{"id":6078,"date":"2026-11-02T02:35:39","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T02:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-child-abuse-allegation-custody-case-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T02:35:47","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T02:35:47","slug":"guides-child-abuse-allegation-custody-case-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-child-abuse-allegation-custody-case-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Child Abuse Allegation Custody Case Texas Defense"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Child Abuse Allegations | Collin County & Texas<\/p>

Accused of child abuse in a custody case? Get criminal defense focused on the charges.<\/h1>

Barbieri Law Firm is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco, Texas. We defend people facing criminal charges that arise from child abuse allegations, including sexual and physical abuse claims, across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas.<\/p>

Schedule a free consultation or call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a free consultation or call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Heather Barbieri \u00b7 Published November 1, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Where you are right now<\/h2>\n

A child abuse allegation made during a custody fight can open a criminal case, a CPS case and a family court case at the same time. The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas<\/a> guide describes how a report is made and how DFPS and law enforcement respond.<\/p>\n

You may be reading this after an arrest, a bond hearing or a letter you didn’t expect. The criminal case and the custody case run on separate tracks. They still draw on the same statements, people and records.<\/p>\n

This page explains each step of a child abuse allegation custody case Texas defense. It covers the charge, how the allegation moves through custody, the defense steps, how to protect your time with your children, and what happens after you reach out. A first-degree felony is serious. Read every document you receive with a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n

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If a criminal charge and a custody fight have hit you at the same time, you don't have to face them alone. Barbieri Law Firm can review your case with you. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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What a first-degree felony child sex charge carries under Texas law<\/h2>\n

A first-degree felony carries life, or a term of 5 to 99 years, plus a fine of up to $10,000. That range comes from Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.32<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some charges carry their own ranges. Continuous sexual abuse of a young child under \u00a7 21.02<\/a> is a first-degree felony. The range is life, or 25 to 99 years. Indecency with a child under \u00a7 21.11<\/a> is a second-degree felony for sexual contact. Online solicitation of a minor under \u00a7 33.021<\/a> is a second-degree felony for soliciting a meeting for sexual contact.<\/p>\n

Sex offender registration falls under Chapter 62. Under art. 62.001<\/a>, a sexually violent offense includes \u00a7 21.02<\/a>, \u00a7 21.11(a)(1)<\/a> and \u00a7 22.011<\/a> or \u00a7 22.021<\/a> when the person is 17 or older. Which statute appears in your charge matters, so review it with your lawyer.<\/p>\n

Gather these documents now:<\/p>\n