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Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Defense for Sex Crime Accusations in McKinney

Board Certified criminal defense attorney protecting your rights and future across Collin County.

By Heather Barbieri · Published October 04, 2026

Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in McKinney

Sex crime charges in McKinney carry severe Texas penalties—felony convictions, mandatory registration, employment loss, and lifelong collateral consequences. If you’ve been accused, you need a Board Certified criminal defense attorney with deep local courtroom experience and immediate action. Barbieri Law Firm defends professionals and individuals facing sex crime accusations across McKinney, Collin County, and the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

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Sex Crimes Defense Representation in McKinney

Sex crime charges in McKinney are prosecuted aggressively by Collin County prosecutors, and the consequences are permanent. Aggravated sexual assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.021 is a first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years imprisonment or life, with a minimum fine of $10,000. When the victim is younger than 14, the minimum sentence rises to 25 years. Beyond prison time, sex crime convictions require lifetime sex-offender registration under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.001, creating permanent barriers to employment, housing, professional licensing, and family law matters.

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm led by a Board Certified criminal law attorney. We defend sex crime accusations across McKinney, Plano, Allen, Celina, Prosper, and surrounding Collin County communities. Our approach combines thorough investigation, expert challenge to evidence, and confidential, judgment-free representation—critical for professionals whose careers and reputations are at stake.

Sex Crimes We Defend in McKinney

We handle the full range of sex crime charges in Collin County:

Each charge carries distinct defenses. Digital evidence can be challenged. Consent narratives can be reframed. Witness credibility can be tested. Identification procedures can be attacked. Early legal counsel is essential—McKinney police and Collin County prosecutors move quickly, and the investigation phase is when defense strategy matters most.

Why Sex Crime Charges Demand Immediate Legal Counsel

The moment you’re accused of a sex crime in McKinney, time is critical. Police will seek statements. Prosecutors will review evidence. Witnesses will be interviewed. Your silence and swift legal representation are your strongest tools.

Statutory penalties are severe. Aggravated sexual assault carries 5 to 99 years imprisonment and a $10,000 minimum fine. Continuous sexual abuse of a young child is a first-degree felony with 25 to 99 years or life imprisonment and no statute of limitations. Online solicitation of a minor is a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years and up to $10,000 in fines.

Registration is mandatory and lifelong. Sex offender registration under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.001 is required for most sex crime convictions. This creates permanent collateral consequences: employers conduct registry checks; housing becomes restricted; professional licenses are lost; family law judges consider registration in custody matters; and you face social stigma and safety concerns.

Indictment alone causes damage. You don’t need a conviction to lose your job, your reputation, or your professional standing. The accusation itself triggers investigation by employers, licensing boards, and the public. Defense begins immediately upon accusation, not after trial.

Evidence requires expert challenge. Digital forensics, witness statements, police procedures, and forensic findings must be thoroughly examined. Misidentification, false accusation, and inadequate investigation are real. A Board Certified criminal defense attorney knows how to challenge each piece of evidence and hold prosecutors to their burden of proof.

Have questions about what happened?

Ask our team directly. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to continue.

Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas

Sex crime convictions result in felony prison sentences, substantial fines, and mandatory sex-offender registration. But the visible penalties are only part of the picture.

Collateral consequences are permanent. Employment termination is common—many employers have zero-tolerance policies for sex crime convictions. Professional licenses (medical, legal, teaching, counseling) are suspended or revoked. Housing becomes restricted; many landlords refuse to rent to registered sex offenders. Family law judges consider sex crime convictions in custody and visitation decisions. Educational opportunities close. Travel restrictions apply. And the registry itself—searchable online—follows you forever.

Indictment triggers immediate collateral damage. You may be suspended from work, expelled from school, or lose professional credentials before trial. Your reputation suffers. Your family faces social consequences. This is why immediate legal counsel is critical: early defense strategy can sometimes prevent indictment, secure bond conditions that allow you to work, or negotiate resolution before conviction.

Handcuffed defendant with police officer and lawyer in interrogation room.

Our Approach to Sex Crimes Defense in McKinney

Barbieri Law Firm brings Board Certified expertise and local courtroom experience to sex crime defense:

  • Thorough investigation – We independently investigate the accusation, police procedures, witness credibility, and evidence quality. We don’t rely on the prosecutor’s version.
  • Evidence challenge – We examine digital forensics, forensic reports, identification procedures, and witness statements for gaps, bias, or error.
  • Prosecutor negotiation – We work with Collin County prosecutors to negotiate charge reduction, dismissal, or favorable plea terms where appropriate.
  • Trial preparation – We prepare for McKinney district court proceedings with full trial readiness.
  • Confidential representation – We provide judgment-free, confidential counsel. Your privacy and your case strategy are protected.

