
Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
Aggressive Defense for Sex Crime Accusations in Celina, TX
Board Certified criminal defense attorney protecting your rights and future across Collin County.
By Heather Barbieri · Published October 04, 2026
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Celina, you need immediate legal representation from an attorney who understands both the severity of these charges and the local Collin County court system. Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm led by a Board Certified criminal law attorney who defends professionals and individuals facing sex crime accusations across Celina, Collin County, and the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Sex crime charges are not routine criminal matters. They carry mandatory minimum sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, employment consequences, professional license revocation, and irreversible damage to your reputation. Early legal intervention—before police interviews, before charges are filed—can mean the difference between a strong defense and a conviction that follows you forever.
Sex Crimes Defense Representation in Celina
Barbieri Law Firm serves Celina residents and professionals with specialized sex crimes defense backed by Board Certification in criminal law. Our firm has courtroom experience in Collin County District Court, where Celina cases are prosecuted, and we understand the local judges, prosecutors, and procedural rules that affect your case.
We represent individuals accused of aggravated sexual assault, online sex crimes, child sex crimes, sexual assault, indecency with a child, and other sex offense charges. We provide confidential, direct access to a criminal defense attorney—not a paralegal or intake coordinator. When you call, you reach our office immediately, and we prioritize urgent cases.

Not sure what your next step is?
Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Why Sex Crimes Accusations Require Immediate Legal Counsel
Sex crime charges in Texas carry consequences that go far beyond prison time. Texas Penal Code § 22.021 defines aggravated sexual assault as a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years when the victim is younger than 10 or when the offense involves serious bodily injury, threats of death, or a deadly weapon. Conviction means decades in prison and lifetime sex offender registration.
But the criminal sentence is only part of the damage. A sex crime conviction destroys professional licenses, ends employment, triggers housing restrictions, and marks you permanently on the sex offender registry. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards can see your conviction. Your reputation in Celina and the surrounding community is at stake.
Early legal intervention—before you speak to police, before charges are filed—preserves your defense options. Police investigations in sex crime cases are often built on the accused’s own statements. An attorney protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case before trial.
Sex Crimes We Defend in Celina
Barbieri Law Firm defends individuals accused of:
- Aggravated sexual assault – the most serious sexual offense, carrying mandatory minimum sentences of 25 to 99 years or life imprisonment
- Sexual assault – second-degree or first-degree felony depending on victim relationship and circumstances
- Online sex crimes – including online solicitation of a minor, sexually explicit communication with minors, and internet-based accusations
- Child sex crimes – including indecency with a child, continuous sexual abuse of a young child, and child exploitation charges
- Indecency with a child – both contact and exposure offenses
- Sex offenses involving minors or vulnerable persons – charges with no statute of limitations under Texas law
Understanding Sex Crime Charges in Texas
Texas sex crime statutes carry severe mandatory penalties. Texas Penal Code § 22.011 defines sexual assault as a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years) or first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life) depending on the victim’s age and the defendant’s relationship to the victim. When the victim is a child, there is no statute of limitations—the state can prosecute indefinitely.
Online solicitation of a minor under Texas Penal Code § 33.021 is a third-degree felony (2 to 10 years) for sexually explicit communication with a minor. If the minor is or is believed to be younger than 14, the offense becomes a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years). If the crime occurs during school hours against a minor known to be enrolled in school, it escalates to a first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life).
Indecency with a child under Texas Penal Code § 21.11 is a second-degree felony when by sexual contact (2 to 20 years) or a third-degree felony when by exposure (2 to 10 years), with no statute of limitations.
Continuous sexual abuse of a young child under Texas Penal Code § 21.02 is a first-degree felony carrying 25 to 99 years or life imprisonment with no statute of limitations.
All sex crime convictions require lifetime sex offender registration under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.001. Registration restrictions affect where you can live, work, and travel. Violations of registration requirements trigger additional felony charges.
Have questions about what happened?
Ask our team directly. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to continue.
Can You Have Your Sex Offense Records Sealed in Texas?
Not all sex offense convictions are permanent. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01 allows certain sex offense records to be sealed under specific conditions.
If you were acquitted or your charges were dismissed, your records may be sealed immediately. If you received deferred adjudication (a conviction withheld), you may be eligible for record sealing after a waiting period. Sealing your record removes it from public view, improves employment and professional licensing prospects, and allows you to answer “no” on most applications asking whether you have a criminal history.
