Frisco, TX Internet Sex Crimes Attorneys

Skilled Lawyers for Child Pornography, Online Solicitation, and More in Frisco, Texas

The internet has become a central part of most people's daily lives. This means the people's online activities may be tracked, and when these activities involve alleged criminal conduct, the consequences can be severe. Law enforcement officials may investigate multiple types of internet-related sex crimes, and they often pay close attention to activities that may involve minors. These cases often involve complex digital evidence and other factors, and people who have been accused of internet sex crimes will need to determine what steps they can take to defend against a conviction.

The attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm understand the serious nature of online sex crime allegations. We are familiar with the complex legal and technical issues that may be involved in these cases. We can provide a strong defense for people who have been accused of sexual offenses related to children or other internet crimes. We work to protect our clients' rights at every stage of a case, from investigation to trial.

Child Pornography Offenses

Some of the most serious internet sex crimes that people may face in Texas law involve the possession, distribution, or production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which is commonly referred to as child pornography. CSAM may include photos, videos, or other visual materials that depict minors younger than 18 years old engaging in sexual conduct, including sexual intercourse or nudity.

Our attorneys can help address charges related to:

• Knowingly possessing images or videos of child pornography, including files stored on phones, computers, cloud services, or external devices
• Promoting or distributing CSAM, including through peer-to-peer file sharing or messaging apps
• Producing or assisting in the production of CSAM, including recording or directing explicit content involving a minor

Convictions for CSAM-related offenses may result in lengthy prison sentences and large fines. A person will also most likely be required to submit to lifetime sex offender registration. Our lawyers can provide effective representation in these cases, helping to address and defend against accusations while working to minimize the penalties a person may face.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

Another common internet sex crime involves inappropriate communications with children. Charges of online solicitation of a minor may be related to accusations of communicating in a sexually explicit manner with a person who is believed to be under the age of 17 or making arrangements to meet a minor in person for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual conduct.

These charges may apply even when no actual child is involved, such as when a person communicates with an undercover officer posing as a minor. A person's belief that they were interacting with a child who was below the age of 17 is often enough to support a charge. These offenses can lead to felony charges that carry long prison sentences and other harsh penalties.

Other Internet Sex Crimes Involving Children

Several other Texas statutes criminalize online conduct involving minors, even when there is no physical contact. Internet sex crimes against children may include:

• Distribution of Harmful Material to a Minor: This offense involves knowingly sending sexually explicit or obscene material to a minor, including messages, videos, or images that are considered to be harmful. A person may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor or third-degree felony, depending on the circumstances of a case.
• Electronic Transmission of Visual Material Depicting a Minor: Often referred to as "sexting," this offense may involve the electronic transmission of sexually explicit images involving minors. The penalties vary depending on the age of the parties involved and the nature of the material.
• Online Harassment of a Minor: Online bullying, threats, or harassment directed at a minor can result in criminal charges. Actions such as repeated unwanted contact or communications that cause emotional distress could lead to misdemeanor charges.

Invasive Visual Recordings and Revenge Pornography

Internet sex crimes may also include offenses involving non-consensual recordings or the distribution of private images. Specific offenses may include:

• Invasive Visual Recording: Under Texas law, it is illegal to photograph, record, or transmit images of another person's intimate body parts without their consent when the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. This offense may involve hidden cameras, voyeurism, or unauthorized video recordings in private spaces. It is classified as a state jail felony with a potential sentence of 180 days to two years in a state jail facility.
• Revenge Porn: The offense of unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material involves sharing or posting intimate images of another person without their consent and with the goal of harming or embarrassing the person. A person who is accused of sharing revenge pornography online or distributing it to others may be charged with a state jail felony.

Contact Our Frisco, TX Internet Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

When you have been accused of an internet-based sexual offense, your future may be at risk. These charges are often prosecuted aggressively by law enforcement officials in Texas, and a conviction could lead to serious penalties that could impact the rest of your life. At Barbieri Law Firm, we can provide you with a strong defense. By taking action as quickly as possible after you learn of an investigation, we can help you minimize the ways your life may be affected. Contact our Frisco online sex crimes defense attorneys at 972-424-1902 to set up a free consultation and begin building an effective defense.