The Woodlands, TX Child Sex Crime Defense Lawyers

Knowledgeable Defense Attorneys for Child Sex Crime Cases in The Woodlands, Texas

Getting accused of committing a sex crime against a child can be incredibly stressful. A conviction of these kinds of crimes could entail mandatory registration as a sex offender, years in prison, and lasting reputational harm. If you have been charged with an offense of this nature, reach out to a child sex crime defense attorney in The Woodlands.

At Barbieri Law Firm, we have represented and successfully defended clients accused of child sex crimes in the past, including charges of indecency with a child and sexual assault. We will investigate the allegations against you and build a case to protect your rights.

How Texas Prosecutes Cases of Improper Relationships Between Teachers and Students

Texas can prosecute an "improper relationship" case when a public or private school employee engages in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with a student, or when a school employee engages in certain online-solicitation conduct involving a student. This offense is generally a second-degree felony. A conviction can carry 2 to 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.

A strong defense often starts with the basic facts, including whether the person was actually a covered "employee," whether the alleged student was enrolled in a covered school, and whether the state can prove the alleged conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. In many cases, the fight centers on digital evidence, timelines, and credibility. There are also affirmative defenses in narrow situations, including when the parties were married, or when the school employee was not more than three years older and the relationship began before the school employment.

Charges of Indecency With a Child

Indecency with a child generally involves a child younger than 17 and allegations of sexual contact, or allegations of exposure done with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.

If the allegation is sexual contact, it is a second-degree felony. If the allegation is exposure, it is a third-degree felony, which can mean two to 10 years in prison, plus a possible fine up to $10,000.

Defense strategy depends on the facts, but it often includes challenging identification, testing the reliability of interviews and statements, and demanding the state show intent when intent is an element of the charge. Some cases involve affirmative defenses, including a limited close-in-age defense with additional requirements.

Penalties for Possessing Child Pornography in Texas

Texas law can charge possession when a person knowingly or intentionally possesses, or accesses with intent to view, visual material depicting a child under 18 engaging in sexual conduct. This includes AI depictions or computer-generated material.

Possession is commonly charged as a third-degree felony, but it can be enhanced to a second-degree or first-degree felony based on prior convictions and, in some situations, the number of depictions. Penalties for a first-degree felony conviction can range from five to 99 years or life, with a fine of up to $10,000.

Defense strategies in these cases often focus on whether the state can prove "knowing" possession (shared devices, unauthorized access, or automatic downloads), whether law enforcement searches and seizures were lawful, and whether the digital evidence has a clear chain of custody. Alternatively, the defense may dispute whether or not the visual material meets the state's definition of child pornography.

Contact a Child Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in The Woodlands

If you are under investigation for or have already been charged with a sex crime against a child, do not wait to seek legal representation. At Barbieri Law Firm, we can review the allegations against you, evaluate the evidence, and explain your options at each stage of the case. Call 972-424-1902 or contact our The Woodlands child sex crimes defense attorneys to arrange a free initial consultation.