{"id":5986,"date":"2026-11-01T10:23:49","date_gmt":"2026-11-01T10:23:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-sexting-with-a-minor-charge-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T08:34:33","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T08:34:33","slug":"guides-sexting-with-a-minor-charge-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-sexting-with-a-minor-charge-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexting With a Minor Charge Texas Lawyer | Barbieri"},"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-5984\" alt=\"Smartphone and legal papers on a desk in a law office.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/smartphone-and-legal-papers-on-a-desk-in-a-law-office-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/smartphone-and-legal-papers-on-a-desk-in-a-law-office-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/smartphone-and-legal-papers-on-a-desk-in-a-law-office-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/smartphone-and-legal-papers-on-a-desk-in-a-law-office-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/smartphone-and-legal-papers-on-a-desk-in-a-law-office-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/smartphone-and-legal-papers-on-a-desk-in-a-law-office-photo.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)\">Child 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)\">Facing a Sexting With a Minor Charge in Texas? Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer First.<\/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, defends people accused of online sex crimes and child-related offenses in Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and across Texas. Your first consultation is free, confidential and comes with 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 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><\/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 November 1, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>If you need a sexting with a minor charge Texas lawyer to explain what you&#8217;re facing, start here. A single message or image can lead to a serious Texas charge. This guide explains the main charges, what a defense reviews, and what to do right now. It is general information, written for a man who has just learned he is accused or under investigation.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Sexting-With-a-Minor Charge Means in Texas<\/h2>\n<p>Three statutes come up often in these cases:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.43.htm#43.261\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 43.261<\/a> covers electronic transmission of visual material depicting a minor. It is written for a person who is a minor, so adult cases usually rest on other sections.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a> covers online solicitation of a minor.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.43.htm#43.26\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 43.26<\/a> covers possession or promotion of child pornography, which can involve images.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The age of the person involved also shapes which statute applies.<\/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 message or image has put a felony charge, your time with your children, and your name at risk, our team can talk it through with you in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. 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>How a Single Message or Image Can Lead to a Serious Charge<\/h2>\n<p>One message or one image can support a felony charge in Texas. That surprises many people, because the act can feel like a single bad decision.<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021<\/a>, the base offense is a third-degree felony. It rises to a second-degree felony if the minor is younger than 14 or is someone the actor believes to be younger than 14, and soliciting a minor to meet for sexual contact is a second-degree felony.<\/p>\n<p>These cases often start in ordinary ways. A parent or school reports messages. A phone is found during a family dispute. A forensic download follows a divorce filing or CPS referral. Investigators may also use a posing account in a chat app. In that case, the timeline and messages in that account become central evidence.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Defense Examines: Evidence, Devices, Age, and Intent<\/h2>\n<p>A defense tests each element the state must prove and each piece of evidence behind it. Key areas include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Devices and accounts:<\/strong> Who had access to each phone or computer? Were accounts shared? Where was the material stored, and what does the forensic extraction actually show compared with the report?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> Was the other person really a minor? What did the messages say about age, and how does the state prove it? Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021<\/a>, for conduct described in subsection (c), soliciting a minor to meet for sexual contact, it is a defense that the actor was not more than three years older than the minor and the minor consented to the conduct. Texas <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a> reads: &#8220;(f) An offense under Subsection (b) is a felony of the third degree, except that the offense is a felony of the second degree if the minor is younger than 14 years of age or is an individual whom the actor believes to be younger than 14 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Intent:<\/strong> What did the accused know or believe at the time? Intent is part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021<\/a> offense.<\/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 if a law enforcement agent induced 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>Procedure:<\/strong> Were warrants and consent properly obtained? How was evidence collected and kept?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Messages that help the accused also belong in the review. Bring your charging papers, bond paperwork, and any police letters to your first meeting.<\/p>\n<h2>What to Do Right Now, Before You Speak to Anyone<\/h2>\n<p>The first steps you take can affect your case, so start with restraint. Do not talk to investigators, school staff, CPS workers, or the accuser&#8217;s family about the allegations without a lawyer present.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Keep your devices as they are.<\/strong> Do not delete messages, accounts, or files, and do not wipe or replace a device.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do not contact the minor or the family.<\/strong> Follow every protective order and bond condition exactly. In a sexual assault or abuse case, violating a bond condition tied to victim safety can be a separate offense under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.25.htm#25.07\">\u00a7 25.07<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Write a private timeline for your lawyer.<\/strong> Note every contact with the person involved, the devices and accounts you used, and who else had access to them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Route case contact through your lawyer.