{"id":5713,"date":"2026-10-31T08:16:28","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T08:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-accused-child-sex-crime-texas-what-happens-next\/guides-services-family-member-accused-sexual-assault-child-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-10-31T13:00:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-31T13:00:55","slug":"guides-services-family-member-accused-sexual-assault-child-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-accused-child-sex-crime-texas-what-happens-next\/guides-services-family-member-accused-sexual-assault-child-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Child Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer for Families"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Texas Child Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer for Families<\/h1>
Schedule a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Heather Barbieri \u00b7 Published October 31, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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A family member accused of sexual assault of a child in Texas faces a serious charge, and the next steps are often unclear. This guide explains the charge, how cases move through court, and how a Texas defense lawyer fits in. It is written for relatives as well as the accused person.<\/p>\n

What It Means When a Family Member Is Accused of Sexual Assault of a Child in Texas<\/h2>\n

Sexual assault of a child is a crime under Texas law. The law defines a child as someone younger than 17. The offense applies even if the accused did not know the child’s age.<\/p>\n

Sexual assault is generally a second-degree felony, with exceptions for certain listed situations. A second-degree felony carries 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony, punishable by life or 5 to 99 years.<\/p>\n

Under Penal Code \u00a7 22.011(f)(1)<\/a>, sexual assault is a felony of the first degree if the victim was a person whom the actor was prohibited from marrying or purporting to marry, or with whom the actor was prohibited from living under the appearance of being married, under \u00a7 25.01<\/a> (Bigamy), or a person with whom the actor was prohibited from engaging in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse under \u00a7 25.02<\/a> (Prohibited Sexual Conduct), which covers certain family relationships. The Texas Family Code defines “family” to include individuals related by consanguinity or affinity, former spouses, individuals who are parents of the same child without regard to marriage, and foster children and foster parents, whether or not they reside together (Texas Family Code \u00a7 71.003<\/a>). It defines “household” as people living together in one dwelling (Texas Family Code \u00a7 71.005<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Many cases start with a report to police, a school, or Child Protective Services. A CPS investigation and a criminal case can run at the same time.<\/p>\n\n

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What a Defense Covers: Elements, Evidence, and Investigation<\/h2>\n

A defense review checks whether the State can prove every part of the charge. It starts with the records behind the accusation.<\/p>\n