{"id":262,"date":"2026-10-12T23:16:13","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T23:16:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/35-229-99-24.nip.io\/?page_id=262"},"modified":"2026-10-12T23:16:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T23:16:13","slug":"aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-law-firm-dallas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-law-firm-dallas\/","title":{"rendered":"Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense Law Firm Dallas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-secondary-background-color has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"Interior of a police ev\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/interior-of-a-police-ev-photo.jpg\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense Law Firm Dallas<\/h1><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<\/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<\/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 10, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony in Texas, with a punishment range from 5 years up to 99 years or life. If you face this charge in Dallas, the first weeks matter most. This page explains the charge, the defense process, and what to ask before you choose an aggravated sexual assault defense law firm in Dallas. Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm based in Frisco, Texas. We defend clients in Dallas, Collin County, and the wider Dallas-Fort Worth area.<\/p>\n<h2>What Aggravated Sexual Assault Means Under Texas Law<\/h2>\n<p>Aggravated sexual assault is a sexual assault with at least one aggravating fact added. The base offense is defined in <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.011<\/a>. It covers specific acts of penetration or contact committed without consent.<\/p>\n<p>Consent is the central question. Under the same section, conduct counts as without consent when force, violence, or coercion is used. It also applies when the other person is unconscious or physically unable to resist. A &#8220;child&#8221; is a person younger than 17.<\/p>\n<p>The aggravating facts are listed in <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021<\/a>. They include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Serious bodily injury, or an attempt to cause death, in the same criminal episode<\/li>\n<li>Acts or words that place the victim in fear of death or serious bodily injury<\/li>\n<li>Use or exhibition of a deadly weapon<\/li>\n<li>A victim younger than 14<\/li>\n<li>An elderly or disabled victim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony. In some cases involving a young victim, <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\">\u00a7 22.021<\/a> can raise the minimum term to 25 years.<\/p>\n<p>Practical point: the charging language decides which facts are alleged. Those facts shape the offense and the range, so we start there.<\/p>\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\/hand-resting-on-a-desk-beside-a-stack-of-documents-and-newsp-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Hand resting on a desk beside a stack of documents and newspaper clippings.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What Our Defense Covers, From Investigation to Trial<\/h2>\n<p>Our aggravated sexual assault defense covers each stage, from first police contact through trial if the case does not resolve.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Advice before and during police interviews, including consent to searches and requests for phones or other devices<\/li>\n<li>Arrest response and bond hearing preparation, including release conditions and no-contact orders<\/li>\n<li>Review of the grand jury process and the allegations in any indictment<\/li>\n<li>Discovery review (the evidence the prosecution shares): forensic interview recordings, medical and SANE records, DNA and lab reports, and digital evidence<\/li>\n<li>Pretrial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence from an unlawful search or statement<\/li>\n<li>Negotiation with the prosecutor, with every offer explained in plain terms<\/li>\n<li>Jury trial representation when a client chooses to contest the charge<\/li>\n<li>Related matters from the same facts, such as online sex crimes or family violence allegations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Bond conditions carry their own risk. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.25.htm#25.07\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 25.07<\/a>, knowingly violating a bond condition tied to a victim&#8217;s or the community&#8217;s safety can be a separate offense. We walk through each condition with you so you know exactly what it requires.<\/p>\n<h2>How the Process Works and What to Expect<\/h2>\n<p>The process moves in stages, and it starts with a consultation and a close review of the file.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Consultation.<\/strong> We review the charge, the timeline, and any near deadline, such as a bond hearing or grand jury date.<\/li>\n<li><strong>File review.<\/strong> We read the arrest report, the probable cause affidavit, and any evidence already shared.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bond strategy.<\/strong> We address release conditions that affect your job, family, and travel.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Discovery demand.<\/strong> We request the evidence the prosecution holds. This step can take time, depending on the file.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Motions and negotiation.<\/strong> We act on what the evidence shows, and we explain each option.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trial setting.<\/strong> If the case is not resolved, we explain the jury process and what happens at trial.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Timelines vary by case and by the court calendar. We give estimates only after we review the file.<\/p>\n<h2>The Evidence We Review in an Aggravated Sexual Assault Case<\/h2>\n<p>We review every type of evidence in the file, including medical exams, recorded interviews, digital data, and witness accounts.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medical and forensic records, including exam notes, DNA results, and how lab samples were collected and handled<\/li>\n<li>Recorded forensic and police interviews, plus any recorded jail calls<\/li>\n<li>Digital evidence, such as texts, social media posts, location data, and device extractions<\/li>\n<li>Witness statements, compared with earlier accounts and with the rest of the file<\/li>\n<li>Timing and location details, to see whether the accounts fit together<\/li>\n<li>Search warrant affidavits and how the state obtained each item<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Wrongful accusations do happen. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.umich.edu\/special\/exoneration\/Pages\/about.aspx\">National Registry of Exonerations<\/a> publishes research on wrongful convictions, including false accusations and mistaken identification. That is why we give each item a close look.<\/p>\n<p>We explain what each item shows and what it does not show. No lawyer can promise a particular outcome, and we won&#8217;t predict one before the file is reviewed.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Clients Choose Barbieri Law Firm<\/h2>\n<p>Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas. We defend professionals accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Texas.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Plain explanations.