{"id":2643,"date":"2026-10-22T01:29:04","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T01:29:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/child-sex-crimes-defense\/verify-board-certified-criminal-lawyer-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-11-01T23:50:37","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T23:50:37","slug":"verify-board-certified-criminal-lawyer-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/child-sex-crimes-defense\/verify-board-certified-criminal-lawyer-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Credentials: How to Verify"},"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-2640\" alt=\"A law office desk with a laptop, a Texas state flag, and a stack of legal documents beside a gavel.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-law-office-desk-with-a-laptop-a-texas-state-flag-and-a-sta-photo.jpg\" width=\"1408\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-law-office-desk-with-a-laptop-a-texas-state-flag-and-a-sta-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-law-office-desk-with-a-laptop-a-texas-state-flag-and-a-sta-photo-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-law-office-desk-with-a-laptop-a-texas-state-flag-and-a-sta-photo-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-law-office-desk-with-a-laptop-a-texas-state-flag-and-a-sta-photo-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-law-office-desk-with-a-laptop-a-texas-state-flag-and-a-sta-photo.jpg 1408w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 844px, 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)\">Frisco, Texas | Criminal Defense Credentials<\/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\">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\/\">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 21, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>A family member has been charged with a serious offense, and you need to know who is defending them. Checking credentials is a reasonable place to start. This guide shows how to read a Texas criminal lawyer&#8217;s certification claim, one part at a time.<\/p>\n<h2>What should I ask about a Texas criminal defense lawyer&#8217;s credentials?<\/h2>\n<p>Read the lawyer&#8217;s own statement. It should name the lawyer, state the certification, name the area as Criminal Law, and name the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) in full.<\/p>\n<p>TBLS certifies individual lawyers, and a lawyer may hold certification in more than one area. A firm does not hold that certification. A credential in one area also does not cover another area. So read the claim exactly as written.<\/p>\n<p>Certification is also voluntary. The credential shows one thing: this lawyer earned a recognized credential in one named area.<\/p>\n<p>Ask the lawyer for the full statement in writing. Check that it names the person, the area, and the board. Bring your questions to a free, confidential first consultation with Barbieri Law Firm before you decide anything.<\/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 someone you love faces a serious charge, you don&#x27;t have to sort out these questions alone. Call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details for a free, confidential first consultation. 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\/close-up-of-a-desk-with-a-laptop-legal-papers-and-a-pen-used-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a desk with a laptop, legal papers, and a pen used for researching attorney credentials.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What does an accurate certification statement look like?<\/h2>\n<p>An accurate statement names one lawyer, the certification, the area, and the full board name, all in one line.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the statement Barbieri Law Firm uses for the attorney who leads the firm: &#8220;Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization.&#8221; Each part does a job. The name shows who holds the credential. The area shows what it covers. The board name shows who granted it.<\/p>\n<p>Missing parts matter. A certification phrase with no board named does not meet the standard. A statement with no area leaves you guessing about the field. A statement that says the firm holds certification does not tell you which lawyer holds it.<\/p>\n<p>The statement covers only the person and the area it names. It does not reach a colleague, another practice area, or the business as a whole. That limit lets you match the credential to the lawyer who will handle your family member&#8217;s case.<\/p>\n<h2>Which Texas Board of Legal Specialization areas are different from criminal law?<\/h2>\n<p>Criminal Appellate Law and Juvenile Law are separate TBLS areas. Each is different from Criminal Law. A certification in one area does not show certification in another.<\/p>\n<p>Criminal Appellate Law deals with appeals in criminal cases. Juvenile Law deals with cases involving young people. These are general descriptions, not a list of what each certification requires.<\/p>\n<p>When you read a statement, match the area to the matter. If the statement names a different area, ask the lawyer how that credential relates to your family member&#8217;s charge.<\/p>\n<h2>Does certification belong to the lawyer or to the firm?<\/h2>\n<p>Certification belongs only to the lawyer the board certified. It does not belong to the firm, the office, or the team.<\/p>\n<p>Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas, led by Heather Barbieri. Its lawyers include Heather Barbieri and Carrie Thomas. The firm&#8217;s statement names Heather Jean Barbieri in Criminal Law. It does not claim that credential for Carrie Thomas or for the firm as a whole.<\/p>\n<p>That is why a claim such as &#8220;the whole team is certified&#8221; needs a closer look. It is accurate only if every lawyer described holds the credential. Plural words like &#8220;our lawyers&#8221; describe the lawyers the firm has. They do not pass a certification to each one.<\/p>\n<p>Look for the lawyer&#8217;s name next to the credential. You should also be able to find the firm&#8217;s name, the responsible lawyer, and the lawyer&#8217;s primary practice city on the site. Those details show who is accountable for what you read.<\/p>\n<h2>What wording should make me look more closely?<\/h2>\n<p>A certification claim that names no board, no area, or a firm instead of a person deserves a closer look.<\/p>\n<p>Watch for these signs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A certification phrase with no board named after it.<\/li>\n<li>No area named, so you cannot tell what the credential covers.<\/li>\n<li>A firm named as the holder, instead of one individual lawyer.<\/li>\n<li>A team described as certified, without naming each certified lawyer.<\/li>\n<li>Ranking language that compares one lawyer with others. Ranking describes how a lawyer compares, not a credential you can check.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Certification shows recognized training and standing in one area. It does not show how any case will end. No honest lawyer can promise how a case will end, and that includes a certified one.<\/p>\n<p>Write down the exact wording you found. Bring that note to a first meeting and compare it with what the lawyer tells you.