Early legal action preserves these options. An attorney can identify whether your case qualifies for record sealing and pursue it at the right time.
Navigating Collin County Courts from Celina
Celina cases are prosecuted in Collin County District Court. The prosecutors, judges, and court procedures are specific to Collin County. Barbieri Law Firm has courtroom experience in these courts and understands the local dynamics that affect case strategy.
Understanding how local judges rule on motions, how prosecutors approach plea negotiations, and what evidence the courts scrutinize can mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissed charge. Our local courtroom experience gives your case an advantage from day one.
Confidential Case Evaluation for Celina Residents
Your first step is a free, confidential consultation. You’ll speak directly with a Board Certified criminal law attorney who will listen to your specific situation, explain the charges you’re facing, discuss the evidence, and outline your defense options.
Attorney-client communication is privileged. Nothing you tell us can be disclosed without your permission. You have no obligation to retain our firm after the consultation. The goal is to give you clear, honest information so you can make an informed decision about your defense.
Want to know where you stand?
Tell us what happened and our team will walk you through the options available to you, at no cost.
What to Expect When You Contact Barbieri Law Firm
When you reach out, you’ll get direct access to our office. We prioritize urgent cases and can often schedule consultations quickly. During your consultation, we’ll discuss:
- The specific charges you’re facing and their penalties
- The evidence the prosecution has and its weaknesses
- Your rights during police investigation and questioning
- Defense strategies tailored to your case
- The timeline for charges, trial, and next steps
- Collateral consequences beyond criminal penalties
- Whether your case qualifies for record sealing
We’ll answer your questions honestly and explain your options in plain language. You’ll leave the consultation knowing exactly what you’re facing and what comes next.

FAQ
What should I do immediately if I’m accused of a sex crime?
Stop speaking to police, do not answer questions without an attorney present, and contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court.
Can I be charged with a sex crime without physical contact?
Yes. Online solicitation, indecency by exposure, and solicitation of a minor are sex crimes that don’t require physical contact and are prosecuted aggressively in Texas.
How long do I have before I’m charged?
Sex crimes against children have no statute of limitations. Other sexual assault charges must generally be filed within 10 years, though exceptions exist if untested DNA evidence is available or there are multiple victims.
Will I have to register as a sex offender?
Yes. All sex crime convictions require lifetime sex offender registration under Texas law, with restrictions on where you can live and work.
Can I get my sex crime record sealed?
Possibly. Acquittals and dismissed charges may be sealed immediately. Deferred adjudication outcomes may qualify for sealing after a waiting period. Early legal action preserves these options.
If you’re facing a sex crime accusation in Celina or anywhere in Collin County, the decisions you make in the next few hours matter enormously. People accused of sex crimes can reach out to Barbieri Law Firm—and many of them wish they’d called sooner. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation: call (972) 424-1902 or send us your case details.
Accused of a Sex Crime? Act Now
Do not speak to police or answer questions without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Why Choose Barbieri Law Firm
Board Certified Criminal Defense
Led by a Board Certified criminal law attorney with focused experience in sex crime defense.
All-Women Defense Team
An all-women firm bringing a unique perspective and commitment to defending professionals facing serious charges.
Local Collin County Presence
Based in Frisco and serving Celina, McKinney, Plano, Allen, and throughout Collin County and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Comprehensive Sex Crime Defense
Experience defending aggravated sexual assault, online sex crimes, child sex crimes, and other serious charges.
Sex Crimes We Defend
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Defense against charges involving alleged sexual contact with injury, threat, or incapacity.
Online Sex Crimes
Defense in cases involving internet-based allegations, including solicitation and indecency charges.
Child Sex Crimes
Serious charges involving minors require immediate, skilled legal representation to protect your rights.
Other Sexual Offenses
Indecency by exposure, improper relationship with a student, and other sex-related charges.
What to Do If Accused
Stop Communicating with Police
Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions, sign documents, or consent to searches without your attorney present.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Call Barbieri Law Firm immediately. Early intervention protects your constitutional rights and preserves critical evidence.
Gather Your Information
Prepare details about the accusation, any communications, and witnesses. Bring this information to your consultation.
Protect Your Future
A sex crime conviction carries life-altering consequences. Aggressive defense now can make the difference.
Facing a Sex Crime Accusation in Celina?
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