<\/strong> We explain options, risks, and costs in plain language, and in writing when that helps.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Statute-first analysis.<\/strong> We tie each point to the Texas Penal Code text, so you can read the law yourself.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Credentials.<\/strong> Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This certification belongs to Heather Barbieri alone.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No results claimed here.<\/strong> This page describes no case results. Any result we publish must be true, reflect a substantial role by the lawyer, and carry the client&#8217;s consent where required.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Related practice areas.<\/strong> If your facts also raise online or family violence allegations, see our <a href=\"\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/\">online sex crimes defense<\/a> and family violence defense pages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Common Questions About Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense in Dallas<\/h2>\n<p>Common questions cover dropped charges, police interviews, and public records. Short answers follow.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can aggravated sexual assault charges be dropped in Texas?<\/summary><p>Whether a charge is dropped depends on the evidence, the law, and the prosecutor&#8217;s decisions. No lawyer can promise that result.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I have to talk to the police?<\/summary><p>Talk with a lawyer before any police interview, so you understand your options first.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Will the arrest be public?<\/summary><p>Court records can be visible to others. Ask us what is public in your case.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What does the firm charge?<\/summary><p>We explain fees and payment terms during the consultation. Ask about cost at that time.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does the firm handle Dallas County cases?<\/summary><p>Yes. We defend clients in Dallas and across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and our office is in Frisco.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the typical sentence?<\/summary><p>Actual outcomes depend on the facts, the record, and the court, and no average applies to your case.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-judge-in-black-robes-sits-at-a-wooden-bench-in-a-courtroom-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A judge in black robes sits at a wooden bench in a courtroom, looking composed and authoritative.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk to a Dallas Defense Lawyer About Your Charge Now<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve been arrested, or a bond hearing or grand jury date is coming up, the next few days matter. Early choices about bond and police contact can shape what comes next. Bring the charging papers, bond conditions, court dates, and a written timeline of events. Call (972) 424-1902 or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">send your case details<\/a> to schedule your consultation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Attorney responsible for this site: Heather Jean Barbieri, Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco, Texas.<\/strong><\/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 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\">Ready to take the next step?<\/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\">Schedule a free consultation<\/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<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Charged with aggravated sexual assault in Dallas? Learn the Texas charge, the defense process, and your options. Call Barbieri Law Firm at (972) 424-1902.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":11,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"{\"v\": 1, \"checked_at\": \"2026-10-10T17:16:57+00:00\", \"checked\": true, \"jurisdiction\": \"Texas\", \"claims\": [{\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"also\": [{\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.32\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.32\", \"heading\": \"FIRST DEGREE FELONY PUNISHMENT\", \"support\": \"for life or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years\", \"law_text\": \"Sec. 12.32. FIRST DEGREE FELONY PUNISHMENT. (a) An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years. (b) In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.\"}], \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (c) An aggravated sexual assault under this section is without the consent of the other person if the aggravated sexual assault occurs under the same circumstances listed in Section 22.011(b). (d) The defense provided by Section 22.011(d) applies to this section. (e) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree. (f) The minimum term of imprisonment for an offense under this section is increased to 25 years if: (1) the victim of the offense is younger than 10 years of age at the time the offense is committed; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony in Texas, with a punishment range from 5 years up to 99 years or life.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"(2) if:\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (iii) causes the sexual organ of a child to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; (iv) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; or (v) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; and (2) if: (A) the person: (i) causes serious bodily injury or attempts to cause the death of the victim or another person in the course of the same criminal episode; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Aggravated sexual assault is a sexual assault with at least one aggravating fact added.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.011\", \"heading\": \"SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"Sec. 22.011. SEXUAL ASSAULT. (a) A person commits an offense if:\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"Sec. 22.011. SEXUAL ASSAULT. (a) A person commits an offense if: (1) the person intentionally or knowingly: (A) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that person's consent; (B) causes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that person's consent; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"The base offense is defined in Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.011.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that person's consent;\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 22.021. AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT. (a) A person commits an offense: (1) if the person: (A) intentionally or knowingly: (i) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that person's consent; (ii) causes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that person's consent; or (iii) causes the sexual organ of another person, without that person's consent, to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"It covers specific acts of penetration or contact committed without consent.