{"id":4497,"date":"2026-10-27T01:15:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T01:15:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crime-charge-custody-divorce-defense\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T08:52:14","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T08:52:14","slug":"online-sex-crime-charge-custody-divorce-defense","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crime-charge-custody-divorce-defense\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Sex Crime Charge Defense Lawyer, Texas Family Cases"},"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-4495\" alt=\"Digital forensics lab with multiple workstations showing network analysis software and chain-of-custody documents for seized devices.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-multiple-workstations-showing-net-photo-3.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-multiple-workstations-showing-net-photo-3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-multiple-workstations-showing-net-photo-3-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-multiple-workstations-showing-net-photo-3-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-multiple-workstations-showing-net-photo-3-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/digital-forensics-lab-with-multiple-workstations-showing-net-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)\">Online Sex Crimes Defense | Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and 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)\">Defending Online Sex Crime Charges in Texas, Carefully and Confidentially<\/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, an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, reviews the messages, devices and evidence in your case, explains your options and stands with you at every stage. Your free initial consultation is confidential and carries no obligation to continue.<\/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 26, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>An online sex crime charge is a criminal case, and it moves on its own track. A custody or divorce case can be open about the same family at the same time. This page explains how the two can overlap, what a criminal defense covers, and where Barbieri Law Firm&#8217;s work stops. Barbieri Law Firm defends the criminal charge. It does not handle custody or divorce cases.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is an Online Sex Crime Charge When Family Court Is Also Open?<\/h2>\n<p>An online sex crime charge is a criminal accusation based on electronic messages, images, or accounts. The State brings it in criminal court, separate from any family case.<\/p>\n<p>The two cases have their own judges, rules, and calendars. They can still involve the same phone, the same messages, and the same children. One case often moves faster than the other, so early planning matters.<\/p>\n<p>A charge is only an accusation. Knowing what the State must show is the first step in deciding what comes next.<\/p>\n<p>This page is written for the accused professional. It is also written for the spouse, partner, or relative helping make decisions while both cases are active.<\/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 an online sex crime charge has landed in the middle of your custody or divorce case, you don&#x27;t have to sort it out alone, and Barbieri Law Firm is ready to review your charge with you. 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=\"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>Who This Criminal Defense Is For<\/h2>\n<p>This criminal defense is for Texas professionals accused of online sex crimes who also face a divorce, custody dispute, or other family court matter. It also serves the people close to them who need the criminal picture before making family decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Typical readers include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A professional accused of online solicitation of a minor or of sexually explicit messaging over electronic means.<\/li>\n<li>A parent or partner who needs to understand the charge before taking positions in the family case.<\/li>\n<li>A person who has been contacted by investigators or has received a warrant, subpoena, or notice of an investigation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Texas law covers a minor younger than 17. It also covers an individual the accused believes is younger than 17 (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a>). That means the charge can rest on a belief about age, not only on the person&#8217;s actual age.<\/p>\n<p>Many online cases start with a task force investigation.<\/p>\n<h2>What the Criminal Defense Covers<\/h2>\n<p>The criminal defense covers the charge, the evidence, and the conditions that follow an arrest or release. A criminal defense lawyer reviews each of these before any decision is made.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Charging papers.<\/strong> Review of the probable cause affidavit and charging documents, so you know what the State must show.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital evidence.<\/strong> Review of messages, device contents, and account records, and how investigators collected them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Detective contact.<\/strong> Advice on any contact with investigators, explained before any statement is made.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Penalties.<\/strong> Review of the charge level and the possible penalties.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bond terms.<\/strong> Review of bond conditions, so you know how each order fits the family court calendar.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Case path.<\/strong> An explanation of how the case usually moves: pretrial, negotiation, and trial preparation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021(f)<\/a>, an offense under Subsection (b), which covers communicating in a sexually explicit manner with a minor or distributing sexually explicit material to a minor, is a third-degree felony. It is a second-degree felony if the minor is younger than 14 or is an individual the actor believes to be younger than 14 at the time of the offense. Knowingly soliciting a minor over the Internet, by email, text, or a commercial online service, to meet for sexual contact under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021(c)<\/a> is a second-degree felony.<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.33\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.33<\/a>, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the second degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for any term of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years, and, in addition to imprisonment, may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.34\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.34<\/a>, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for any term of not more than 10 years or less than 2 years, and, in addition to imprisonment, may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.<\/p>\n<h2>Where the Criminal Case and the Family Case Overlap<\/h2>\n<p>The two cases overlap most at bond conditions, protective orders, and court records. Each one can limit contact with children, even before a family judge rules.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bond conditions.<\/strong> In certain cases, including family violence and sexual assault cases, a person commits a separate offense if, knowingly or intentionally and in violation of a condition of bond related to the safety of a victim or the safety of the community, the person does one of the acts the statute lists (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.25.htm#25.07\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 25.07<\/a>). That includes going to or near a residence, or a child-care facility or school where a protected child attends, when the order or bond condition specifically describes that place (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.25.htm#25.07\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 25.07<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Protective orders.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.25.htm#25.07\">\u00a7 25.07<\/a>, it is an offense to communicate in any manner with a protected individual, except through the person&#8217;s attorney or a person appointed by the court, when the order prohibits any communication. If a protective order includes a prohibited-location condition, the court must describe each prohibited location and the minimum distance, if any, unless a request to keep the locations confidential has been received (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.7B.htm#7B.005\">Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art. 7B.005<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Words in both cases.<\/strong> What you say in one case can matter in the other. Decisions about statements and testimony should be made with both cases in view.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This firm defends the criminal charge. Custody, divorce, and other family court matters are outside its criminal practice. Plan around that line from the start.<\/p>\n<h2>How the Process Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>The process starts with a confidential first consultation. It then moves through document review, a written plan, pretrial work, and resolution or trial preparation.