Sex crimes defense is not generic criminal defense. It requires understanding of sex crime statutes, defenses, forensic evidence, and the severe collateral consequences professionals face. Our Board Certified criminal law attorney brings that specialized knowledge.

Board Certified Criminal Law Defense

Barbieri Law Firm’s lead attorney is Board Certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Board Certification requires demonstrated expertise, continuing legal education, and peer review—it signifies specialized competency in criminal defense beyond general practice. This certification is meaningful: it reflects verified knowledge of sex crime statutes, defenses, and courtroom procedure.

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.

Serving McKinney, Collin County, and Beyond

We maintain a local presence in McKinney with deep familiarity of Collin County judges, prosecutors, and court procedures. We also defend sex crime charges in Plano, Allen, Celina, Prosper, and surrounding communities. Our all-women firm structure provides a specialized, judgment-free approach to sensitive cases—particularly important for professionals whose careers and reputations are at stake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m accused of a sex crime in McKinney?

Stop talking to police, do not consent to searches, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used against you. Early legal counsel protects your rights and guides your response.

Can a sex crime charge be dismissed or reduced?

Yes. Charges can be dismissed if evidence is insufficient, police procedures were improper, or the accusation lacks merit. Charges can be reduced through negotiation with prosecutors. Early defense investigation is key.

What is the difference between sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in Texas?

Sexual assault is a second-degree felony (2–20 years). Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony (5–99 years or life) when force, weapons, threats, or a victim under 14 is involved.

Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?

Most sex crime convictions require lifetime sex-offender registration under Texas law. Registration creates permanent collateral consequences. This is why defense and early negotiation are critical.

How long do I have to hire a defense attorney?

Immediately. Police investigation happens fast. Prosecutors move quickly. Early legal counsel allows us to investigate, preserve evidence, and develop defense strategy before charges are filed.


If you’re facing a sex crime accusation in McKinney or Collin County, the stakes are high—your freedom, your career, your reputation, and your future all hang in the balance. People in this situation can reach out to us, and we’re ready to help. Contact Barbieri Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. Call (972) 424-1902, send us your case details, or schedule a free consultation online. Your defense begins now.

Barbieri Law Firm, 17 Cowboys Way, Suite 175, Frisco, TX 75034. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
If You're Accused of a Sex Crime

Stop talking to police and do not consent to searches. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Early legal counsel protects your rights and guides your response.

Why Barbieri Law Firm

Board Certified in Criminal Law

Led by a Board Certified criminal law attorney with deep knowledge of sex crime statutes, investigation tactics, and courtroom strategy.

Focused Defense Across Offense Types

We focus exclusively on sex crimes, aggravated sexual assault, child sex crimes, online sex crimes, and related charges—not general practice.

All-Women Firm

An all-women criminal defense team based in Frisco, bringing perspective and advocacy tailored to your situation.

Serving Collin County and Beyond

We defend clients throughout McKinney, Prosper, Plano, Allen, Celina, and across the Dallas-Fort Worth region and Texas.

Sex Crime Charges We Defend

Aggravated Sexual Assault

Serious felony charges involving force, threat, or incapacity. We challenge evidence, consent, and investigative procedures.

Child Sex Crimes

Charges involving minors require immediate, skilled defense. We protect your rights while navigating complex statutes and investigations.

Online Sex Crimes

Digital evidence, internet activity, and device forensics demand specialized defense. We examine search warrants, data collection, and chain of custody.

Other Sexual Offenses

Indecency with a child, sexual assault, and other charges—each requires tailored strategy and aggressive representation.

What to Do If Accused

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

Do not answer questions from police or investigators without an attorney present. Silence cannot be used against you.

Do Not Consent to Searches

Police may ask to search your phone, computer, home, or vehicle. Decline politely and clearly—do not physically resist.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

The sooner you have legal counsel, the sooner we can protect your rights, investigate the allegations, and plan your defense.

Gather Your Own Information

Write down details of your interactions with police, the allegations, and any evidence or witnesses that support your account.

Related practice areas

  • Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Prosper, Texas

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