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.011\", \"heading\": \"SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"the actor compels the other person to submit or participate by the use of physical force, violence, or coercion;\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (D) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; or (E) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of another person, including the actor. (b) A sexual assault under Subsection (a)(1) is without the consent of the other person if: (1) the actor compels the other person to submit or participate by the use of physical force, violence, or coercion; (2) the actor compels the other person to submit or participate by threatening to use force or violence against the other person or to cause harm to the other person, and the other person believes that the actor has the present ability to execute the threat; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Under the same section, conduct counts as without consent when force, violence, or coercion is used.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.011\", \"heading\": \"SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"the other person has not consented and the actor knows the other person is unconscious or physically unable to resist;\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (2) the actor compels the other person to submit or participate by threatening to use force or violence against the other person or to cause harm to the other person, and the other person believes that the actor has the present ability to execute the threat; (3) the other person has not consented and the actor knows the other person is unconscious or physically unable to resist; (4) the actor knows that as a result of mental disease or defect the other person is at the time of the sexual assault incapable either of appraising the nature of the act or of resisting it; (5) the other person has not consented and the actor knows the other person is unaware that the sexual assault is occurring; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"It also applies when the other person is unconscious or physically unable to resist.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.011\", \"heading\": \"SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"\\\"Child\\\" means a person younger than 17 years of age.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 or (14) the actor is a caregiver hired to assist the other person with activities of daily life and causes the other person to submit or participate by exploiting the other person's dependency on the actor. (c) In this section: (1) \\\"Child\\\" means a person younger than 17 years of age. (1-a) \\\"Consent\\\" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07. (2) \\\"Spouse\\\" means a person who is legally married to another. (3) \\\"Health care services provider\\\" means: (A) a physician licensed under Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code; (B) a chiropractor licensed under Chapter 201, Occupations Code; (C) a physical therapist licensed under Chapter 453, Occupations Code; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"A \\\"child\\\" is a person younger than 17.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"(2) if:\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (iii) causes the sexual organ of a child to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; (iv) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; or (v) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; and (2) if: (A) the person: (i) causes serious bodily injury or attempts to cause the death of the victim or another person in the course of the same criminal episode; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"The aggravating facts are listed in Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"causes serious bodily injury or attempts to cause the death of the victim or another person in the course of the same criminal episode;\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (iv) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; or (v) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; and (2) if: (A) the person: (i) causes serious bodily injury or attempts to cause the death of the victim or another person in the course of the same criminal episode; (ii) by acts or words places the victim in fear that any person will become the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8) or that death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping will be imminently inflicted on any person; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Serious bodily injury, or an attempt to cause death, in the same criminal episode\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"by acts or words places the victim in fear that any person will become the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8) or that death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping will be imminently inflicted on any person;\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 and (2) if: (A) the person: (i) causes serious bodily injury or attempts to cause the death of the victim or another person in the course of the same criminal episode; (ii) by acts or words places the victim in fear that any person will become the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8) or that death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping will be imminently inflicted on any person; (iii) by acts or words occurring in the presence of the victim threatens to cause any person to become the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8) or to cause the death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping of any person; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Acts or words that place the victim in fear of death or serious bodily injury\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"uses or exhibits a deadly weapon in the course of the same criminal episode;\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (iii) by acts or words occurring in the presence of the victim threatens to cause any person to become the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8) or to cause the death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping of any person; (iv) uses or exhibits a deadly weapon in the course of the same criminal episode; (v) acts in concert with another who engages in conduct described by Subdivision (1) directed toward the same victim and occurring during the course of the same criminal episode; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Use or exhibition of a deadly weapon\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"the victim is younger than 14 years of age, regardless of whether the person knows the age of the victim at the time of the offense;\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 or (vi) with the intent of facilitating the commission of the offense, administers or provides to the victim of the offense any substance capable of impairing the victim's ability to appraise the nature of the act or to resist the act; (B) the victim is younger than 14 years of age, regardless of whether the person knows the age of the victim at the time of the offense; or (C) the victim is an elderly individual or a disabled individual. (b) In this section: (1) \\\"Child\\\" has the meaning assigned by Section 22.011(c). (2) \\\"Elderly individual\\\" has the meaning assigned by Section 22.04(c). \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"A victim younger than 14\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"(C) the victim is an elderly individual or a disabled individual.