{"id":1003,"date":"2026-10-18T01:14:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T01:14:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/sexual-assault-of-a-child\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T16:27:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T16:27:05","slug":"sexual-assault-of-a-child","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/sexual-assault-of-a-child\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Assault of a Child in Texas: Penalties and Defense"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Child Sex Crimes Defense | Frisco, Texas<\/p>

Charged With Sexual Assault of a Child in Texas? Start With a Clear Plan<\/h1>

Barbieri Law Firm defends people accused of child sex crimes across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas. We will review the evidence, explain the charge and the penalties you face, and walk you through your options.<\/p>

Schedule a Free Consultation or Call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a Free Consultation or Call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How We Approach These Cases<\/h2>\n

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Review of the charge<\/h3>

Texas law separates sexual assault of a child from aggravated sexual assault of a child, and the subsection charged changes what is at stake. We start by identifying exactly what the State has alleged.<\/p><\/div>

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Review of the evidence<\/h3>

We examine the allegations, forensic interview recordings, medical records, digital evidence and witness statements to find weaknesses and gaps in the State's case.<\/p><\/div>

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Experienced, all-women team<\/h3>

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women firm. Our team supports Heather Barbieri in every step of your defense, from the first call to the courtroom.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

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Board certification<\/h3>

Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization<\/p><\/div>

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Local to where you live<\/h3>

We represent clients in Collin County, Prosper, McKinney, Plano, Allen, Celina, Southlake, Dallas and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

By Heather Barbieri \u00b7 Published October 17, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Sexual assault of a child is a serious criminal charge in Texas. It is an accusation, not a finding of guilt. The penalties depend on the exact charge. This guide explains what the charge means, how cases usually move, and what a defense lawyer reviews.<\/p>\n

What Sexual Assault of a Child Means in Texas<\/h2>\n

Sexual assault of a child is a sexual offense involving a person younger than 17. Under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.011<\/a>, a “child” is a person younger than 17 years of age.<\/p>\n

The child offenses apply even if the accused did not know the child’s age. That makes the child’s exact age a central part of any charge.<\/p>\n

A charge is a formal accusation. It is not proof, and a case is decided on evidence.<\/p>\n

This page is for three kinds of readers. It is for the person accused, a parent or spouse of someone accused, and anyone who has just learned of an investigation. Many cases start with a phone call, a knock at the door, or a request for an interview. Some start with a school or family report, and others start with an online investigation.<\/p>\n\n

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If police have contacted you or someone you love about a child sexual assault allegation, you don't have to face it alone. Barbieri Law Firm can review the charge with you. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Texas Law and Its Elements<\/h2>\n

Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.011<\/a> covers several forms of sexual conduct with a child. For a child, the statute reaches:<\/p>\n