{"id":5824,"date":"2026-10-31T15:11:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T15:11:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-sexual-assault-of-a-spouse-defense-lawyer-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-10-31T15:11:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-31T15:11:49","slug":"online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-sexual-assault-of-a-spouse-defense-lawyer-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-sexual-assault-of-a-spouse-defense-lawyer-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Assault of a Spouse Charge 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-5823\" alt=\"Interior of a police evidence processing facility with labeled storage shelves and documentation systems.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/interior-of-a-police-evidence-processing-facility-with-label-photo-9.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/interior-of-a-police-evidence-processing-facility-with-label-photo-9-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/interior-of-a-police-evidence-processing-facility-with-label-photo-9-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/interior-of-a-police-evidence-processing-facility-with-label-photo-9-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/interior-of-a-police-evidence-processing-facility-with-label-photo-9-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/interior-of-a-police-evidence-processing-facility-with-label-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)\">Criminal Defense in 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 Sexual Assault of a Spouse? Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer Before You Respond<\/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, focuses on sex crimes and assaultive offense cases across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas. We will review the allegations and the evidence with you and explain your options.<\/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 31, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>A sexual assault of a spouse charge in Texas is serious, and the first steps you take matter most. A sexual assault of a spouse charge defense lawyer in Texas can review what you received before you speak with police. This page explains the charge, what a defense covers and how to protect your career, home and family. Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is a Sexual Assault of a Spouse Charge in Texas?<\/h2>\n<p>A sexual assault of a spouse charge is a sexual assault allegation in which the alleged victim is the accused person&#8217;s spouse. Texas defines sexual assault in <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\">Penal Code \u00a7 22.011<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\">Penal Code \u00a7 22.011<\/a> defines &#8220;spouse&#8221; as a person who is legally married to another.<\/p>\n<p>Texas <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\">Penal Code section 22.011<\/a> is the statute that defines sexual assault. The child-victim provision of the Texas sexual assault statute applies regardless of whether the person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense, and &#8220;child&#8221; means a person younger than 17 years of age (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\">Texas Penal Code sexual assault provision<\/a>). <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.22.htm#22.011\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 22.011<\/a>, the sexual assault statute, does not write its own definition of &#8220;consent&#8221;; it adopts the definition found in Section 1.07.<\/p>\n<p>Allegations between spouses can surface during a separation, a divorce or the filing of a protective order. That timing can shape how the case unfolds. The charge can also overlap with family violence. <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/FA\/htm\/FA.71.htm#71.004\">Family Code \u00a7 71.004<\/a> defines family violence to include certain acts by a family or household member, including sexual assault.<\/p>\n<p>This page is written for the married professional who has just received a detective&#8217;s call, a protective order, a warrant or a grand jury notice. You may be asking whether the charge is real, what happens next and what to do today. Those are the right questions to ask.<\/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 a detective has called, a protective order was served or a warrant was issued, reach out to us before you speak with police about it. 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=\"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>What Does a Sexual Assault Defense Cover?<\/h2>\n<p>A defense covers the allegation, the evidence and every court step from the first call through trial. Our defense work includes these parts:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Review of the charging papers, the probable cause affidavit and the allegations against you.<\/li>\n<li>Investigation of texts, call logs, medical records, photos, recordings and witness statements.<\/li>\n<li>Analysis of consent and the statutory definitions, applied to the facts of your case.<\/li>\n<li>Advice on contact with police and prosecutors, including what to say and what not to say.<\/li>\n<li>Handling of bond conditions, no-contact terms and protective order hearings.<\/li>\n<li>Representation before a grand jury, in plea negotiations and at trial in Collin County, Dallas County or any other Texas county where the case is filed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Consent can be central in these cases. We review what the statute requires, then apply those definitions to the facts you give us and the evidence the state has.<\/p>\n<p>Bond terms carry their own risk. A person may be charged under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.25.htm#25.07\">Penal Code \u00a7 25.07<\/a> if the person knowingly or intentionally engages in specific conduct listed in the statute in violation of a qualifying order, such as a protective order under Chapter 85, Family Code, or in violation of a condition of bond set in a family violence, sexual assault or abuse, indecent assault, stalking, or trafficking case and related to the safety of a victim or the safety of the community. The listed conduct includes certain prohibited communications, going to or near places specifically described in the order or condition of bond, possessing a firearm, and harming, threatening, or interfering with the care, custody, or control of a protected person&#8217;s pet, companion animal, or assistance animal. Knowing those terms early helps you avoid a new charge while the first one is pending.<\/p>\n<h2>What Should You Do When a Detective Calls or a Protective Order Is Served?