<\/strong> That includes communication about custody or CPS matters that involve the same facts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bring any court date or bond paperwork to your lawyer right away.<\/strong> Missed dates can create new problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/close-up-of-a-smartphone-resting-on-a-desk-in-a-quiet-office-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a smartphone resting on a desk in a quiet office, related to a Texas sexting charge case.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>How the Process Works: Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>The process moves in stages, from first review to negotiation or trial preparation. Each stage builds on the one before it.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Intake.<\/strong> The lawyer reviews the charging papers, bond conditions, and any police contact you describe, and identifies deadlines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Discovery review.<\/strong> The lawyer obtains the state&#8217;s evidence, including device extractions and recorded interviews, and compares it with the charged statute.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Factual analysis.<\/strong> The defense examines device data, account records, and timelines, and looks for gaps or conflicts in the state&#8217;s account.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Options.<\/strong> The lawyer explains the options on your facts, which may include challenges to evidence and procedure, and what each requires.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resolution or trial preparation.<\/strong> The lawyer discusses resolution options with you and prepares the case for trial if that is the right course.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Timelines vary with the court&#8217;s calendar, the complexity of device evidence, and where the case stands. The lawyer will walk through the schedule for your specific matter.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Barbieri Law Firm for a Sexting-With-a-Minor Charge<\/h2>\n<p>Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas. It defends people accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Our lawyers are Heather Barbieri and Carrie Thomas. Our team handles scheduling and office work. Our lawyers review the evidence, including device data, messages, and recorded interviews, and explain your options.<\/p>\n<p>Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization.<\/p>\n<p>No lawyer can promise how a case will end. Our role is to test the accusation and the evidence, and to explain your choices in plain terms.<\/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><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is sexting with a minor always a child pornography charge?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Texas charges depend on the statute and the conduct alleged, and several sections can apply.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I keep seeing my children while the case is pending?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bond conditions and any family or CPS orders control contact. A lawyer can review those orders with you.<\/p><p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">\u00a7 33.021<\/a>, the law also reaches someone the actor believes to be younger than 17.<\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/details><h2>Talk With a Lawyer About Your Situation<\/h2>\n<p>A message, an image, or an online contact can put a felony charge, your time with your children, and your name at stake all at once. If that describes where you are, you do not have to sort it out alone. Our team can review your case in a free, confidential, no-obligation first consultation. Call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">contact form<\/a>.<\/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 a Sexting With a Minor 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\">We Review the Evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will review the messages, the device and account data, any forensic extraction and the charging documents to understand exactly what the State alleges.<\/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--info\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We Explain the Charge<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Texas charges in these cases depend on the statute and the conduct alleged. We will explain which sections may apply and what each one requires the State to 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--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We Protect Your Position<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will advise you on how to respond to police, investigators and prosecutors so that your statements do not hurt your defense.<\/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--clock\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We Keep You Informed<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will walk you through each stage of the case, including bond, court settings and what to expect next, in plain language.<\/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\">Speak With a Lawyer Before You Speak With Anyone Else<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not discuss the allegations with police, school officials, family members or anyone else until you have talked with a lawyer. Do not delete messages, accounts or devices on your own. Call us so we can advise you on the steps that make sense for your situation.<\/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\">Questions People Ask Us Early On<\/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\">Is every sexting case a child pornography charge?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Texas charges depend on the statute and the conduct alleged, and several sections can apply. We will review the specific allegations with you.<\/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\">Can I keep seeing my children while the case is pending?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bond conditions and any family or child protective services orders control contact. We will review those orders with you and explain what they require.<\/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\">What about the phone, the messages and the accounts?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will review how the evidence was collected, what it shows and what it does not show, and we will tell you what questions to ask about it.<\/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\">What can a charge mean beyond the case itself?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any charge can carry collateral consequences, including ones that follow a conviction. We will discuss those possible consequences with you so you can make informed decisions.