Allen, TX Child-Related Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys for Sex Crimes Involving Children in Allen, Texas

Sex crimes are some of the most severe and aggressively prosecuted cases handled in criminal courts. If you have been accused of sex offenses involving a child, you will be likely to face even more serious penalties. A conviction of this nature can affect your freedom, your reputation, your employment, and even your housing options. If you have been accused of child-related sex crimes in Allen, contact a sex crimes defense attorney as soon as possible.

The criminal defense lawyers at Barbieri Law Firm have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, including serving as former state prosecutors. With our knowledge, experience, and nationally recognized success in criminal defense, we have developed a 115-point checklist for every case that helps us provide clients with strategic, comprehensive legal counsel. Our more than 275 five-star reviews can attest to our commitment and tenacity in defending our clients.

Types of Child-Related Sex Crimes in Texas

Among the most common child-related sex crime cases we handle are child pornography charges, indecent exposure offenses, and inappropriate sexual conduct between a teacher and a student. Each type of charge carries unique penalties, and the defenses that may be available will depend on the specific facts of a case.

Child Pornography

Cases related to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) will often involve complex technological factors. A person could be charged with a child pornography offense based on accusations of downloading, sharing, creating, or possessing material that depicts children under 18 engaging in sexual conduct. In addition to photos or videos depicting children, CSAM may also include computer-generated materials or images or videos created using artificial intelligence (AI) that appear to depict children under the age of 18.

Generally, child pornography offenses are charged as state jail felonies in Texas. However, a second offense may be charged as a third-degree felony, and any subsequent offenses may be charged as second-degree felonies.

Cases involving child pornography can move quickly, and prosecutors may use evidence such as internet activity records and data stored on personal computers, mobile devices, or cloud storage. Because these offenses often involve the use of the internet, CSAM charges may be prosecuted in federal courts.

Indecent Exposure or Indecency With a Child

A person who is accused of exposing their anus or genitals to someone for the purposes of sexual gratification may be charged with indecent exposure, which is typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense. However, if a person engages in indecent exposure in the presence of a child younger than 17, they could be charged with indecency with a child. This offense is usually charged as a third-degree felony. If a person allegedly engaged in any form of sexual contact with a child, they could be charged with a second-degree felony.

Our criminal defense lawyers may challenge statements made by witnesses in these cases, demonstrate that a person did not act with the purpose of sexual gratification, or take steps to show that a person was misidentified. These cases may involve false accusations, ambiguous situations, or misunderstandings, and we will take steps to help our clients defend against serious sex crime convictions.

Inappropriate Teacher-Student Conduct

When teachers or other school personnel are accused of engaging in sexual contact or sexual intercourse with students, they could face second-degree felony charges. Inappropriate relationships between educators and students may involve teachers, administrators, coaches, or other school employees. Even if a student was over the age of 17, a teacher could face criminal charges for having a sexual relationship with them.

Allegations related to inappropriate conduct between a teacher and a student can have long-term or permanent repercussions affecting a teacher's employment, reputation, and livelihood. Our lawyers can work with clients to establish the facts of these cases and determine appropriate defenses that will help to preserve an educator's career.

Contact Our Allen Child-Related Sex Crimes Attorneys

If you have been charged with a child-related sex crime or are currently under investigation, you have no time to waste. Call Barbieri Law Firm at 972-424-1902 or reach out to our Allen, Texas child sex crimes defense lawyers to schedule a free consultation.