<\/h2>\n<p>Don&#8217;t give a statement or discuss the allegation until you have spoken with a criminal defense lawyer. Talking first feels natural, but early words can be repeated later. Use these steps in the meantime:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep copies of any protective order, warrant, bond paperwork or notice. Bring them to your consultation.<\/li>\n<li>Write a private timeline of events for your lawyer only. Don&#8217;t share it with colleagues, friends or family.<\/li>\n<li>Preserve your phone, email, social media and messages. Don&#8217;t delete anything.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t contact the other person about the allegation. Check any order&#8217;s terms with your lawyer first.<\/li>\n<li>Tell your lawyer before you answer any request for an interview or a voluntary appointment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A protective order is a court document. Read every term closely, including any that touch your home, your children or your phone.<\/p>\n<h2>How Does the Process Work, Step by Step?<\/h2>\n<p>The process starts with your first contact and moves through six steps. Each step is explained before the next one begins.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>First contact.<\/strong> You describe what you received and when you received it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Free initial consultation.<\/strong> It is confidential and carries no obligation to continue. We review the allegation and your documents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Immediate steps.<\/strong> We address police contact, bond terms and any protective order.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investigation.<\/strong> We review the state&#8217;s file alongside your records.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Grand jury and pretrial.<\/strong> If the case goes to a grand jury, we prepare you for that step, then move to arraignment and pretrial proceedings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negotiations and trial preparation.<\/strong> Each decision is explained to you before it is made.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Court schedules differ by county and by each court&#8217;s docket. We will tell you what to expect as the case moves.<\/p>\n<h2>How Could This Affect My Career, Home and Family?<\/h2>\n<p>A charge can reach your job, license, home and family at the same time. Each area needs its own plan. We review those effects with you at the first meeting.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Protective orders.<\/strong> In a protective order, the court may prohibit the person found to have committed family violence from communicating in any manner with a person protected by an order or a member of the family or household of a person protected by an order, except through the party&#8217;s attorney or a person appointed by the court, if the court finds good cause. Contact made through the party&#8217;s attorney is an exception to the rule.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Length.<\/strong> If an order states no end date, it generally lasts until its second anniversary. If the respondent is charged with a family violence offense under Title 5, Penal Code, or an offense under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.25.htm#25.11\">Section 25.11, Penal Code<\/a>, it lasts until the second anniversary of the final disposition of the criminal case (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/FA\/htm\/FA.85.htm#85.025\">Family Code \u00a7 85.025<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Firearms and licenses.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/FA\/htm\/FA.85.htm#85.025\">Family Code \u00a7 85.025<\/a> sets how long a protective order lasts and does not address firearms; see <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/FA\/htm\/FA.85.htm#85.022\">Family Code \u00a7 85.022<\/a> for the conduct limits a court may impose and the handgun license suspension. For a person found to have committed family violence, the court must suspend a handgun license (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/FA\/htm\/FA.85.htm#85.022\">Family Code \u00a7 85.022<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Registration.<\/strong> Sexual assault is listed among offenses covered by sex offender registration (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.62.htm#62.001\">Code of Criminal Procedure art. 62.001<\/a>). How long a duty lasts depends on the offense and the outcome (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.62.htm#62.101\">Code of Criminal Procedure art. 62.101<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Work and family.<\/strong> Arrests and warrants can happen at work. We coordinate with you on how contact with law enforcement happens. We also help you plan how to talk with family and colleagues, so you don&#8217;t learn of the case from someone else.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Who Handles Your Case at Barbieri Law Firm?<\/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 across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization, leads the firm. She leads the firm&#8217;s criminal defense work. The firm&#8217;s lawyers include Heather Barbieri and Carrie Thomas, and our office staff supports them.<\/p>\n<p>Our practice areas include sex crimes defense, aggravated sexual assault defense, child sex crimes defense, online sex crimes defense, aggravated assault defense and family violence defense. The first consultation is free, confidential and carries no obligation to continue.<\/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>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p>Here are short answers to common questions about this charge.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does being married change the charge?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That depends on the facts of the case and the specific charge, and it is a question to review with your lawyer. The state must still prove each element of the offense.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I be arrested at work?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arrests depend on the circumstances. We coordinate with you on how contact with law enforcement happens.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What if a protective order is already filed?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A protective order case and the criminal case can run separately. We address both.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Will I have to register as a sex offender?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sexual assault is listed among registration offenses. How long any duty lasts depends on the offense and the outcome.