<\/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 Confidentially With Barbieri Law Firm About Your Case<\/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\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/\">Charged With a Child Sex Crime in Texas? What Happens Next and How the Defense Is Built<\/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\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-sexual-assault-charge-defense-professionals-texas\/\">Sexual Assault Charge Defense in Texas: Professional Accused After an Allegation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-sexual-assault-of-an-adult-charge-texas\/\">Sexual Assault of an Adult Charge in Texas: Defense for the Accused Professional<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-should-i-talk-to-police-child-sexual-abuse-accusation-texas\/\">Should I Talk to Police About a Child Sexual Abuse Accusation in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-statute-of-limitations-child-sex-crimes-texas\/\">How Long After an Alleged Abuse Can a Child Sex Crime Be Charged in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-what-to-bring-first-consultation-child-sex-crime-texas\/\">What to Bring to a First Consultation About a Child Sex Crime Charge in Texas<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Accused of sexting or messaging a minor in Texas? Learn how these charges work, what a defense reviews, and what to do now.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":962,"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 law\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Criminal_law\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Sexual assault\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sexual_assault\"}], \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Assault\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Assault\"}, {\"@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\": \"Felony\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Felony\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Restraining order\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Restraining_order\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Child pornography\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Child_pornography\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Online predator\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Online_predator\"}], \"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\": \"Is sexting with a minor always a child pornography charge?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. Texas charges depend on the statute and the conduct alleged, and several sections can apply.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I keep seeing my children while the case is pending?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Bond conditions and any family or CPS orders control contact. A lawyer can review those orders with you.Under \u00a7 33.021, the law also reaches someone the actor believes to be younger than 17.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is the first consultation free?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.\"}}], \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/smartphone-and-legal-papers-on-a-desk-in-a-law-office-photo.jpg\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/sexting-with-a-minor-charge-texas\/#webpage\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/sexting-with-a-minor-charge-texas\/\", \"name\": \"Sexting With a Minor Charge in Texas: What the Accused Should Know\", \"@type\": \"WebPage\", \"about\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/sexting-with-a-minor-charge-texas\/#service\"}, \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Adults accused or under investigation for sexting or sending sexually explicit messages or images involving a minor in Texas\"}, \"keywords\": [\"sexting with a minor charge Texas lawyer\", \"sexting with a minor Texas\", \"Texas sexting charge defense\", \"electronic transmission of sexually explicit material minor Texas\", \"Texas Penal Code 43.261\", \"online solicitation of a minor Texas\", \"child pornography charge sexting Texas\", \"sexting charge defense lawyer Collin County\", \"sex crime defense Texas accused\"], \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"specialty\": \"Texas criminal defense\", \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"mainEntity\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/sexting-with-a-minor-charge-texas\/#service\"}, \"description\": \"A plain-language guide to Texas sexting-with-a-minor charges, including the Penal Code provisions often cited, how these cases begin, what a defense examines (device evidence, age, intent, and investigative method), immediate steps for the accused, and how the criminal process generally proceeds.\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/sexting-with-a-minor-charge-texas\/#service\", \"name\": \"Sexting With a Minor Charge Defense in Texas\", \"@type\": \"Service\", \"about\": [\"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 43.261, electronic transmission of certain visual material depicting a minor\", \"Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021, online solicitation of a minor\", \"Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, sex offender registration\", \"Digital device forensic evidence in minor-related sexting cases\", \"Defense review of age, intent, and chain of custody\"], \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Adults accused or under investigation for sexting or sexually explicit messages or images involving a minor in Texas\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"question\": [\"What does a sexting-with-a-minor charge mean in Texas?\", \"How can a single message or image lead to a serious charge?\", \"What does a criminal defense examine in these cases?\", \"What should a person accused of sexting a minor avoid doing right now?\", \"How does the criminal process generally proceed?\", \"Is sexting with a minor always a child pornography charge?\", \"Does a conviction require sex offender registration in Texas?\", \"Can a person keep contact with children while the case is pending?\", \"Does it matter if the other person said they were an adult?\", \"Is the initial consultation free?\"], \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Texas\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, {\"name\": \"Collin County, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}], \"description\": \"Criminal defense representation for adults accused or under investigation in Texas for sexting or sending sexually explicit messages or images involving a minor. The service covers review of charging documents, device and account evidence, age and intent elements, investigative procedure, and the options available on the facts.\", \"serviceType\": \"Criminal defense\", \"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\": \"Guides Child Sex Crime Charges Texas\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Sexting With a Minor Charge Texas Lawyer | Barbieri\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-sexting-with-a-minor-charge-texas\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Accused of sexting or messaging a minor in Texas? Learn how these charges work, what a defense reviews, and what to do now.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5986","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5986","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=5986"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5986\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6308,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5986\/revisions\/6308"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5986"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}