{"id":7639,"date":"2026-11-03T00:53:23","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T00:53:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-continuous-sexual-abuse-young-child-defense-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T00:53:31","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T00:53:31","slug":"guides-continuous-sexual-abuse-young-child-defense-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-continuous-sexual-abuse-young-child-defense-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child Texas Defense"},"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-7638\" alt=\"Evidence storage room with secured containers and chain-of-custody forms at a child advocacy center.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/evidence-storage-room-with-secured-containers-and-chain-of-c-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/evidence-storage-room-with-secured-containers-and-chain-of-c-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/evidence-storage-room-with-secured-containers-and-chain-of-c-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/evidence-storage-room-with-secured-containers-and-chain-of-c-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/evidence-storage-room-with-secured-containers-and-chain-of-c-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/evidence-storage-room-with-secured-containers-and-chain-of-c-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)\">Defending Against a Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child Charge in Texas<\/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 is an all-women criminal defense firm in Frisco. We represent people accused in Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and across Texas. We review every allegation, timeline and piece of evidence, and we explain your options in plain language.<\/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 November 2, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>Continuous sexual abuse of a young child in Texas is a first-degree felony. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.02\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 21.02<\/a>, the state must show two or more acts of sexual abuse committed over a period of 30 days or more. This guide explains each part of the charge and what a defense lawyer looks at first. It is written for family members of someone who has been arrested, indicted or is under investigation.<\/p>\n<h2>What Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child Means Under Texas Penal Code 21.02<\/h2>\n<p>The offense applies when a person commits two or more acts of sexual abuse during a period of 30 days or more, and at the time of each act the actor is 17 years of age or older and the victim is a child younger than 14 or a disabled individual.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Two or more acts.<\/strong> The acts can involve one victim or several victims.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The 30-day period.<\/strong> The acts must fall within a period that is 30 or more days long.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The accused&#8217;s age.<\/strong> At the time of each act, the accused must be 17 or older.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The child&#8217;s age.<\/strong> At the time of each act, the child must be younger than 14. The statute applies even if the accused does not know the child&#8217;s age.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The statute counts certain other crimes as &#8220;acts of sexual abuse,&#8221; including aggravated sexual assault under Section 22.021 (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.02\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 21.02<\/a>). One charge can therefore rest on several underlying acts.<\/p>\n<p>The punishment is serious. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.02\">\u00a7 21.02(h)<\/a>, the offense is a first-degree felony. It is punishable by life in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, or by a term of not less than 25 years or more than 99 years. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.32\">\u00a7 12.32(b)<\/a>, a fine of up to $10,000 may be added to the prison term. The statute also covers disabled individuals. This guide focuses on the young-child version.<\/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<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\/close-up-of-fingerprinting-during-a-criminal-investigation-w-photo-1.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a fingerprinting process with a handcuffed person during a criminal investigation.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Why the Timeline and the Number of Acts Are Tested First<\/h2>\n<p>The timeline is tested first because every alleged act must fit inside the 30-day period. Dates are a central element of the charge, not a small detail.<\/p>\n<p>Vague wording makes this hard for the state. Common questions at the start of a defense review include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Which dates appear in the charging papers?<\/li>\n<li>Where did those dates come from?<\/li>\n<li>Do any dates conflict with school, work, travel or custody records?<\/li>\n<li>Was the accused 17 or older, and was the child younger than 14, on each date?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Which time limits apply to a case depends on the specific offense charged and the facts involved. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.01\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.01<\/a>, punishment for an offense under the Penal Code is set in accordance with that chapter and the Code of Criminal Procedure. <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.01\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.01<\/a> does not set time limits for presenting a felony indictment; it provides that a person adjudged guilty of an offense under the Penal Code is punished in accordance with that chapter and the Code of Criminal Procedure. Texas <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.01\">Penal Code \u00a7 12.01<\/a> does not set any limitation period for continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.02\">Penal Code \u00a7 21.02<\/a>; it provides that a person adjudged guilty of an offense under the Penal Code is punished in accordance with that chapter and the Code of Criminal Procedure.<\/p>\n<h2>What the State Usually Relies On and What the Defense Examines<\/h2>\n<p>The state usually relies on the child&#8217;s statements, testimony from the people the child told, recorded interviews, records and digital evidence. A defense review looks closely at each source.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Outcry statements.<\/strong> Who heard the first disclosure, when it happened, and how it was written down.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recorded interviews.<\/strong> Whether they were recorded, whether questions were suggestive, and what was said before recording began.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consistency.<\/strong> Whether the account changed across interviews, family members, school reports or medical records.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital evidence.<\/strong> Messages, devices and accounts, and who had access to them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lesser offenses.<\/strong> Whether the evidence supports only a lesser charge, and the punishment range for it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Jury rules matter too. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.02\">\u00a7 21.02(d)<\/a>, jurors do not have to agree on the exact date of each act or which specific acts occurred. They must agree unanimously that, during a period of 30 or more days, the accused committed two or more acts of sexual abuse.<\/p>\n<p>The statute also sets an affirmative defense under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.02\">\u00a7 21.02(g)<\/a>. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.21.htm#21.02\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 21.02<\/a>, with respect to a prosecution involving only one or more victims described by Subsection (b)(2)(A), it is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actor meets the requirements listed in Subsection (g). To use this defense, the actor must not have been more than five years older than the victim (or the youngest victim, if there is more than one) and must not have used duress, force or a threat against a victim at the time of any of the alleged acts of sexual abuse. In addition, at the time of any of those acts, the actor either was not required under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to register for life as a sex offender, or was not a person who had a reportable conviction or adjudication under Chapter 62 for an offense under Section 21.02 or for an act of sexual abuse listed in Subsection (c). The defense must raise this issue, so the lawyer reviews whether its conditions can be met.<\/p>\n<h2>What to Expect From Arrest to Trial or Resolution<\/h2>\n<p>A case usually moves through six stages, though timing varies with the court&#8217;s schedule and the evidence.