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (B) the victim is younger than 14 years of age, regardless of whether the person knows the age of the victim at the time of the offense; or (C) the victim is an elderly individual or a disabled individual. (b) In this section: (1) \\\"Child\\\" has the meaning assigned by Section 22.011(c). (2) \\\"Elderly individual\\\" has the meaning assigned by Section 22.04(c). \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"An elderly or disabled victim\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (c) An aggravated sexual assault under this section is without the consent of the other person if the aggravated sexual assault occurs under the same circumstances listed in Section 22.011(b). (d) The defense provided by Section 22.011(d) applies to this section. (e) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree. (f) The minimum term of imprisonment for an offense under this section is increased to 25 years if: (1) the victim of the offense is younger than 10 years of age at the time the offense is committed; \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021\", \"heading\": \"AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT\", \"support\": \"The minimum term of imprisonment for an offense under this section is increased to 25 years if:\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (c) An aggravated sexual assault under this section is without the consent of the other person if the aggravated sexual assault occurs under the same circumstances listed in Section 22.011(b). (d) The defense provided by Section 22.011(d) applies to this section. (e) An offense under this section is a felony of the first degree. (f) The minimum term of imprisonment for an offense under this section is increased to 25 years if: (1) the victim of the offense is younger than 10 years of age at the time the offense is committed; or (2) the victim of the offense is younger than 14 years of age at the time the offense is committed and the actor commits the offense in a manner described by Subsection (a)(2)(A).\", \"sentence\": \"In some cases involving a young victim, \u00a7 22.021 can raise the minimum term to 25 years.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.25.htm#25.07\", \"cite\": \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 25.07\", \"heading\": \"VIOLATION OF CERTAIN COURT ORDERS OR CONDITIONS OF BOND IN A FAMILY VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, SEXUAL ASSAULT OR ABUSE, INDECENT ASSAULT, STALKING, OR TRAFFICKING CASE\", \"support\": \"A person commits an offense if, in violation of a condition of bond set in a family violence, sexual assault or abuse, indecent assault, stalking, or trafficking case and related to the safety of a victim or the safety of the community,\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 25.07. VIOLATION OF CERTAIN COURT ORDERS OR CONDITIONS OF BOND IN A FAMILY VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, SEXUAL ASSAULT OR ABUSE, INDECENT ASSAULT, STALKING, OR TRAFFICKING CASE. (a) A person commits an offense if, in violation of a condition of bond set in a family violence, sexual assault or abuse, indecent assault, stalking, or trafficking case and related to the safety of a victim or the safety of the community, an order issued under Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure, an order issued under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, an order issued under Section 6.504, Family Code, Chapter 83, Family Code, if the temporary ex parte order has been served on the person, C \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 25.07, knowingly violating a bond condition tied to a victim's or the community's safety can be a separate offense.\"}], \"languages\": [{\"code\": \"en\", \"post_id\": 262}]}","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\": \"Can aggravated sexual assault charges be dropped in Texas?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Whether a charge is dropped depends on the evidence, the law, and the prosecutor's decisions. No lawyer can promise that result.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I have to talk to the police?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Talk with a lawyer before any police interview, so you understand your options first.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Will the arrest be public?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Court records can be visible to others. Ask us what is public in your case.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What does the firm charge?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"We explain fees and payment terms during the consultation. Ask about cost at that time.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does the firm handle Dallas County cases?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. We defend clients in Dallas and across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and our office is in Frisco.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the typical sentence?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Actual outcomes depend on the facts, the record, and the court, and no average applies to your case.\"}}], \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/interior-of-a-police-ev-photo.jpg\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-dallas\/#service\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-dallas\/\", \"name\": \"Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense in Dallas\", \"@type\": \"Service\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Adults charged with, under investigation for, or indicted for aggravated sexual assault in Texas, and their families\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Dallas County, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Collin County, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}], \"description\": \"Criminal defense representation for adults accused of aggravated sexual assault under Texas Penal Code 22.021, covering pre-charge advice, bond hearings, grand jury and indictment review, discovery and evidence analysis, pretrial motions, negotiation with prosecutors, and jury trial. The page explains the Texas charge, the defense process, and the questions a person should ask before choosing counsel.\", \"serviceType\": \"Criminal defense\", \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-dallas\/#webpage\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-dallas\/#webpage\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-dallas\/\", \"name\": \"Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense Law Firm Dallas\", \"@type\": \"WebPage\", \"about\": {\"name\": \"Aggravated sexual assault under Texas Penal Code 22.021\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"description\": \"Explains the Texas aggravated sexual assault charge, the criminal defense process in Dallas County, and what to bring to a first consultation.\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense Law Firm Dallas\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-law-firm-dallas\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Charged with aggravated sexual assault in Dallas? Learn the Texas charge, the defense process, and your options. Call Barbieri Law Firm at (972) 424-1902.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-262","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/262","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=262"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/262\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":263,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/262\/revisions\/263"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}