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I explain my side to police first?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early statements can shape the case. Talk with a lawyer before any interview.<\/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\/police-officer-questioning-a-seated-suspect-across-a-table-c-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Police officer questioning a suspect across a table covered with case documents and evidence in an interview room.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Should You Talk to a Lawyer Before You Respond?<\/h2>\n<p>Talk with a sexual assault of a spouse charge defense lawyer in Texas before you answer police questions or respond to a protective order. If a detective has called, a protective order was served or a warrant was issued, reach out to us. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Send your case details<\/a> or call (972) 424-1902 for a free, confidential initial consultation with no obligation to continue. No lawyer can predict or assure an outcome, but we will review what you received and explain your options.<\/p>\n<p>Attorney responsible for this site: 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 Defense<\/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\">Focused criminal defense<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We defend people accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses, including cases involving a spouse or former spouse, and we keep the defense centered on the charge you are facing.<\/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\">Careful review of the evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We review the police reports, statements, messages, medical records and other evidence, 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--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear communication<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain the process in plain language so you know what to expect at each stage of 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--lightbulb\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Options explained honestly<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We discuss the possible paths forward, including the risks and benefits of each, so you can make informed decisions.<\/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 Speak to Police<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An accusation involving a spouse can lead to an arrest or a statement that affects your case. Speak with a criminal defense lawyer before you answer questions or contact the other person about the allegation.<\/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 Happens Next<\/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\">1. Free consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Call or send us your case details. Your first consultation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/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\">2. Case review<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We review the allegations, the evidence and the timeline with you and identify the issues that matter most.<\/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\">3. A clear plan<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain your options and recommend a path, and we keep you informed as your case moves forward.<\/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\">4. Steady advocacy<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team handles communication, preparation and court appearances so you can focus on your life and your family.<\/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\">Facing a Spousal Sexual Assault Accusation? Get Answers Now<\/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><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/\">Online Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer | Collin County &amp; 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-crimes-defense-lawyer-should-i-talk-to-police-about-online-messages-t\/\">Should I Talk to Police About Online Messages in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-statute-of-limitations-online-sex-crimes-texas\/\">Statute of Limitations for Online Sex Crimes in Texas: When Can the State File?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-suppress-phone-evidence-online-sex-crime-texas\/\">Can Evidence From My Phone Be Suppressed in a Texas Online Sex Crime Case?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-youth-worker-online-sex-crime-defense\/\">Online Sex Crime Defense for Coaches, Youth Workers and Church Staff in Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-medical-professionals-texas\/\">Online Sex Crimes Defense for Medical Professionals in Texas<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Charged with sexual assault of a spouse in Texas? Learn how Penal Code 22.011, protective orders and bond conditions work. Free, confidential consultation.<\/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\"]}, \"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Criminal defense lawyer\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Criminal_defense_lawyer\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Criminal law\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Criminal_law\"}], \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Sexual assault\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_assault\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Assault\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Assault\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Domestic violence\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Domestic_violence\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Sex offender registries in the United States\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sex_offender_registries_in_the_United_States\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Arraignment\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arraignment\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Grand jury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Grand_jury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Restraining order\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Restraining_order\"}], \"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\"], \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}}, \"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\"], \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does being married change the charge?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"That depends on the facts of the case and the specific charge, and it is a question to review with your lawyer. 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