{"id":2063,"date":"2026-10-20T08:52:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-sex-crime-accusation-texas-what-happens-next\/sex-crimes-defense-stepchild-relative-sexual-abuse-charge-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-11-01T23:51:10","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T23:51:10","slug":"sex-crimes-defense-stepchild-relative-sexual-abuse-charge-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-sex-crime-accusation-texas-what-happens-next\/sex-crimes-defense-stepchild-relative-sexual-abuse-charge-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Accused of Sexually Abusing a Stepchild? Texas Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-2061\" alt=\"Police detective&#x27;s desk with stacked theft reports, suspect files, and chain-of-custody forms.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/police-detective-s-desk-with-stacked-theft-reports-suspect-f-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/police-detective-s-desk-with-stacked-theft-reports-suspect-f-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/police-detective-s-desk-with-stacked-theft-reports-suspect-f-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/police-detective-s-desk-with-stacked-theft-reports-suspect-f-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/police-detective-s-desk-with-stacked-theft-reports-suspect-f-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/police-detective-s-desk-with-stacked-theft-reports-suspect-f-photo.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Child Sex Crimes Defense | Frisco, Texas<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Facing an Accusation Involving a Stepchild? Talk to a Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Before You Say Another Word.<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Barbieri Law Firm defends people accused of sexual offenses involving a stepchild across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas. Your first conversation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Schedule a Free Consultation or Call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Schedule a Free Consultation or Call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Heather Barbieri \u00b7 Published October 20, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<h2>Who This Page Is For and What This Defense Covers<\/h2>\n<p>A Texas lawyer defending someone accused of sexually abusing a stepchild helps the accused understand the charge, the process and the options. This page explains those things in plain words.<\/p>\n<p>You may be reading because a stepchild or other relative has made an accusation. Or police, a Child Advocacy Center or Child Protective Services (CPS) has contacted someone in your home. That moment is frightening, and it often comes without warning.<\/p>\n<p>Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm based in Frisco, Texas. The firm defends people accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses in Collin County, across Dallas-Fort Worth and throughout Texas.<\/p>\n<p>An accusation is not an arrest, a charge or a conviction. An accusation is a report made to someone. A charge is an offense the State formally files. A conviction only follows a finding of guilt. Each stage has its own rules. You may be researching for someone else, and the information here applies either way.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a stepchild or relative&#x27;s accusation has turned your home upside down, you do not have to face it alone. Talk with us about where your case stands. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/police-officer-speaking-with-a-handcuffed-person-outdoors-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Police officer standing beside a handcuffed person outdoors.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Texas Offenses Charged in Stepchild and Relative Cases<\/h2>\n<p>Stepchild and relative cases are usually charged under a small group of Texas Penal Code offenses. Every case turns on its own facts, and we review them with you from the first consultation.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sexual assault of a child.<\/strong> A &#8220;child&#8221; is a person younger than 17 under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\">Penal Code \u00a7 22.011<\/a>. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony, with exceptions the statute lists.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aggravated sexual assault.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\">Penal Code \u00a7 22.021<\/a>, this is a first-degree felony. The minimum prison term rises to 25 years when the victim is younger than 10, or younger than 14 and certain aggravating conduct is alleged. A first-degree felony carries imprisonment for life or for a term of 5 to 99 years, and the court may also impose a fine of up to $10,000.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Indecency with a child.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.11\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 21.11<\/a> makes it an offense, with a child younger than 17 years of age, to engage in sexual contact with the child or cause the child to engage in sexual contact, regardless of whether the person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense, and that offense is a felony of the second degree. Exposing one&#8217;s anus or genitals to a child, knowing the child is present and with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire, is a third-degree felony. Sexual contact can include touching through clothing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Continuous sexual abuse of a young child.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.02\">Penal Code \u00a7 21.02<\/a>, the State must show two or more acts of sexual abuse over a period of 30 or more days. The accused must be 17 or older, and the victim must be a child younger than 14 or a disabled individual. Jurors need not agree on which specific acts occurred or on exact dates, but they must agree that two or more acts happened within 30 days or more. This is also a first-degree felony.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Family violence.