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Collin County Online Sex Crimes Defense<\/p>

Online Sex Crimes Charges in Collin County: What Happens Next<\/h1>

Texas online sex crimes cases often start with a review of digital activity, sometimes before the person knows an investigation exists. Here is how these cases typically unfold and how Barbieri Law Firm can help you understand your options.<\/p>

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By Heather Barbieri \u00b7 Published October 12, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Online Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Collin County: What Happens Next<\/h2>\n

An online sex crimes defense lawyer<\/a> helps people facing Texas charges tied to digital messages. A Collin County case often begins with a review of digital activity. The person involved may not know about it right away. Texas treats several kinds of online contact with a minor as felonies. This page explains how these cases typically start, what the main Texas charges cover, and what to do before any contact with investigators. It covers Texas state law only. For broader background, see our criminal defense guides.<\/p>\n\n

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If messages you sent online are now under investigation, you don't have to plan the next step alone; call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details to our team. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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How Online Sex Crime Cases Usually Begin<\/h2>\n

Many online sex crime investigations start with digital evidence, not a street encounter. Investigators may review messages, account records, or a tip from someone who saw something concerning. In some cases, a person doesn’t learn about the investigation until someone makes contact or a notice arrives.<\/p>\n

Those first days can feel frightening. It’s tempting to reply quickly to smooth things over. That reply can become part of the record.<\/p>\n

An investigation doesn’t mean charges will be filed. Prosecutors decide whether to file and when. While that question is open, the most useful step is to stop discussing the matter with anyone. Write down what you remember, for your lawyer only. A single message can look very different when it’s read with the messages before and after it.<\/p>\n

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

Texas makes it a felony to knowingly solicit a minor online to meet for sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse. Under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a>, that solicitation is a second-degree felony.<\/p>\n

The same statute covers sexually explicit communication with a minor. That communication must be made with intent to commit a listed offense. That offense is a third-degree felony. It rises to a second-degree felony when the minor is younger than 14.<\/p>\n

The law treats someone as a minor if they are younger than 17. It also covers someone the accused believes is younger than 17. That belief is a central fact in these cases. The details of every conversation matter.<\/p>\n

It is not a defense that the meeting never happened. For the solicitation-to-meet offense, the statute names two defenses. The accused was married to the minor. Or the accused was no more than three years older, and the minor consented.<\/p>\n

Punishment also moves up one category if the offense happened during school hours. The accused must have known or should have known the minor was enrolled in school.<\/p>\n

No lawyer can ensure a particular result.<\/p>\n

How Texas Grades Related Sex Offense Charges<\/h2>\n

Texas grades each offense by seriousness. One investigation can produce more than one charge.<\/p>\n

Possessing visual material that shows a child in sexual conduct is covered by Texas Penal Code \u00a7 43.26<\/a>. The statute also reaches anyone who accesses such material with intent to view it. Online viewing can matter. It is a third-degree felony when the material contains fewer than 10 depictions of a child. It is a second-degree felony when it contains 10 or more but fewer than 50.<\/p>\n

Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.021<\/a>. Under Penal Code \u00a7 22.021(f), the minimum prison term for aggravated sexual assault increases to 25 years if the victim is younger than six, or if the victim is younger than 14 and the offense is committed in a manner described in Subsection (a)(2)(A).<\/p>\n

Continuous sexual abuse of a young child is covered by Texas Penal Code \u00a7 21.02<\/a>. It requires two or more qualifying acts over a period of 30 days or more. The victim must be younger than 14 or a disabled individual. It is a first-degree felony. It is punishable by life or by a term of not less than 25 and not more than 99 years.<\/p>\n

These are Texas state grades, not federal penalties. They don’t predict how any case will end. A charge is an accusation.<\/p>\n

Bond Conditions and Why Violations Matter<\/h2>\n

Breaking a bond condition can lead to a new charge in certain Texas cases.<\/p>\n

Under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 25.07<\/a>, the rule applies in family violence, sexual assault or abuse, indecent assault, stalking, and trafficking cases. The condition must relate to the safety of a victim or the community. These include threatening or harassing contact with a protected person and going to places named in the order. It also covers tracking a protected person’s property or vehicle without that person’s effective consent.<\/p>\n

One act can fall under another section of the Penal Code. The state may pursue either charge or both.<\/p>\n

Two points surprise many people. First, reconciling with the other person doesn’t cancel the order. The statute says reconciliatory actions don’t affect the order’s validity. Second, the statute excludes communication made through the person’s attorney. That’s one reason to route every contact through counsel.<\/p>\n

If you have bond conditions, follow every term exactly. Bring every question about a condition to your lawyer before you act on it.<\/p>\n

Federal Charges Fall Outside This Page<\/h2>\n

This page explains Texas state law. Federal charges follow different rules.<\/p>\n

Some online sex crime investigations lead to federal cases. This page does not explain federal complaints, indictments, arrest warrants, summonses, surrender, or federal bond hearings. It doesn’t state federal penalties. The Texas statutes cited above set Texas penalties only.<\/p>\n

Barbieri Law Firm’s practice covers Texas state charges. If federal charges are involved, we will tell you during a consultation whether the matter is one we handle. If it isn’t, we would likely refer the matter to another firm.<\/p>\n

Bring any paperwork you have to that conversation. Don’t assume a federal notice works like a Texas one. The court, the timing, and the steps can differ. Until someone reviews the documents, treat any federal notice as serious. Keep it in one place.<\/p>\n\n

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

Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Steps to Take Before Any Contact With Investigators<\/h2>\n

Before you talk with investigators, keep your devices and accounts as they are. Route all contact through a lawyer.<\/p>\n