{"id":924,"date":"2026-10-17T03:30:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T03:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-charge-defense-professionals-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-10-28T10:56:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T10:56:26","slug":"online-sex-crimes-charge-defense-professionals-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-charge-defense-professionals-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Sex Crime Charge Lawyer for Professionals in 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-923\" alt=\"Computer workstations and monitors in a digital forensics lab displaying network analysis software.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-and-monitors-in-a-digital-forensics-la-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-and-monitors-in-a-digital-forensics-la-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-and-monitors-in-a-digital-forensics-la-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-and-monitors-in-a-digital-forensics-la-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-and-monitors-in-a-digital-forensics-la-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-and-monitors-in-a-digital-forensics-la-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)\">Online Sex Crimes Defense | Frisco and Collin County, 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 an Online Sex Crime in Texas? Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer Before You Talk to Police<\/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 defends professionals accused of online sex crimes across Collin County, Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas. Heather Barbieri will review the evidence 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 16, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>An online sex crime charge can start with a chat, a text or an email. If you&#8217;re a professional facing one in Texas, the choices you make early can shape what comes next. This page explains what the charge means, what a defense reviews, how the process works and how to reach Barbieri Law Firm. Think of it as a clear starting point, not a prediction about how your case will end.<\/p>\n<h2>What an Online Sex Crime Charge Means for a Professional in Texas<\/h2>\n<p>A key charge in these cases is online solicitation of a minor. <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.33.htm#33.021\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 33.021<\/a> covers a person age 17 or older who, over the internet, by text or through a commercial online service, communicates in a sexually explicit manner with a minor or distributes sexually explicit material to one. The person must act with intent to commit certain listed sex offenses.<\/p>\n<p>The statute defines a minor as someone younger than 17. It also covers someone the accused believed was younger than 17. A case can involve an undercover officer posing as a minor, so what the accused believed matters.<\/p>\n<p>A separate part covers knowingly soliciting a minor to meet, with intent that the minor engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse. It is not a defense that the meeting never happened. It is a defense if the accused was married to the minor, or was not more than three years older and the minor consented.<\/p>\n<p>A charge can come before any conviction. An arrest, a search or a police contact can happen before anyone decides what the evidence shows. That is why early decisions matter. This page is for professionals facing a charge or an active investigation, and for the family members helping them decide what to do next.<\/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 police have contacted you about online messages, you don&#x27;t have to face the next steps alone, so call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details for a free initial 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\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=\"A hand rests 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 the Defense Covers<\/h2>\n<p>An online sex crime charge lawyer for professionals in Texas reviews the full record, from the messages to how police obtained them. The review typically covers these areas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Messages and records.<\/strong> Chat logs, account records and how each item was obtained.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The investigation.<\/strong> Any sting or undercover operation, the timeline, and whether police followed required procedure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Devices.<\/strong> Phones, computers and other devices, and what forensic material the State has or has not produced.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identity and intent.<\/strong> Who was actually on the other end of the conversation, and what the accused meant to do.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Each element.<\/strong> The State&#8217;s proof, tested against every element of the charged offense.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Entrapment.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.8.htm#8.06\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 8.06<\/a>, being induced by a law enforcement agent, through persuasion or other means likely to cause the offense, is a defense. Merely giving someone an opportunity is not entrapment. That line matters in undercover online cases.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negotiation and trial.<\/strong> Talks with the prosecutor, and trial preparation when the facts support it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Professional concerns.<\/strong> How the case may affect your work and licensing, planned from the start.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Why Early Attention Matters for a Professional&#8217;s Case<\/h2>\n<p>The first days after police contact can shape what the State can prove and which options stay open.<\/p>\n<p>Speak with a lawyer before any interview. Do not delete, change or reset devices or accounts without advice. Write down what happened and when, and share those notes with your lawyer.<\/p>\n<p>A charge can also touch employment, professional standing and personal relationships. Those concerns belong in the defense plan from the first meeting, not added later. Early review also gives your lawyer more time to request and review records.<\/p>\n<h2>How the Process Works: Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>The process starts with a free initial consultation, with no obligation to continue. Here is what follows.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Consultation.<\/strong> The lawyer reviews the charge, the timeline and your questions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Document review.