<\/strong> Under Texas law, family violence includes an act by a member of a family or household against another member that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, and certain abuse of a child of the family or household by a member of that family or household. A family tie can change how the State frames the case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Texas also has narrow affirmative defenses based on age difference. <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.02\">Section 21.02<\/a> sets out an affirmative defense that applies only when every alleged victim is a child described by Subsection (b)(2)(A). The defense requires that the accused (1) was not more than five years older than the victim, or than the youngest victim if more than one victim is alleged; (2) did not use duress, force, or a threat against a victim when committing any of the acts of sexual abuse alleged as an element of the offense; and (3) when committing any of those acts, either was not required under Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, to register for life as a sex offender, or did not have a reportable conviction or adjudication under Chapter 62 for an offense under this section or for an act of sexual abuse as described by Subsection (c). Under \u00a7 21.11(b), the affirmative defense applies only if the actor was not more than three years older than the victim, was of the opposite sex, and did not use duress, force, or a threat against the victim at the time of the offense, and only if the other conditions in that subsection are also met. Each condition must be met, so the facts decide whether a defense fits.<\/p>\n<h2>What Happens After an Accusation: Step-by-Step<\/h2>\n<p>Most of these cases move through the same stages, from the first report to a negotiated result or trial. The timing shifts with the court, the records produced and the issues raised.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>First contact.<\/strong> This may be a police report, a recorded forensic interview at a Child Advocacy Center, or a CPS investigation. Anything you say in these settings can become part of the file.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Arrest or warrant, then bond.<\/strong> Bond conditions can limit contact with the complainant or household members. Violating a bond condition tied to safety can be its own offense under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.25.htm#25.07\">Penal Code \u00a7 25.07<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Review of the file.<\/strong> Recorded interviews, medical records and reports are reviewed for what they show and what they leave out.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Formal charge.<\/strong> The State files a formal charging document, and the case moves toward a court setting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pretrial work.<\/strong> Lawyers challenge weak evidence and ask the court to rule on what a jury may hear.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resolution or trial.<\/strong> The path forward depends on what the file shows.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>How the Evidence in These Cases Is Examined<\/h2>\n<p>The evidence usually turns on how the accusation was first made, how it was recorded, and whether other records fit it. A lawyer looks at these points early.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The disclosure.<\/strong> When it was made, to whom, in what setting, and whether the account changed over time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recorded interviews.<\/strong> Whether forensic interviews were recorded and how the questions were asked.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medical records.<\/strong> Emergency room and medical records, including what the exam did and did not document.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Timelines.<\/strong> Household routines, custody schedules, work and school records, and where the accused was on the dates alleged.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other statements.<\/strong> Statements to school staff, counselors, relatives and CPS workers, compared with one another.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Messages and phone records.<\/strong> Preserved and reviewed from the start.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In a protective order hearing, a statement by a child younger than 14 who is the victim of certain listed sexual offenses, describing the offense, can be admitted as evidence in the same manner as other child statements about alleged abuse. That is why early review of the child&#8217;s statements matters.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Barbieri Law Firm Handles These Cases<\/h2>\n<p>Barbieri Law Firm defends people accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses. It is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas, serving Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization, leads each matter. Our team of support staff handles scheduling, records requests and client communication.<\/p>\n<p>Each case is reviewed on its own file. Heather explains the options that exist in that file, including any affirmative defense the facts may support.<\/p>\n<p>Client information is kept private.<\/p>\n<h2>Questions Families Ask Before Calling a Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>An accusation does not always lead to charges, and a lawyer can help you understand where a case stands.<\/p>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does an accusation mean charges will be filed?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not automatically. Whether charges follow depends on the facts, and a lawyer can review what has been reported and filed.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I talk to police or CPS myself?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speak with a lawyer before any interview. What you say can become part of the case file.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a child&#8217;s account be challenged?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lawyer can examine how the account was obtained, how it changed, and what other evidence exists.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I need a lawyer if no arrest has happened?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early involvement can affect bond conditions, contact limits and how interviews are handled.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Will the case be dropped?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No lawyer can promise a particular result. A lawyer can review the evidence and explain your options.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What happens in the first conversation?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The initial consultation is free, confidential and without obligation to continue. It is where your questions get answered.<\/p><\/details>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/flat-lay-of-forensic-evidence-and-police-investigation-docum-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Flat-lay of forensic evidence and police investigation documents spread across a desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With Heather Barbieri About Your Situation<\/h2>\n<p>If a stepchild or relative has accused you, you can talk with Barbieri Law Firm about the charge and the next step. A call from a detective, a child&#8217;s disclosure that has changed your household, or a family member ordered out of the home can leave you with more questions than answers. You do not have to sort through it alone. Schedule a free consultation, call (972) 424-1902, or send your case details through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">contact form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Attorney responsible for this site: Heather Barbieri, Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco, Texas.