Accused at Work? Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer Before You Respond

A workplace sexual assault accusation is a criminal case first, and your first steps can shape what comes next. If a detective has called, a protective order has been served or a warrant has been issued, contact Barbieri Law Firm before you answer questions from anyone in authority. Barbieri Law Firm defends professionals accused of sex crimes in Frisco, Collin County and across Texas.

A detective’s call, a protective order or a warrant: what a workplace accusation looks like

A workplace accusation often starts with a phone call, a document or a surprise at the office. You might hear from a detective, find a protective order served at home, or learn a warrant was issued after a complaint from a coworker, client or someone you met through work.

In many workplace cases, the company’s human resources team and the police learn about the complaint at about the same time. These are two separate processes. HR asks what happened under company policy. Police and prosecutors ask whether a crime happened under Texas law.

The core charges are sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.011, an act is without consent in listed situations, such as when the other person has not consented and the actor knows the other person is unconscious or unaware that the sexual assault is occurring.

An accusation is not a conviction. The first days matter because early choices shape the record that police and prosecutors build.

What this criminal defense covers

Criminal defense covers the charge, the evidence and every step from bond to trial. Here is what that includes.

• The charge and the file. Review of the accusation and the police file, including reports, statements and any recorded interviews.
• The evidence. Review of physical evidence, sexual assault kit and DNA evidence, phone and message records, and video and workplace access logs.
• The polygraph question. Advice on whether and how to take a polygraph.
• Bond and release terms. Review of no-contact terms and protective order duties. See bond conditions after a sexual assault arrest.
• Court stages. Pretrial negotiation and trial preparation in Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and elsewhere in Texas.

Protective orders can come fast. After an arrest for sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault, a magistrate may issue an order for emergency protection.

Your biggest fears, answered plainly

Your license, job, family and freedom depend on the charge, the evidence and how the case moves forward. No honest lawyer can predict how a case will end. Here is how each fear connects to the law.

• Prison.
• Registration. Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault by a person 17 or older are “sexually violent offenses” under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.001.
• Family learning from someone else. The firm can advise what to say, and what not to say, to family and colleagues while the case is open.
• An arrest at work. The firm can talk through how an arrest or warrant is handled and what can be planned in advance during your consultation.

Before you speak to police, HR or your employer

Anything you say to a detective, an HR investigator or a coworker can become evidence in the criminal case. Pause before you respond.

• Ask for the charge, warrant or protective order paperwork before you answer any request for a statement.
• If a protective order or bond condition is in place, do not contact the accuser or witnesses. Under Texas law, violating a sexual assault bond condition by contacting a protected person or going to a prohibited place is an offense.
• Keep the records you already have, including calendars, schedules and messages. Do not delete anything.
• Do not discuss the case in work email, chat or text threads.
• Schedule a free initial consultation before any interview or written response.

How the process works, step by step

The process starts with one phone call and moves to a written plan. Each stage varies with the case, so the timing is set once the facts are known.

1. Call or send your details. Call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through the contact form. The first conversation is confidential and free.
2. Review the paperwork. Go over the charge, any warrant or protective order, and the complaint.
3. Plan immediate steps. Cover bond, no-contact terms, contact with police and HR, and whether to speak with investigators.
4. Review the evidence. Review DNA, digital records and statements, then receive a written explanation of your options.
5. Negotiate or prepare for trial. Pretrial negotiation or trial preparation follows, based on what the review shows.

Why clients choose Barbieri Law Firm

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas. It defends professionals accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses.

• Lead lawyer. Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
• Lawyers and staff. The firm’s lawyers include Heather Barbieri and Carrie Thomas, supported by office staff.
• Focus areas. Sex crimes, aggravated sexual assault, child sex crimes, online sex crimes, aggravated assault and family violence defense.
• Confidential handling. You receive clear written explanations of your options. No honest lawyer can predict a result, and we won’t pretend otherwise.

Common questions from accused professionals

Most of these questions turn on the case. Your first consultation is where the answers begin.

Talk to a Texas criminal defense lawyer before your next conversation about this

Your next conversation with police or your employer is the one to plan for. If a detective has called, a protective order has been served or a warrant has been issued, call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through the contact form. We will review your paperwork, explain your options and help you plan what to say before that next conversation. Schedule a free, confidential consultation today.

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