{"id":2952,"date":"2026-10-23T16:34:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T16:34:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/icac-online-sex-crime-investigation-defense-lawyer-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T07:28:00","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T07:28:00","slug":"icac-online-sex-crime-investigation-defense-lawyer-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/icac-online-sex-crime-investigation-defense-lawyer-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"ICAC Online Sex Crime Investigation Lawyer Texas"},"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-60 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-2951\" alt=\"Digital forensics lab with workstations, network analysis software, and evidence logs for seized devices.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-workstations-network-analysis-sof-photo-3.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-workstations-network-analysis-sof-photo-3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-workstations-network-analysis-sof-photo-3-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-workstations-network-analysis-sof-photo-3-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-workstations-network-analysis-sof-photo-3-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-workstations-network-analysis-sof-photo-3.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)\">Frisco, Texas | Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Statewide<\/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 ICAC Online Sex Crime Investigation in Texas?<\/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 after internet crimes against children task force investigations. We will review the evidence, explain the charges you face and help you decide what to do next. Speak with a lawyer before you speak with investigators.<\/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 for 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\/\">Call (972) 424-1902 for 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 23, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>An ICAC online sex crime investigation is a police probe into online contact, messages, or files involving children. ICAC stands for Internet Crimes Against Children. If you&#8217;re facing one, or you&#8217;re worried about someone who is, the first steps matter. This guide explains how these cases start, which Texas charges can apply, and what defense counsel usually does first.<\/p>\n<h2>What an ICAC Online Sex Crime Investigation Is<\/h2>\n<p>An ICAC investigation is a law enforcement inquiry into technology-based crimes against children. The U.S. Department of Justice&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/ojjdp.ojp.gov\/programs\/internet-crimes-against-children-task-force-program\">Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention<\/a> describes the ICAC Task Force Program as federal support for task forces that investigate technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation.<\/p>\n<p>In Texas, local and state police units work with these task forces. Investigators look at messages, images, and online contact involving minors. Adults are often swept in after chats or file sharing, even if they never met anyone in person.<\/p>\n<p>An investigation is not a charge. A person can learn of an investigation before any charge is filed. Many people first learn of it through a knock at the door or a call asking for an interview.<\/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 is under an ICAC investigation, you don&#x27;t have to work out the next steps alone. Call us for a confidential consultation and talk through what comes first. 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\/hand-resting-on-a-desk-beside-a-stack-of-documents-and-newsp-photo-2.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a 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>How Online Sex Crime Cases Usually Begin<\/h2>\n<p>Most cases start with an online lead, an undercover account, or evidence found on another device. Each path leads to different questions for the defense.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Undercover operations.<\/strong> Investigators may use accounts that pose as minors or as adults involved with minors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Platform reports.<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.missingkids.org\/gethelpnow\/cybertipline\">National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children<\/a> accepts reports of suspected online child exploitation, including online enticement, and refers them to law enforcement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Referrals from other cases.<\/strong> Files found on a seized phone or computer can start a new investigation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Counsel reviews how the evidence was gathered. A flaw in the collection process can matter as much as the content itself.<\/p>\n<h2>Texas Charges and Penalty Exposure<\/h2>\n<p>Online sex crime charges in Texas come from specific statutes. Charging papers identify the offense the State has alleged.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Online solicitation of a minor.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a>, a minor is someone younger than 17 or someone the actor believes is younger than 17. Soliciting a minor to meet for sexual contact is a second-degree felony.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Possession or promotion of child pornography.<\/strong> Texas law makes it an offense to intentionally or knowingly possess, or access with intent to view, visual material that contains a visual depiction of a child engaging in sexual conduct.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Related offenses.<\/strong> If conduct that constitutes an offense under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a> also constitutes an offense under any other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both. Our firm can walk you through the statute named in the papers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For a second-degree felony, the punishment is imprisonment for 2 to 20 years and, in addition to imprisonment, may include a fine of up to $10,000. The charge, the offense level, and the range depend on the facts, so review the paperwork with counsel.<\/p>\n<h2>What Defense Counsel Does First<\/h2>\n<p>Defense counsel starts by reading the case file and taking over contact with investigators. Early steps protect options.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get the charging documents, the probable cause affidavit, and any warrant or subpoena. Identify what the State says the evidence shows.