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>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.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How We Approach a Stepchild Accusation<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confidential from the first call<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can share what happened, what has been said and what you are worried about in a private conversation. Everything you tell us is kept confidential.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A review of the evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will review what has been reported and filed, including any statements, records, interviews and recordings, so you understand what the case involves.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--lightbulb\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear explanation of your options<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will explain the process in plain language and walk you through the options that may be available to you, so you can make informed decisions.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Important: Be Careful About Speaking Before You Have Legal Advice<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Statements to police, Child Protective Services, school officials or family members can become part of the case file. Speak with a lawyer before any interview or written statement.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Call (972) 424-1902 to speak with our team<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Call (972) 424-1902 to speak with our team<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Questions People Ask Us First<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does an accusation mean charges will be filed?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An accusation is not the same as a charge. Whether charges follow depends on the facts, and a lawyer can review what has been reported and filed in your situation.<\/p><\/details><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I talk to police or CPS myself?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speak with a lawyer before any interview. What you say can become part of the case file, so it is important to get advice first.<\/p><\/details><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a child&#x27;s account be challenged?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We examine how an account was given, what was documented and what other evidence exists. We will explain how these issues may apply to your case.<\/p><\/details><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is the first consultation really free?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Your first consultation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Get Clear Answers Now. Your First Consultation Is Free and Confidential.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Call (972) 424-1902 or Send Us Your Case Details<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Call (972) 424-1902 or Send Us Your Case Details<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-sex-crime-accusation-texas-what-happens-next\/\">Accused of a Sex Crime in Texas? What Happens Next, Step by Step<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-sex-crime-accusation-texas-what-happens-next\/what-are-the-penalties-for-a-first-time-assault-charge-in-texas\/\">What are the penalties for a first-time assault charge in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-sex-crime-accusation-texas-what-happens-next\/can-a-17-year-old-consent-to-a-24-year-old-in-texas\/\">Can a 17 year old consent to a 24 year old in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-sex-crime-accusation-texas-what-happens-next\/guides-cps-investigation-criminal-child-sex-abuse-charge-texas\/\">CPS Investigation and a Criminal Child Sex Abuse Charge in Texas: What to Know Before You Respond<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-sex-crime-accusation-texas-what-happens-next\/guides-intoxication-consent-sexual-assault-allegation-texas\/\">Intoxication, Consent and Sexual Assault Allegations in Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-sex-crime-accusation-texas-what-happens-next\/guides-medical-er-records-sexual-assault-case-texas\/\">Medical and ER Records in a Texas Sexual Assault Case: What They Show and What They Do Not<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Accused of sexually abusing a stepchild in Texas? Learn the charges, the process and your options. Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco. (972) 424-1902.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":2032,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Heather Barbieri\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/attorneys\/heather-barbieri\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Founding Attorney, Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.texasbar.com\/AM\/Template.cfm?Section=Update_My_Profile&Template=\/CustomSource\/AttorneySearch\/MainProfileView.cfm&CFID=16102400&CFTOKEN=de0a8b038ec3c7b5-2AB4B1CB-5056-9551-D4D5BC06D0A3DEE5\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/heather-barbieri-3880184\", \"https:\/\/www.avvo.com\/attorneys\/75034-tx-heather-barbieri-1771243.html\"]}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Carrie Thomas\", \"jobTitle\": \"Managing Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.texasbar.com\/AM\/Template.cfm?Section=Update_My_Profile&Template=\/CustomSource\/AttorneySearch\/MainProfileView.cfm&CFID=16102400&CFTOKEN=de0a8b038ec3c7b5-2AB4B1CB-5056-9551-D4D5BC06D0A3DEE5\"]}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does an accusation mean charges will be filed?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Not automatically. Whether charges follow depends on the facts, and a lawyer can review what has been reported and filed.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should I talk to police or CPS myself?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Speak with a lawyer before any interview. What you say can become part of the case file.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a child's account be challenged?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A lawyer can examine how the account was obtained, how it changed, and what other evidence exists.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I need a lawyer if no arrest has happened?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Early involvement can affect bond conditions, contact limits and how interviews are handled.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Will the case be dropped?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No lawyer can promise a particular result. 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