{"id":3096,"date":"2026-10-24T03:54:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T03:54:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/adult-posing-as-minor-online-charge-defense-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T09:59:40","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T09:59:40","slug":"adult-posing-as-minor-online-charge-defense-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/adult-posing-as-minor-online-charge-defense-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Solicitation of a Minor Defense 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-3095\" alt=\"Computer workstations in a digital forensics lab display network analysis software beside evidence documentation for seized devices.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-in-a-digital-forensics-lab-display-net-photo-9.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-in-a-digital-forensics-lab-display-net-photo-9-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-in-a-digital-forensics-lab-display-net-photo-9-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-in-a-digital-forensics-lab-display-net-photo-9-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-in-a-digital-forensics-lab-display-net-photo-9-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-in-a-digital-forensics-lab-display-net-photo-9.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)\">Online Sex Crimes Defense | Frisco, Texas<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Charged with online solicitation of a minor in Texas? Speak with a Frisco defense lawyer now.<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Barbieri Law Firm defends people accused of online sex crimes across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas. We will review the messages, the accounts and the evidence, and explain your options in plain language.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Schedule a free consultation<\/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 23, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n<h2>Adult Posing as a Minor Online Charge Lawyer, Texas<\/h2>\n<p>If you are searching for an adult posing as a minor online charge lawyer Texas, this page explains what the charge means. In Texas, online contact with a minor can lead to charges, including online solicitation of a minor. The statute counts a person the accused believes is under 17, so the accused&#8217;s belief about age matters as much as the messages. Barbieri Law Firm defends people accused of online sex crimes across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and 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\/an-investigator-reviews-evidence-photos-at-a-desk-in-an-offi-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Investigator reviewing evidence photos at a desk in a dimly lit office at night.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What an Adult Posing as a Minor Online Charge Means in Texas<\/h2>\n<p>The charge covers online sexual communication with someone the accused believes is a minor, even if that person is an adult, when the accused, who must be 17 or older, intends to commit an offense listed in Article 62.001(5)(A), (B), or (K). Texas law defines &#8220;minor&#8221; as a person younger than 17 and also as a person the accused believes is younger than 17. That second part is important. A real child is not required for the charge to exist.<\/p>\n<p>Some of these cases involve an investigator who posed as a minor online. The statute still applies to the accused&#8217;s messages and beliefs, so the facts of each conversation matter.<\/p>\n<p>This page is for the person who was charged. It is also for a parent, partner or family member who is learning about the case. It helps anyone who received a notice, a phone call or a request to come in for questioning.<\/p>\n<h2>Penalties and Enhancements Under Texas Law<\/h2>\n<p>The felony level depends on the conduct, the age involved and the accused&#8217;s record. Here is how the main levels work:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a>, a person who is 17 years of age or older commits an offense if, with the intent to commit an offense listed in Article 62.001(5)(A), (B), or (K), Code of Criminal Procedure, the person, over the Internet, by electronic mail, text message, other electronic message service or system, or through a commercial online service, intentionally communicates in a sexually explicit manner with a minor. An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the third degree, except that it is a felony of the second degree if the minor is younger than 14 years of age or the actor believes the minor is younger than 14. It becomes a second-degree felony if the minor is younger than 14, or if the accused believed so. (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Knowingly soliciting a minor to meet<\/strong> the accused or another person, intending sexual contact, sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with the accused or another person, is a second-degree felony. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Penal Code \u00a7 33.021(e)<\/a>, it is a defense to prosecution under this section that, at the time conduct described by Subsection (c) was committed, the actor was married to the minor, or the actor was not more than three years older than the minor and the minor consented to the conduct. (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021<\/a>) It is not a defense that the meeting did not occur. (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A second-degree felony carries imprisonment for not more than 20 years or less than 2 years. It may also carry a fine of up to $10,000. (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.33\">\u00a7 12.33<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>Prior records can raise the level. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.42\">\u00a7 12.42<\/a>, a third-degree felony is punished as a second-degree felony when the state shows a prior final felony conviction, with some exceptions. A second-degree felony with a qualifying prior conviction is punished as a first-degree felony.<\/p>\n<p>Timing can also raise the level. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021<\/a>, punishment moves up one category if the offense happened during regular public or private primary or secondary school hours. The state must also show the accused knew or reasonably should have known the minor was enrolled in school.<\/p>\n<p>Collateral consequences matter too. Texas <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.62.htm#62.001\">Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.001<\/a>, the definitions article of the sex offender registration chapter, lists &#8220;a violation of Section 33.021 (Online solicitation of a minor), Penal Code&#8221; as paragraph (J) (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.62.htm#62.001\">art. 62.001<\/a>). Questions about registration, work, housing and family matters are worth reviewing with a lawyer early.<\/p>\n<h2>How Online Posing Cases Usually Start<\/h2>\n<p>These cases often start with an online operation, a complaint, or a trace from an account to a device. Federal <a href=\"https:\/\/ojjdp.ojp.gov\/programs\/internet-crimes-against-children-task-force-program\">Internet Crimes Against Children task force program<\/a> work focuses on technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation. That federal work runs alongside Texas law. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texasattorneygeneral.gov\/initiatives\/cyber-safety\">Texas Attorney General&#8217;s cyber safety information<\/a> also covers online solicitation of minors.