{"id":745,"date":"2026-10-16T02:33:43","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T02:33:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/child-sex-crimes-defense-law-firm-collin-county\/"},"modified":"2026-11-01T23:52:48","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T23:52:48","slug":"child-sex-crimes-defense-law-firm-collin-county","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/child-sex-crimes-defense-law-firm-collin-county\/","title":{"rendered":"Child Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Collin County"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Child Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Collin County<\/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 15, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Barbieri Law Firm is a child sex crimes defense law firm serving Collin County from Frisco, Texas. This page explains the main Texas charges, the penalties that can raise exposure, and how a defense case is built. It is general information, not advice about your specific case.<\/p>\n

What Child Sex Crimes Charges Are in Texas<\/h2>\n

Child sex crimes charges in Texas come from several statutes, and each has its own elements.<\/p>\n

Possession or promotion of child pornography.<\/strong> Under \u00a7 43.26<\/a>, a person commits an offense by intentionally or knowingly possessing visual material that shows a child engaging in sexual conduct. Accessing that material with intent to view it also counts. The State does not have to prove the identity of the child shown.<\/p>\n

Online solicitation of a minor.<\/strong> Under \u00a7 33.021<\/a>, a “minor” is a person younger than 17, or a person the actor believes is younger than 17. The statute covers knowingly soliciting a minor online to meet, with intent that the minor engage in sexual contact or intercourse. It is not a defense that the meeting never happened.<\/p>\n

Aggravated sexual assault<\/a> adds aggravating facts, including a victim younger than 14.<\/p>\n

Investigations often start before any charge is filed. A case may begin with a report, a forensic interview, a search of a phone or computer, or an online sting. Suspected online exploitation can be reported to the NCMEC CyberTipline<\/a>, which refers tips to law enforcement for possible investigation.<\/p>\n

This page is for accused adults, and for parents, spouses, and adult children who have learned of an investigation, a warrant, or a grand jury matter in Collin County.<\/p>\n\n

\"Fingerprinting<\/figure>\n

Penalties, Enhancements, and Registration Consequences<\/h2>\n

Penalties depend on the statute, the child’s age, and any prior record. Some enhancements require a life sentence, so the stakes are high from the start.<\/p>\n

A first-degree felony<\/a> carries life or 5 to 99 years in prison, plus a fine of up to $10,000. A second-degree felony<\/a> carries 2 to 20 years, plus a fine of up to $10,000. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony. Under Penal Code \u00a7 22.021(f)<\/a>, the minimum term is 25 years when the victim is younger than 6, or younger than 14 with specified aggravating circumstances.<\/p>\n

Prior convictions can raise the range further. Under \u00a7 12.42<\/a>, a prior final felony conviction can move a first-degree felony into a life range. Under Section 12.42<\/a>, notwithstanding the otherwise applicable punishment range, a defendant convicted of a sex offense listed in Section 12.42(c)(2) who has a prior conviction or deferred adjudication for a listed sex offense faces mandatory life imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.<\/p>\n

Registration often lasts longer than any prison term. Under art. 62.001<\/a>, a “reportable conviction or adjudication” includes deferred adjudication. The list includes sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, online solicitation of a minor, and possession or promotion of child pornography.<\/p>\n

Bond terms matter early. Under \u00a7 25.07<\/a>, violating a bond condition in a sexual assault or abuse case can be a new offense. Going to or near a protected person’s home, or a school or child-care facility where a protected child attends, is one example. A violation can add a charge while the first case is still pending.<\/p>\n

What the Defense Covers in Collin County Cases<\/h2>\n

A defense starts with what the State has, and then tests each piece. The review begins with the charging papers, the probable cause affidavit, and the offense report.<\/p>\n