<\/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\/a-framed-harvard-law-school-certificate-sits-beside-a-lady-j-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A framed Harvard Law School certificate sits beside a Lady Justice statue on an office desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What should I do next if I am reviewing a lawyer for a serious charge?<\/h2>\n<p>Start by writing down the lawyer&#8217;s exact statement. Then bring it to a first conversation. Verifying credentials is a reasonable step when a family member faces a serious charge.<\/p>\n<p>This situation is hard. A family member may be in custody, and you may be trying to understand the charge while you make a decision. The firm handles charges including aggravated sexual assault, online sex crimes, aggravated assault, and family violence. Each has a specific legal definition.<\/p>\n<p>Aggravated sexual assault is a felony of the first degree under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021<\/a>. Knowingly soliciting a minor online to meet another person, with the intent that the minor will engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with the actor or another person, is a second-degree felony under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a>. A defense applies if the actor was married to the minor, or was not more than three years older than the minor and the minor consented. Texas <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a> reads: &#8220;(f) An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the third degree, except that the offense is a felony of the second degree if the minor is younger than 14 years of age or is an individual whom the actor believes to be younger than 14 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense.&#8221; Texas <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Penal Code \u00a7 33.021(f)<\/a> reads, in part: &#8220;An offense under Subsection (c) is a felony of the second degree.&#8221; Family violence is defined in <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/FA\/htm\/FA.71.htm#71.004\">Texas Family Code \u00a7 71.004<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Our first consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation to continue. Call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">contact page<\/a>, and confirm the certification in person.<\/p>\n<h3>Licensing requirements for criminal defense lawyers in Texas<\/h3>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a law firm hold TBLS certification?<\/summary><p>No. Certification belongs to the individual lawyer the board certified, not to the firm.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the minimum prison term for aggravated sexual assault of a young child?<\/summary><p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.021\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021<\/a>, the minimum term of imprisonment is increased to 25 years if the victim is younger than 10 years of age at the time the offense is committed, or if the victim 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).<\/p><\/details>\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\">What to check and why it matters<\/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\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Board certification<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization belongs to the individual lawyer, not the firm. Confirm the lawyer&#x27;s name and the specific area of certification.<\/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\">Accurate experience claims<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A statement about the areas a lawyer focuses on should describe real training and experience in those areas, not a title the lawyer has not earned.<\/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--location\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who does the work<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask which named lawyer will handle your case and where that lawyer is based, so you know exactly who is responsible for your defense.<\/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\">Attorney responsible for this site<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Attorney responsible for this site: Heather Barbieri, Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco, Texas.<\/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<\/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<\/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\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\"><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>Which lawyer will handle my case?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask for the name of the lawyer responsible for your matter and confirm that person&#x27;s license and training.<\/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 certification in the lawyer&#x27;s own name?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask which lawyer is certified, in which area, and by which board.<\/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>What is my first step?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask for a clear explanation of the charge, the evidence and your options.<\/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\">Have questions about our credentials? Ask Heather Barbieri directly. Your first consultation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/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 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>\n\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\/child-sex-crimes-defense\/what-does-defense-lawyer-for-child-sex-crime-charge-in-midland-texas-cost\/\">What does a defense lawyer for a child sex crime charge in Midland, Texas typically cost?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/child-sex-crimes-defense\/aggravated-sexual-assault-child-defense\/\">Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Defense<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/child-sex-crimes-defense\/child-sex-crime-case-outcomes-texas\/\">Child Sex Crime Case Outcomes Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/child-sex-crimes-defense\/child-sex-crime-collateral-consequences-texas\/\">Child Sex Crime Collateral Consequences Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/child-sex-crimes-defense\/child-sex-crime-lawyer-fees-collin-county\/\">Child Sex Crime Lawyer Fees Collin County<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A plain guide to checking a Texas criminal lawyer&#8217;s certification: what the statement must name, which TBLS areas exist, and what to watch for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":15,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/how-to-check-texas-criminal-defense-lawyer-certification\/#article\", \"about\": [{\"name\": \"Board certification of Texas criminal defense lawyers\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Texas Board of Legal Specialization\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Criminal Law\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"PeopleAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Texas adults researching a criminal defense lawyer's credentials for themselves or a family 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