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators typically collect message logs, account and profile details, and phone or device records. Each item should be checked against what was actually sent, by whom and when.<\/p>\n<p>Several mistakes can hurt a case:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Deleting or changing messages, accounts or devices.<\/li>\n<li>Sending new messages to the other person.<\/li>\n<li>Speaking with investigators before a lawyer has reviewed the case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Defense Issues a Lawyer Reviews in These Cases<\/h2>\n<p>A lawyer reviews what was said, who started the conversation, what the accused believed about age and how police linked the account to the accused. Each of these points can change the picture.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Full message history.<\/strong> Short excerpts can mislead. The whole exchange, with its context and timing, matters.<\/li>\n<li>That belief is central to the charge.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Entrapment.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.8.htm#8.06\">\u00a7 8.06<\/a>, entrapment is a defense when a law enforcement agent induces the conduct using persuasion or other means likely to cause persons to commit the offense. Merely giving someone an opportunity to offend is not entrapment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identification.<\/strong> A lawyer checks whether the account, device and messages were tied to the accused accurately and completely.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investigation steps.<\/strong> Undercover contact, timing and record handling are reviewed to see whether procedures were followed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each case differs, so a defense is built from the actual evidence. No lawyer can predict how a case will end.<\/p>\n<h2>What to Expect: The Process From First Call to Resolution<\/h2>\n<p>A case usually moves from first contact to evidence review, court settings and then a resolution. The timing depends on the facts and the court&#8217;s schedule.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>First contact.<\/strong> Share the charging papers, any notice you received and your questions, including bond and the next court date.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Evidence review.<\/strong> The defense obtains and reviews the messages, device and account records and investigative reports.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Court dates and bond.<\/strong> Bond conditions can affect work, home and contact with others, so they are reviewed early.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negotiation and options.<\/strong> Options can include a motion to dismiss, plea discussions or trial. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.42A.htm#42A.101\">art. 42A.101<\/a>, except as provided by Article 42A.102(b), a judge who decides that doing so serves society and the defendant may, after receiving a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), hearing the evidence and finding that it substantiates the defendant&#8217;s guilt, defer further proceedings without entering an adjudication of guilt and place the defendant on deferred adjudication community supervision.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trial preparation if needed.<\/strong> This includes pretrial motions, witness preparation and jury selection.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The steps stay similar from case to case. The pace and the result depend on the facts.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Clients Work With Barbieri Law Firm<\/h2>\n<p>Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas, that defends people accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses. The firm handles online sex crimes defense across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Founding attorney Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization, leads the firm. The firm&#8217;s lawyers are Heather Barbieri and Carrie Thomas. Assistants and office staff support them.<\/p>\n<p>The firm&#8217;s approach is direct. Our team reviews the evidence with you, explains your options and walks through each stage of the case. Every case is different, so the firm describes options rather than predicting results.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Questions About Adult Posing as a Minor Charges<\/h2>\n<p>The questions below cover common concerns about this charge.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is it illegal to pretend to be someone else online?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Texas law addresses sexually explicit online communication with a person the accused believes is a minor, and whether an offense applies depends on the intent and conduct involved. The messages and the accused&#8217;s intent matter.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a case like this be dismissed?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outcomes depend on the evidence and the court. No lawyer can predict how a case will end.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I talk to police if they contact me?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Statements to investigators can shape the case. Talk with a lawyer before any interview.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I hire an adult posing as a minor online charge lawyer Texas right away?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice is yours. Early review can help with bond conditions, court dates and evidence.<\/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-detective-in-a-suit-reviews-evidence-photographs-at-a-desk-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Detective in a suit reviewing evidence photographs at a table during a criminal investigation.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With a Defense Team About Your Situation<\/h2>\n<p>If a notice, an arrest or a family member&#8217;s call brought this charge to your attention, you may need answers fast. The immediate questions are practical. What should you do about a notice or arrest? How should you handle contact from investigators? Which messages and devices should you leave untouched?<\/p>\n<p>The first consultation is free, confidential and carries no obligation to continue. Call (972) 424-1902, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">send your case details through our contact page<\/a>, or schedule a free consultation there.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Attorney responsible for this site:<\/strong> Heather Barbieri, Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco, Texas.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Barbieri Law Firm, 17 Cowboys Way, Suite 175, Frisco, TX 75034. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How we approach 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\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Careful review of the evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will review the messages, the accounts, the devices and how the investigation was conducted, then explain what we find.<\/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 options<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We walk you through the choices in front of 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--heart\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Respect and discretion<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We understand how sensitive these charges are and treat every client&#x27;s situation with care and confidentiality.<\/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--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An all-women firm<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm based in Frisco, Texas, and our team supports every client through the process.