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>First contact.<\/strong> The family calls a lawyer. The first call covers the charge, the bond status and urgent dates.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bond and conditions.<\/strong> Bail, no-contact orders and release conditions are addressed early because they shape daily life and the defense.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Review of the file.<\/strong> The lawyer reviews police reports, interview recordings, records and any digital evidence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investigation.<\/strong> Timelines, witnesses and records are checked against the alleged dates.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Motions and negotiation.<\/strong> Motions may challenge evidence or the charging papers. Any offer from the state is evaluated with the client.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trial or resolution.<\/strong> The case goes to trial or is resolved. Each decision is explained before it is made.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Families may also meet the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dfps.texas.gov\/Investigations\/default.asp\">Texas Department of Family and Protective Services<\/a> during a child-abuse investigation.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Families Choose Barbieri Law Firm for This 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 in Collin County, the Dallas-Fort Worth area and across Texas.<\/p>\n<p>Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization<\/p>\n<p>Our lawyers include Heather Barbieri and Carrie Thomas. Our team also includes support staff who handle scheduling and records.<\/p>\n<p>Our approach is methodical. We review the dates, records, interviews and evidence, then explain the options in writing and in person. No lawyer can say in advance how a case will end. What we can do is review the file honestly and explain what it shows.<\/p>\n<h2>Questions Families Ask About Continuous Sexual Abuse Charges<\/h2>\n<p>Families often ask how this charge differs from other sex crimes and what happens next.<\/p>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is this the same as indecency with a child?<\/summary><p>It can also be one of the acts counted toward this charge.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does the number of acts matter if the child cannot give exact dates?<\/summary><p>Yes. The statute requires two or more acts during a period of 30 or more days, so the dates and the number of acts are examined closely.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should our family talk to investigators?<\/summary><p>Statements to investigators can affect a case. Questions should go to a lawyer first.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the first step?<\/summary><p>The first consultation is free, confidential and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/details>\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\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/filing-cabinets-stacked-beside-indexed-books-in-a-library-se-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Rows of filing cabinets and indexed books sit on shelves in a quiet library.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With a Defense Lawyer About Your Loved One&#8217;s Charge<\/h2>\n<p>If your loved one has been arrested or indicted on this charge, the next step is a conversation about the file. Bring the charging papers, any dates you have, and your questions about bond and the next court date.<\/p>\n<p>To take that step, schedule a free initial consultation, call (972) 424-1902, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">send your case details through our contact page<\/a>.<\/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 These Cases<\/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\">Reviewing the Full Record<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We examine the charging documents, interview recordings, medical findings and any digital evidence before advising you on next steps.<\/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\">Dates and Timelines<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continuous abuse allegations depend heavily on how the alleged acts are dated and counted. We look closely at every date the State relies on.<\/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 charge, the process and the possible paths forward so you can make informed decisions.<\/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--heart\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support for Families<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We understand how frightening these allegations are for your whole family, and we keep you informed at every stage.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\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\">Understanding the Charge<\/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\">What the State Must Prove<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We walk through each element the State must prove and test whether the allegations and evidence support 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\">Related Charges<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allegations often involve other offenses, such as indecency with a child or sexual assault of a child. We evaluate how each charge fits the facts.<\/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\">Investigations and Interviews<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We advise you on forensic interviews, police contact and what to say, and what not to say, before you speak with anyone.<\/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\">Potential Consequences<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We discuss the possible penalties and collateral effects, including registration requirements, so you understand what is at stake.<\/p><\/div><\/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\">Important: Speak to a Lawyer Before Speaking to Investigators<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not discuss the allegations with police, child protective workers, family members, or anyone on social media before you have spoken with a lawyer.<\/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-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\">Your first consultation is free, confidential and without obligation to continue.<\/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\">Call (972) 424-1902 or Send Us Your Case Details<\/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\/\">Call (972) 424-1902 or Send Us Your Case Details<\/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\/\">Child Sex Crime Charges in Texas: What to Know Before You Talk to Anyone<\/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-cps-finding-versus-criminal-charge-child-abuse-texas\/\">Can a Child Sex Abuse Finding by CPS Lead to a Criminal Charge in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-cps-investigation-child-sexual-abuse-accusation-parent-texas\/\">CPS and Criminal Investigations After a Child Sexual Abuse Accusation: Defense for Accused Parents in Texas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-delete-messages-child-sex-crime-accusation-texas\/\">Can Deleting Messages After a Child Sex Crime Accusation Create a New Charge in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-educator-certificate-sex-crime-charge-texas\/\">Teacher or Educator Charged With a Child Sex Crime in Texas: Certificate and SBEC Defense<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-child-sex-crime-charges-texas\/guides-family-member-accused-child-sexual-abuse-defense-texas\/\">Family Member Accused of Child Sexual Abuse in Texas: How the Defense Is Built<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Texas Penal Code 21.02 explained: two or more acts over 30 days, the age rules, the felony range, and how a defense reviews the case. Call (972) 424-1902.<\/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":"[{\"name\": \"Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child Defense in Texas\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"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\"}], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Family members of a person accused of continuous sexual abuse of a young child in Texas\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Collin County, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Texas\", \"@type\": \"State\"}], \"description\": \"Plain-language guide to Texas Penal Code 21.02 continuous sexual abuse of a young child. Explains the elements (two or more acts of sexual abuse over a period of 30 days or more, a victim younger than 14 at each act, and an accused 17 or older at each act), the first-degree felony punishment range, and the issues a criminal defense reviews first, including dates, timelines, evidence and interviews. 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