<\/strong> The charging papers, the evidence the State has shared, and device and account records.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Written options.<\/strong> A plain explanation of the strengths and weaknesses the review reveals. No lawyer can promise a particular result.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Action.<\/strong> Negotiation, motions or trial preparation, guided by the facts and your decisions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resolution.<\/strong> Dismissal, plea terms or supervision terms, with next steps explained in writing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The court&#8217;s schedule sets much of the pace. No lawyer can fix a timeline at the first meeting. Our team handles scheduling and records, so you have a clear point of contact at each step.<\/p>\n<h2>Possible Penalties, Enhancements and Resolutions<\/h2>\n<p>Online solicitation to meet under subsection (c) is a second-degree felony. <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.33\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.33<\/a> sets second-degree punishment at 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, plus a fine of up to $10,000.<\/p>\n<p>Subsection (b) is a third-degree felony. It becomes a second-degree felony if the minor is younger than 14, or the accused believed the minor was. Punishment also moves up one category if the conduct happened during regular school hours and the accused knew or reasonably should have known the minor was enrolled.<\/p>\n<p>Prior convictions can raise the stakes. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.42\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.42<\/a>(b), if a defendant on trial for a second-degree felony has previously been finally convicted of a felony other than a state jail felony punishable under \u00a7 12.35(a), the defendant is punished for a first-degree felony on conviction. Under \u00a7 12.42(d), a defendant on trial for a felony (other than a state jail felony punishable under \u00a7 12.35(a)) who has previously been finally convicted of two felonies faces imprisonment for life or for 25 to 99 years, but only if the second prior felony was committed after the first prior conviction became final. A prior conviction for a state jail felony punished under \u00a7 12.35(a) may not be used for enhancement under \u00a7 12.42(d). Both subsections apply except as provided by \u00a7 12.42(c)(2) or (c)(4). Subsection (c)(2) provides a mandatory life sentence for certain repeat sexually violent offenses, and under Government Code \u00a7 508.145 a person serving that sentence is not eligible for parole. Under Penal Code \u00a7 12.42(g)(1), a grant of deferred adjudication counts as a conviction only for the \u00a7 12.42(c)(2) enhancement and only for the offenses listed there, not for the \u00a7 12.42(b) or (d) enhancements described above.<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.42A.htm#42A.101\">Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art. 42A.101<\/a>, a judge may place a defendant on deferred adjudication community supervision after a guilty or no contest (nolo contendere) plea. The judge must find that doing so serves society and the defendant. <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.42A.htm#42A.102\">Article 42A.102<\/a> lists exceptions.<\/p>\n<p>If no adjudication follows, the judge must dismiss and discharge at the end of the supervision period, under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.42A.htm#42A.111\">Article 42A.111<\/a>. Early dismissal is not allowed for offenses that require sex offender registration under Chapter 62. A discharge may not be considered a conviction for certain legal disqualifications, except as \u00a7 12.42(g) provides.<\/p>\n<h2>Why 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><strong>Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Heather Barbieri is the lawyer for the firm. Our team handles scheduling and records.<\/p>\n<p>Our approach is direct. We review the evidence in writing, including the messages, devices and investigation. We then explain your options in plain language and keep you informed as the case moves.<\/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>What should I do if police contact me about online messages?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speak with a lawyer before any interview. Don&#8217;t delete or change devices or accounts without advice.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does a free consultation commit me to hiring the firm?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The free initial consultation carries no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can an online sex crime charge affect my job or license?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, it can. The review plans for those concerns as part of the defense.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a charge end without a conviction?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Texas judges may use deferred adjudication in some cases. However, deferred adjudication for an offense under Penal Code \u00a7 33.021 is still a reportable adjudication that requires sex offender registration under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62 (art. 62.001(5)), so a dismissal after supervision does not remove that requirement.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How are fees handled?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fee questions are answered during the free initial consultation.<\/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\/two-officers-review-case-evidence-and-take-notes-during-an-i-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Two police officers review case files and take notes at a table during an investigation.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Call for Your Free Initial Consultation<\/h2>\n<p>A free initial consultation, with no obligation to continue, is the first step toward understanding your options.<\/p>\n<p>If police have contacted you about online messages, you don&#8217;t have to face the next steps alone. Call (972) 424-1902 or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">send your case details<\/a> today.<\/p>\n<p>Attorney responsible for this site: Heather Jean 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 an Online Sex Crime 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\">Review the charging documents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We review the charge, the affidavit and the digital evidence, including devices, messages and account records, and 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--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protect your rights from the start<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We advise you on how to handle police contact, interviews and requests for access to your phone or accounts.