Frisco, TX Internet Crimes Against Children Defense Lawyers

Skilled Attorneys for Internet Sex Crimes Involving Children in Frisco, Texas

Accusations of using the internet to commit crimes against a minor are taken extremely seriously in Texas. These charges often carry severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to a person's reputation, family relationships, and career. If you have been accused of an internet sex crime involving a minor, the attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm are prepared to defend you. We have experience handling sensitive cases, and we will work to protect your rights as we advocate for a positive outcome to your case.

Internet Sex Crime Charges Involving Minors

When a person is accused of using digital communication or the internet to target or contact minors, or share material involving children, the specific charges can vary depending on the alleged conduct and the age of the minor involved, but they will often be classified as felonies. Our attorneys can address charges of:

Online Solicitation of a Minor

A person may be charged with this offense if they are accused of communicating in a sexually explicit manner or sharing sexually explicit material with someone under the age of 17. Using the internet to arrange to meet a minor in person for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact or sexual intercourse may also result in charges of online solicitation of a minor.

This offense may be classified as a second-degree felony if the minor in question was between the ages of 14 and 16. A person who is convicted may be sentenced to between two and 20 years in prison. In cases where a minor was under the age of 14, first-degree felony charges may apply, and a conviction may result in a sentence of between five and 99 years.

Possession of Child Pornography

Visual materials that depict a child under the age of 18 engaging in sexual conduct may be considered child pornography or child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Computer-generated images may also be considered child pornography if they appear to depict a child under the age of 18 or if a person believes that the person depicted is an actual child was was under the age of 18 when the image was created.

Possession of child pornography is a serious felony in Texas. Accusations of intentionally possessing CSAM or accessing CSAM with the intent to view it may lead to third-degree felony charges for a first offense, and a conviction may carry a prison sentence ranging from two to 10 years. A second offense or possession of 10 to 49 images of child pornography may lead to second-degree felony charges. A third offense or possession of more than 50 images may lead to first-degree felony charges.

Distribution of Material Harmful to Minors

In Texas, it is a criminal offense to knowingly sell or distribute material to a minor that is considered to be harmful to minors, including sexual content, nudity, or obscene images. Materials such as pornography or other sexual materials that do not have any redeeming social value for minors could lead to criminal charges if this material is sold, distributed, or otherwise made available to minors under the age of 18. This offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor in most cases.

Electronic Transmission of Visual Material Depicting Minors

Texas law addresses "sexting" involving the electronic transmission of explicit images of minors. A minor may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if they are accused of possessing or distributing these images. Distribution of these types of materials with the intent of embarrassing, offending, tormenting, or harassing someone may result in Class B misdemeanor charges.

Online Harassment of a Minor

A person may be charged with harassment if they use electronic communication to threaten, embarrass, or torment another person. Harassment will typically be charged as a Class B misdemeanor. However, if a person is accused of engaging in harassment against a minor under the age of 18 with the intent of causing the child to commit suicide or engage in other conduct that could result in serious injuries, Class A misdemeanor charges may apply.

Defending Against of Internet Crimes Involving Minors

Allegations of internet sex crimes or other online offenses involving children can be serious. Prosecutors may attempt to impose severe penalties as a way to prevent similar offenses in the future. At Barbieri Law Firm, we understand the role that digital communications, forensic analysis of electronic devices, and undercover operations can play in an investigation and criminal case. We can challenge assumptions and advocate for the rights of our clients, helping to prevent convictions whenever possible.

Issues we may address when defending against these charges may include:

• Mistaken Identity or False Accusations: In cases involving online interactions, accounts may be hacked or misused. Other people may use someone's computer or phone. Our lawyers may be able to demonstrate that our client did not commit the offense in question.
• Entrapment: Cases involving online solicitation or other related offenses often involve "sting" operations conducted by law enforcement. If an undercover officer encouraged or pressured someone into engaging in conduct they would not have otherwise committed, entrapment may be a viable defense.
• Lack of Intent: In certain cases, the prosecution may be required to prove that the accused knowingly and intentionally targeted a minor. If there is no clear evidence of this intent, we may take steps to have the charges dropped or secure an acquittal.
• Unlawful Search or Seizure: The digital evidence involved in a criminal case must be obtained through legal means. If police overstepped their legal boundaries, such as by performing a search without a search warrant, our attorneys may take steps to have evidence suppressed.

We will work to limit the personal and professional fallout that these charges may have on our clients' lives. Where appropriate, we will explore options such as dismissal, pretrial diversion, plea negotiations to avoid sex offender registration, or reduced charges that will minimize the long-term consequences that a person may face.

Contact Our Frisco, Texas Online Crimes Against Children Attorneys

Criminal cases involving the use of the internet can be complex, and serious penalties may apply for offenses involving children. At Barbieri Law Firm, we can help people accused of these offenses take steps to defend against convictions and avoid long-term or permanent consequences. To arrange a free consultation and learn more about how we can help with these matters, contact our Frisco internet sex crimes lawyers at 972-424-1902.