Facing a sex crimes charge in Frisco? Start with a confidential conversation.

Looking for a sex crimes defense lawyer in Collin County or Dallas-Fort Worth? Barbieri Law Firm is a criminal defense firm based in Frisco, Texas. It defends people accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses. This page explains what these charges involve, what the defense covers and how a case moves forward.

What a Texas Sex Crimes Charge Involves and Who This Defense Is For

A Texas sex crimes case can start with an investigation, a police interview, an arrest warrant or a grand jury. Early steps matter. What you say or sign at the start can affect what comes next.

This page is written for three kinds of readers. The first is a person under investigation or who expects a warrant. The second is a person already charged. The third is a family member who wants to understand the charge and the next steps.

Many of these charges are felonies. Texas law sets the grade and range for each offense, and the statutes below show where to look.

Barbieri Law Firm is based in Frisco. It represents clients across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas. Readers can call to ask whether their matter fits the firm’s practice.

Charges We Defend: Sex Crimes, Child Cases, Online Offenses, and Related Assault Charges

Barbieri Law Firm defends the offenses below. Each one has its own elements and grade, so the exact charge matters.

• Aggravated sexual assault. This is a first-degree felony under Penal Code § 22.021. The minimum prison term rises to 25 years if the victim is younger than 10, or younger than 14 in certain listed manners.
• Under Penal Code § 21.11 (indecency with a child), sexual contact is a second-degree felony and exposure is a third-degree felony.
• Online sex crimes. Online solicitation of a minor is covered by Penal Code § 33.021. Depending on the subsection and the minor’s age, it can be a third- or second-degree felony, and the punishment rises to the next higher category if the offense was committed during school hours and the actor knew or reasonably should have known the minor was enrolled in a primary or secondary school. Possession of child pornography is covered by Penal Code § 43.26. Online cases often turn on messages, images and account records. The NCMEC CyberTipline reviews reports of suspected online child exploitation and refers them to law enforcement.
• Aggravated assault. This is generally a second-degree felony under Penal Code § 22.02. Some listed circumstances make it a first-degree felony, such as using a deadly weapon and causing serious bodily injury to a family member.
• Family violence. Under Family Code § 71.004, family violence includes an act by a family or household member meant to cause physical harm. It also includes a threat that places a member in reasonable fear of imminent harm. Defensive measures to protect yourself are excluded.
• Bond and protective-order issues. Knowingly or intentionally violating a bond or protective-order condition that relates to the safety of a victim or the community can be a separate offense in a family violence, sexual assault or abuse, indecent assault, stalking, or trafficking case, under Penal Code § 25.07.

What the Defense Covers in These Cases

The defense starts with the paperwork and the evidence. A close review comes before any talk about options.

• Review the charging papers, the probable cause affidavit and the timeline of the alleged events.
• Examine police reports, witness statements, medical and forensic records, and any recorded interviews.
• Review phone, computer and account data, which often matter in online cases.
• Advise on what to say and what not to say to investigators.
• Address bond conditions and pretrial release questions where they apply.
• Look for witnesses and records the State may not have pursued.
• File pretrial motions when the evidence supports them, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
• Prepare for trial if that is the right path. The client makes the final decision on how to proceed.

Child abuse cases can involve the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Its DFPS parent’s guide explains investigation steps and the rights of parents and alleged perpetrators.

How the Process Works: From Consultation to Resolution

A case moves in stages, from first call through review, early action, investigation and resolution. The timing depends on the facts and the court’s calendar.

1. Consultation. Start with a confidential conversation about what happened and what the paperwork says.
2. Case review. The firm explains the charge, its grade and the evidence needed to judge it.
3. Early action. This can include contact with the prosecutor, bond questions and advice about any pending interview or warrant.
4. Investigation and discovery. The defense requests and reviews the State’s file and builds its own record.
5. Negotiation, motions or trial preparation. The path depends on what the evidence shows.

Texas criminal cases move through stages on the court’s schedule. How long each stage takes depends on the facts and the court calendar.

Why Barbieri Law Firm: Credentials, Team, and Approach

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm based in Frisco, Texas. It focuses on defending sex crimes and assaultive offenses.

Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Heather Barbieri is the firm’s founding attorney and the responsible lawyer for this page.

The firm’s lawyers include Heather Barbieri and Carrie Thomas. They work with assistants and office staff.

The firm’s approach has three parts:

• A close review of the evidence, including reports, records and digital data.
• Plain explanations of each option and what it could mean.
• Direct communication with the client at every stage.

No lawyer can assure a result. The firm’s job is to review the evidence and explain your options clearly.

Common Questions About Sex Crimes Defense

Here are short answers to common questions.

Talk to Barbieri Law Firm About Your Case

If investigators want to talk with you, or a charge has been filed, you can decide your next step with clear information.

Call (972) 424-1902 to talk through your situation. Or send your case details and the firm will review them and respond. For background on how these charges work, read the sex crimes defense guide.

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