<\/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\">Plain-language communication<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain each step of the process and your options in clear terms, 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--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A focused criminal defense practice<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heather Barbieri and our team focus on defending professionals accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses.<\/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\">Important: Do Not Destroy or Change Anything<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not delete messages, accounts or devices, and do not give a statement to investigators before speaking with a lawyer. Acting quickly with advice can matter.<\/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\">Charges We Defend<\/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\">Online Sex Crimes<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense against charges arising from online messages, images, video or account activity.<\/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\">Child Sex Crimes<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense against allegations involving minors, including the investigation and digital evidence that often accompany them.<\/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\">Aggravated Sexual Assault<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense against the most serious sexual offense charges, with careful review of the allegations and the evidence.<\/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\">Family Violence and Assault<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense against assaultive offenses, including family violence and aggravated assault charges across Texas.<\/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\">Start With a Free Initial Consultation, With No 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\">Schedule Your 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 Your Free Consultation<\/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-collin-county-professionals\/\">Online Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer for Professionals Charged in Collin County<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-arraignment-collin-county\/\">What Happens at an Online Sex Crime Arraignment in Collin County?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-can-online-sex-crime-charge-be-dismissed-texas\/\">Can an Online Sex Crime Charge Be Dismissed in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-chat-transcript-evidence-online-sex-crime-texas\/\">Can a Chat Transcript Be Used Against Me in a Texas Online Sex Crime Case?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer-deleting-messages-after-police-contact-texas\/\">Deleting Messages After Police Contact in Texas: Is It Tampering With Evidence?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Charged over online messages in Texas? Barbieri Law Firm defends professionals in online sex crime cases. Free initial consultation, no obligation.<\/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\"]}, \"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\"]}, \"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\"]}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What should I do if police contact me about online messages?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Speak with a lawyer before any interview. Don't delete or change devices or accounts without advice.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does a free consultation commit me to hiring the firm?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. The free initial consultation carries no obligation to continue.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can an online sex crime charge affect my job or license?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, it can. The review plans for those concerns as part of the defense.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a charge end without a conviction?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Texas judges may use deferred adjudication in some cases. However, deferred adjudication for an offense under Penal Code \u00a7 33.021 is still a reportable adjudication that requires sex offender registration under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62 (art. 62.001(5)), so a dismissal after supervision does not remove that requirement.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How are fees handled?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Fee questions are answered during the free initial consultation.\"}}], \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/online-sex-crime-charge-defense-texas\/#faq\", \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/computer-workstations-and-monitors-in-a-digital-forensics-la-photo.jpg\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/online-sex-crime-charge-defense-texas\/#service\", \"name\": \"Online Sex Crime Charge Defense for Professionals in Texas\", \"@type\": \"Service\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Professionals charged with or under investigation for an online sex crime in Texas, and their families\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Collin County, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}], \"description\": \"Criminal defense information and representation for professionals in Texas charged with, or under investigation for, an online sex crime. Covers what the charge involves, what a defense reviews (messages, account and device records, stings, warrants and the investigation), the first steps after police contact, the case process, possible penalties and enhancements, and how to start with a free initial consultation with no obligation to continue.\", \"serviceType\": \"Criminal defense for online sex crime charges\", \"termsOfService\": \"Free initial consultation with no obligation to continue.\", \"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\": \"Online Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Online Sex Crime Charge Lawyer for Professionals in Texas\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/online-sex-crimes-charge-defense-professionals-texas\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Charged over online messages in Texas? Barbieri Law Firm defends professionals in online sex crime cases. Free initial consultation, no obligation.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-924","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/924","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=924"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/924\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5246,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/924\/revisions\/5246"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}