<\/li>\n<li>Route all investigator contact through counsel. A &#8220;quick clarification&#8221; can become central evidence later.<\/li>\n<li>Review bond conditions, including contact limits and device or internet restrictions.<\/li>\n<li>Preserve accounts, phones, and messages. Don&#8217;t delete, reset, or alter anything, because destroying data can create separate exposure.<\/li>\n<li>Identify records that show timing and who started the contact.<\/li>\n<li>Begin a timeline and a list of witnesses, platforms, and devices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Phones, Computers, Search Warrants, and Consent Requests<\/h2>\n<p>A search warrant, a consent request, and a device already in police custody each raise different questions. Counsel sorts out which one applies before anyone answers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A request to &#8220;just take a look&#8221; at a phone should go to counsel first.<\/li>\n<li>Defense counsel asks for extraction reports, search parameters, and chain of custody records.<\/li>\n<li>Key questions include the scope of the warrant, when the search happened, and whether files tie to a specific user account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Quick answers about devices can lead to long-term problems. Let counsel review the request before you agree to anything.<\/p>\n<h2>How the Case Typically Moves Forward<\/h2>\n<p>Most cases move through intake, discovery, motions, and negotiation. Some go to trial. Timelines vary with the charges and the court schedule.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Intake.<\/strong> Counsel reviews the paperwork and the investigation timeline in a confidential first review.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Discovery.<\/strong> Counsel requests the State&#8217;s evidence, including forensic reports and recorded interviews, and reviews it line by line.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pretrial motions.<\/strong> Counsel evaluates challenges to the search, the statements, or the charging language. These are tools, not promised results.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negotiation.<\/strong> Counsel explains the options and the risks of each.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trial preparation.<\/strong> This is one possible path. No one can predict how a specific case will end.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>No lawyer can promise an outcome. You decide which path to take after the options are explained. A child-welfare inquiry can run on a separate track. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dfps.texas.gov\/Investigations\/parents_guide_to_investigation.asp\">Texas Department of Family and Protective Services<\/a> explains how child sexual abuse investigations work, including the rights of parents and alleged perpetrators.<\/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<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<h2>Why Barbieri Law Firm for Online Sex Crime Investigations<\/h2>\n<p>Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas. It serves Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Texas. The firm handles sex crimes and assaultive offense defense, including online sex crimes, child sex crimes, and aggravated sexual assault.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Responsible lawyer.<\/strong> Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is the responsible lawyer for this page.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other lawyer.<\/strong> Carrie Thomas is another lawyer at the firm.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Next step.<\/strong> You can call (972) 424-1902 or use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">firm&#8217;s contact form<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Attorney responsible for this site: Heather Jean Barbieri, Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco, Texas.<\/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\/two-officers-review-case-evidence-and-take-notes-during-an-i-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Two officers review evidence and take notes during an investigation.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Questions People Ask About ICAC Investigations<\/h2>\n<p>Talk to a lawyer before you answer investigators&#8217; questions. The answers below cover common concerns.<\/p>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I have to talk to investigators?<\/summary><p>Speak with counsel before any interview. A statement can become central evidence.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I delete messages or accounts?<\/summary><p>No. Preserve them. Deleting data can create separate problems.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I be arrested after an interview or search?<\/summary><p>That depends on the facts, any warrant, and the charges. No one can predict it from a general description.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long does a case take?<\/summary><p>Timelines vary with the charges, discovery, and the court schedule.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is a consultation confidential?<\/summary><p>The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/details>\n<p>If you just learned of an ICAC investigation, or you&#8217;re worried about someone you love, you&#8217;re likely still gathering facts. That&#8217;s a reasonable place to be. Call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">contact form<\/a>, and we&#8217;ll go over what to do first.<\/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 an ICAC online sex crime case<\/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\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--phone\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advice before any interview<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Investigators may ask to talk with you. We will explain your options before you answer any questions, because a statement can become central evidence.<\/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\">Review of the evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will review the online communications, account records, search warrant materials and any forensic reports, and explain what each one shows and does not show.<\/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 walk you through the charges, the process ahead and the choices available to you, so you can make informed decisions about your case.<\/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--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Defense focused on the facts<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team examines how the investigation was conducted, including the online contact, the data collection and any seizure of your devices.