<\/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\">Before you act, talk to a lawyer<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deleting messages, closing accounts or contacting the other person may complicate your case. Speak with a lawyer before you take any action involving your accounts, devices or communications.<\/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\">Charges we defend<\/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\">Online sex crimes<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense for accusations involving online communications, including cases where the accused believed the other person was a minor.<\/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\">Child sex crimes<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense for allegations involving minors, with careful attention to the evidence, the investigation and the charging decisions.<\/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\">Aggravated sexual assault<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense for serious sexual offense charges across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.<\/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\">Aggravated assault and family violence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense for assaultive offense and family violence allegations, including the facts that matter most to your case.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\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\">Meet the lead attorney<\/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\"><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\">Heather Jean Barbieri<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She leads Barbieri Law Firm in Frisco and represents professionals facing sex crimes and assaultive offense charges.<\/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 Heather Barbieri and our team about your case. Your first consultation is free, confidential and carries 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<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>Teacher or Coach Child Sex Abuse Defense Lawyer in Texas<\/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\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-law-firm-collin-county\/\">Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense Law Firm Collin County<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/aggravated-sexual-assault-defense-lawyer-texas\/\">Aggravated Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/aggravated-sexual-assault-of-a-child-defense-lawyer-texas\/\">Aggravated Sexual Assault Of A Child Defense Lawyer Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/ai-generated-sexual-images-charge-defense-lawyer-texas\/\">AI-Generated or Edited Sexual Images Charge Defense Lawyer, Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/are-online-sex-crime-charges-public-record-texas\/\">Are Online Sex Crime Charges Public Record in Texas?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Texas online solicitation of a minor charge explained: Penal Code 33.021, penalties, how cases start and how defense works. Talk with Barbieri Law Firm.<\/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":"[{\"@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\": \"Is it illegal to pretend to be someone else online?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Texas law addresses sexually explicit online communication with a person the accused believes is a minor, and whether an offense applies depends on the intent and conduct involved. The messages and the accused's intent matter.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a case like this be dismissed?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Outcomes depend on the evidence and the court. No lawyer can predict how a case will end.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should I talk to police if they contact me?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Statements to investigators can shape the case. Talk with a lawyer before any interview.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should I hire an adult posing as a minor online charge lawyer Texas right away?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The choice is yours. Early review can help with bond conditions, court dates and evidence.\"}}], \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/adult-posing-as-minor-online-charge-texas\/#faq\", \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-in-a-digital-forensics-lab-display-net-photo-9.jpg\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/adult-posing-as-minor-online-charge-texas\/#webpage\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/adult-posing-as-minor-online-charge-texas\/\", \"name\": \"Adult Posing as a Minor Online Charge Lawyer, Texas\", \"@type\": \"WebPage\", \"about\": {\"name\": \"Online solicitation of a minor under Texas Penal Code 33.021\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Adults accused or contacted by police over an online conversation with a person presented as a minor, and their family members or partners\", \"geographicArea\": [{\"name\": \"Collin County, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Texas\", \"@type\": \"State\"}]}, \"isPartOf\": {\"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\", \"@type\": \"WebSite\"}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"description\": \"Plain-language guide to the Texas online solicitation of a minor charge under Penal Code 33.021, including sting and undercover cases, penalty exposure, how these cases typically start, defense issues a lawyer reviews, and what to expect procedurally.\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/adult-posing-as-minor-online-charge-texas\/#service\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/adult-posing-as-minor-online-charge-texas\/\", \"name\": \"Defense for Online Solicitation of a Minor (Adult Posing as a Minor Online) Charges in Texas\", \"@type\": \"Service\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Adults charged or under investigation for online communications presented as involving a minor, and their families\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Collin County, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Texas\", \"@type\": \"State\"}], \"description\": \"Criminal defense representation for adults charged in Texas with online solicitation of a minor, including cases involving undercover online operations in which the other party was a law enforcement officer posing as a minor.\", \"serviceType\": \"Criminal defense for online solicitation of a minor\", \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"@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\": \"Online Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Online Solicitation of a Minor Defense Lawyer, Texas\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/adult-posing-as-minor-online-charge-defense-texas\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Texas online solicitation of a minor charge explained: Penal Code 33.021, penalties, how cases start and how defense works. Talk with Barbieri Law Firm.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3096","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3096","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=3096"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3096\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6330,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3096\/revisions\/6330"}],"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=3096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}