{"id":247,"date":"2026-10-12T23:16:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T23:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/35-229-99-24.nip.io\/?page_id=247"},"modified":"2026-10-12T23:16:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T23:16:14","slug":"online-solicitation-of-a-minor-defense-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-solicitation-of-a-minor-defense-lawyer\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Solicitation of a Minor Defense Lawyer in Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sex Crimes Defense | Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas<\/p>

Facing an Online Solicitation of a Minor Charge in Texas?<\/h1>

Barbieri Law Firm, an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, reviews the messages, the investigation and the evidence, and explains your options from the first call.<\/p>

Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
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By Heather Barbieri \u00b7 Published October 10, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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If you need an online solicitation of a minor defense lawyer in Texas, the first step is understanding what the state must prove. Online solicitation of a minor is a crime under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a>, and it can be charged even when no meeting ever happens. This page explains the law, how these cases start, the defenses we review, and how the process works. Barbieri Law Firm defends people accused of online sex crimes in Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth, and across Texas.<\/p>\n

What Online Solicitation of a Minor Means Under Texas Law<\/h2>\n

Online solicitation of a minor is electronic contact with a minor, or someone the accused believes is a minor, for sexual purposes. Under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a>, a person who is 17 or older commits an offense if, with the intent to commit an offense listed in Article 62.001(5)(A), (B), or (K) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the person, over the Internet, by email, text message or another electronic message service or system, or through a commercial online service, intentionally communicates in a sexually explicit manner with a minor (an individual younger than 17, or one the actor believes is younger than 17).<\/p>\n

The law defines a minor as anyone younger than 17, or anyone the accused believes is younger than 17. That belief language matters. A real child is not always required for the charge to apply.<\/p>\n

Penalties depend on the conduct charged and the facts alleged. A communication charge is a third-degree felony, and it becomes second-degree if the minor is younger than 14 or the accused believes so. A felony conviction in Texas can carry prison time and a fine, and the penalty range depends on how the offense is classified. The penalty range for a solicitation-to-meet charge depends on how the offense is classified under Texas law and the facts alleged. School hours can raise the category if the offense happens during school hours and the accused knew or should have known the minor was enrolled.<\/p>\n

This page is for people charged or under investigation, and for their families.<\/p>\n\n

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Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3>

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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How These Cases Usually Start<\/h2>\n

These cases often begin with an undercover sting, a report, or a search of phones and accounts.<\/p>\n