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Confidential first consultation.<\/strong> You describe the charge, the investigation or arrest, and the family court dates you already have.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Document review.<\/strong> The firm reviews the affidavit, charging papers, bond paperwork, and any digital evidence you have. Then it lists what is still missing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Case plan.<\/strong> The firm explains your options, the decisions you will need to make, and the order they usually come up.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pretrial work.<\/strong> This covers bond issues, investigation, discovery requests, and communication with the prosecutor as the case allows.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resolution or trial preparation.<\/strong> The firm explains each option, the likely next steps, and what each would mean for the family case.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The court, the county, and the evidence set the pace. After reviewing your file, the firm explains what to expect in your case.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Barbieri Law Firm Handles These Cases<\/h2>\n<p>Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas. It defends professionals accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses in Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth, and across Texas.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Founding attorney:<\/strong> Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lawyers:<\/strong> Heather Barbieri and Carrie Thomas, supported by the firm&#8217;s staff.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Practice areas:<\/strong> online sex crimes, child sex crimes, sex crimes, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault, family violence, and theft defense for students and non-citizens.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Confidentiality:<\/strong> Your information is handled as confidential.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No promised outcome:<\/strong> No lawyer can promise how a case will end. The firm reviews the evidence, explains the charge, and lays out your options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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>Common Questions About Online Sex Crime Charges and Family Court<\/h2>\n<p>A criminal charge does not decide a custody or divorce case on its own. The two proceedings run separately, but bond terms can limit contact with children.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does a criminal charge decide a custody case?<\/summary><p>No. The family court decides its case in its own proceeding.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I give a statement in the divorce while the criminal case is open?<\/summary><p>That decision should be made with criminal defense advice, based on both cases. Plan the two cases together.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can bond conditions limit my access to my children?<\/summary><p>Yes. Yes. The firm reviews those terms with you. The firm reviews those terms with you.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does the firm handle custody or divorce cases?<\/summary><p>No. Barbieri Law Firm practices criminal defense, and family court matters are outside that practice.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What happens at the consultation?<\/summary><p>You discuss the charge, the timeline, and your questions in a confidential, no-obligation talk.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is the first consultation free?<\/summary><p>Yes. The initial consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.<\/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\/detective-examining-crime-scene-photographs-and-fingerprint-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Detective examining crime scene photographs and fingerprint evidence at an indoor desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk Through Your Charge With Barbieri Law Firm<\/h2>\n<p>If an online sex crime charge has arrived while a family case is moving, you did not choose this situation. You don&#8217;t have to sort it out alone. Bring the charge papers, bond paperwork, and family court dates you have. Then call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">contact form<\/a> to schedule your first consultation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Attorney responsible for this site: Heather Barbieri, Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco, Texas.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Barbieri Law Firm, 17 Cowboys Way, Suite 175, Frisco, TX 75034. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group 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 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--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Careful review of the evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We examine the warrants, device searches, messages and account records, and we explain what the state must prove.<\/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 walk you through the possible paths in your case so you can make informed decisions.<\/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\">Protection of your rights<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We advise you on what to say, what to post and how to respond to investigators, from the first contact onward.<\/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\">A women-led criminal defense team<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team, led by Heather Barbieri, focuses on criminal defense and treats every client with discretion and respect.<\/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\">Be careful what you say and post<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you discuss an investigation with anyone, including police, a prosecutor or someone online, speak with a criminal defense lawyer first. Messages, posts and statements can become evidence in your case.<\/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\">Schedule 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\/\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/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\">Online Sex Crime 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 solicitation and enticement<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cases built on chats, messages or social media conversations that investigators claim were sexual in nature.<\/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\">Images and electronic files<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Charges involving images or files found on phones, computers, cloud accounts or other devices.<\/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\">Undercover and sting operations<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cases that began with a law enforcement persona or an online sting, where the details of contact matter.<\/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\">Digital evidence challenges<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We review how devices, accounts and communications were seized, searched and preserved.<\/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\">Speak with Barbieri Law Firm in a free, confidential consultation 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\">Call (972) 424-1902 or 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\/\">Call (972) 424-1902 or Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/\">Online Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer | Collin County &amp; Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crime-probable-cause-affidavit-review\/\">Online Sex Crime Probable Cause Affidavit Review in Collin County, Texas<\/a><\/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\/online-sex-crime-charge-divorce-custody-texas\/\">Online Sex Crime Charge During Divorce or Custody in Texas: How the Criminal and Family Cases Interact<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crime-consultation-fees-texas\/\">Free Initial Consultation and Fee Structure for Online Sex Crime Charges in Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crime-defense-flat-fee-payment-plans\/\">Flat Fees and Payment Plans for Online Sex Crime Defense in Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crime-probable-cause-affidavit-review\/\">Online Sex Crime Probable Cause Affidavit Review in Collin County, Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crime-search-warrant-challenge-texas\/\">Search Warrant and Phone Evidence Challenges in Texas Online Sex Crime Cases<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Facing an online sex crime charge while a custody or divorce case is open? Learn how the two cases overlap and how Barbieri Law Firm can help.<\/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\": \"Does a criminal charge decide a custody case?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. The family court decides its case in its own proceeding.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should I give a statement in the divorce while the criminal case is open?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"That decision should be made with criminal defense advice, based on both cases. 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