younger than 14 in listed circumstances such as serious bodily injury, use of a deadly weapon, threats, or drugging.
• Continuous sexual abuse. Under the continuous sexual abuse statute, the offense requires proof that the defendant was 17 years of age or older at the time of each act and that, over a period of 30 or more days, the defendant engaged in more than one act of sexual abuse involving a victim who is a child younger than 14 years of age or a disabled individual. Continuous sexual abuse is a first-degree felony punishable by 25 to 99 years or life in prison, and a person convicted of it is not eligible for parole (Penal Code § 21.02(h); Gov’t Code § 508.145). Jurors must agree that two or more acts occurred. They need not agree on which acts or the exact dates.
• Indecency with a child. Under the indecency with a child statute, an offense under Subsection (a)(1), which covers sexual contact with a child or causing a child to engage in sexual contact, is a felony of the second degree. Exposing genitals or anus to a child with intent to arouse is a third-degree felony.
• Online sex crimes. Under the online solicitation statute, communicating in a sexually explicit way with a minor, with the required intent, is a third-degree felony. It is a second-degree felony if the minor is younger than 14. Soliciting a minor to meet for sexual contact is a second-degree felony.
• Aggravated assault. Under the aggravated assault statute, an assault that causes serious bodily injury, or uses or exhibits a deadly weapon, is a second-degree felony. Some listed cases are first-degree felonies.
• Family violence. Under the Family Code definition, family violence includes an act by a family or household member meant to cause physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault. It also includes a threat that reasonably puts someone in fear of imminent harm. Defensive measures to protect yourself are excluded.

Electronic cases raise their own proof questions. We look at who had access to a device and how messages or images were obtained.

How a Sex Crimes Case Typically Moves in Texas: Step by Step

Most cases move through the same early stages, though timing varies by county and by case. Here is the usual path.

1. Free initial consultation. We review what you know, what papers you have, and what you were told. The first meeting is free, with no obligation to continue.
2. Early court steps. Bond, arraignment, and first court settings come first. We confirm the dates and deadlines for your case.
3. Evidence review. We look at police reports, recordings, medical or digital records, and any protective orders. We explain what each item shows and what it doesn’t.
4. Investigation and negotiation. We discuss what may need investigating and how pretrial motions and negotiations work. No outcome can be predicted at this stage.
5. Timelines vary widely from case to case.

We keep you informed at each step, so you know what comes next.

Sentencing Exposure, Enhancements, and Registration: What Raises the Stakes

Penalties depend on the exact offense, the victim’s age, any injury or weapon use, and prior convictions. Each factor can change the range you face.

• Prior convictions. A first-degree felony is punishable by 5 to 99 years or life, and prior felony convictions can change that range. Certain repeat sex offense convictions can require life without parole.
• Registration. Under Texas registration law, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, continuous sexual abuse, and indecency with a child by sexual contact are sexually violent offenses when committed at age 17 or older. As a general rule, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 62.101(a) requires a person with a reportable conviction or adjudication for one of these offenses to register for life. Limited exceptions can apply depending on the offense and how the case was resolved. Under article 62.101(b), the duty to register for certain deferred adjudications for sexual assault or indecency with a child can end on the 10th anniversary of the date of dismissal and discharge. Early termination under Subchapter I of Chapter 62 may also be available in some cases.
• Other reportable offenses generally end ten years after the key date, with exceptions. The exact charge decides which rule applies.
• Federal rules. The DOJ SMART Office explains federal sex offender registration requirements under SORNA. Federal rules can apply alongside Texas law.
• Collateral effects. Charges can affect jobs, licenses, housing, custody, and immigration status, even before any conviction. We discuss these early.

Each charge is different. We review the exposure for your specific charge before you decide anything.

Why Barbieri Law Firm: Credentials and How We Work

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm based in Frisco, Texas, led by Heather Barbieri. It is a sex crimes defense law firm Midland clients can reach by phone or through our contact form. Our team includes support staff, who handle scheduling and records.

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

Heather Barbieri is the lawyer who handles each case. We defend clients across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Texas, including Midland.

Our approach is simple. We review the evidence, explain your options in plain terms, and keep you updated at each stage. We keep a clear record of what we review and what we advise, so you can follow each decision.

This page lists no case results. Any result shared would need client consent and full context. No result on this page predicts yours.

Common Questions About Sex Crimes Defense in Midland

Many people ask whether they must answer police, whether they will be jailed, and whether a first meeting costs anything. Short answers follow.

Talk With Barbieri Law Firm About Your Midland Case

Start with a free initial consultation if police have contacted you about a sex or assault charge in Midland. If someone you love faces that kind of charge, you don’t have to face it alone. Send us your case details through our contact form, or call (972) 424-1902 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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