<\/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\">Do not delete or change anything<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not delete messages, accounts, photos or devices, and do not try to clean up your online history. Preserve everything and contact a lawyer before you respond to investigators.<\/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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">What we review in your case<\/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\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The online investigation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will examine how the contact began, who conducted it, and whether the investigation followed the proper steps.<\/p><\/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\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Messages and digital evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will review chat logs, account records, device data and forensic reports together with you, line by line.<\/p><\/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\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interviews and statements<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will explain what to say, what not to say and how to handle any request to talk with law enforcement.<\/p><\/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\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A confidential first step<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first consultation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation to continue. Call (972) 424-1902 or send us your case details.<\/p><\/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\">Talk with our team before you talk with investigators. 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>Online Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer | Collin County &amp; Texas<\/li><li>Child Sex Crime Charge in Texas: What Happens Next<\/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\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/improper-photography-visual-recording-defense-lawyer-texas\/\">Improper Photography or Visual Recording Defense Lawyer in Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/improper-relationship-educator-student-defense-lawyer-texas\/\">Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student Defense Lawyer in Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/indecency-child-online-video-chat-texas-defense\/\">Indecency With a Child Through Online Video Chat: Texas Defense Lawyer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/indecency-with-a-child-by-exposure-defense-lawyer-texas\/\">Indecency With a Child by Exposure Defense Lawyer in Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/indecency-with-a-child-defense-lawyer\/\">Indecency with a Child Defense Lawyer in Collin County, Texas<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Facing an ICAC online sex crime investigation in Texas? Learn how these cases start, which charges can apply, and what defense counsel does first.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":19,"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\/#icac-online-sex-crime-investigation-service\", \"name\": \"ICAC Online Sex Crime Investigation Defense in Texas\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Individuals who have learned of or are facing an online sex crime investigation in Texas, and family members acting on their behalf\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Collin County, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Dallas\u2013Fort Worth metropolitan area\", \"@type\": \"Place\"}, {\"name\": \"Texas\", \"@type\": \"State\"}], \"knowsAbout\": [\"ICAC investigations\", \"Internet Crimes Against Children task forces\", \"Online solicitation of a minor under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021\", \"Possession or promotion of child pornography under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 43.26\", \"Search warrants for mobile phones and computers\", \"Bond conditions in Texas criminal cases\"], \"description\": \"A plain-language guide explaining how ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) task force investigations into online sex crimes typically begin in Texas, which Texas charges may apply, how search warrants, device consent requests, and bond conditions are reviewed, and what defense counsel typically does in the first days of a case. The page closes with an invitation to a free, confidential first consultation.\", \"serviceType\": \"Criminal defense for online sex crime investigations\", \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\"@type\": \"WebPage\", \"about\": \"Questions answered: how ICAC online sex crime investigations begin, which Texas charges can arise, what defense counsel does first, how device searches and consent requests are reviewed, how bond conditions apply, and how a case typically moves forward\"}, \"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\": \"Do I have to talk to investigators?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Speak with counsel before any interview. A statement can become central evidence.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should I delete messages or accounts?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. Preserve them. Deleting data can create separate problems.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I be arrested after an interview or search?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"That depends on the facts, any warrant, and the charges. No one can predict it from a general description.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long does a case take?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Timelines vary with the charges, discovery, and the court schedule.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is a consultation confidential?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.\"}}]}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Online Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"ICAC Online Sex Crime Investigation Lawyer Texas\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/icac-online-sex-crime-investigation-defense-lawyer-texas\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Facing an ICAC online sex crime investigation in Texas? Learn how these cases start, which charges can apply, and what defense counsel does first.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2952","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2952","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=2952"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6222,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2952\/revisions\/6222"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}