Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 233-5700
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
Right now, if you’re facing criminal charges in Granbury or Hood County, prosecutors are already building their case against you. Police are gathering evidence. Prosecutors are preparing their strategy. And they’re working to secure a conviction.
Your freedom, reputation, and future may all be on the line.
And they’re very good at what they do.
What most people don’t realize is that many criminal cases can be challenged—and sometimes beaten—with the right defense strategy and the right attorney.
For more than 35 years, Attorney Richard C. McConathy has defended people accused of crimes across North Texas, including Granbury and Hood County. He has handled thousands of criminal cases and built a reputation for aggressive, strategic defense.
If you’ve been arrested or charged in Granbury or Hood County, the time to act is now.
Call (972) 528-0116 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
The hours after an arrest determine how your case will unfold. Early intervention gives us the chance to preserve evidence, challenge unlawful police conduct, and negotiate before formal charges are filed.
Police questioning:
Officers may tell you that “cooperating” will help your case. In reality, statements made during questioning are used to build the prosecution’s case against you. We protect your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and ensure you don’t give law enforcement ammunition to use at trial.
Bail and bond advocacy:
We work to secure reasonable bail terms or your release on a personal recognizance bond. For clients facing high bond amounts, we present evidence to the court that you’re not a flight risk and pose no danger to the community. If you’re being held at the Hood County Jail (400 Deputy Larry Miller Drive, 817-579-3333), we can begin working on bond reduction immediately.
Preserving evidence:
Video footage from body cameras, dashcams, and surveillance systems can disappear or be overwritten within weeks. We immediately request preservation of all evidence, including dispatch recordings, booking videos, and witness statements.
Pre-filing negotiation:
In some cases, we can present exculpatory evidence to the District Attorney’s office before charges are formally filed. This has resulted in cases being declined for prosecution or charges being reduced before arraignment.
We defend misdemeanors and felonies across Hood County in the Hood County Court at Law and 355th District Court.
Driving While Intoxicated cases in Hood County often involve breath test results, field sobriety tests, or blood draws. We challenge the legality of traffic stops, the administration and accuracy of breath tests, and the reliability of blood test procedures and chain of custody.
Texas Transportation Code § 724.012 governs implied consent, and § 724.015 provides that refusal of a breath or blood test can be used against you at trial. We know how to suppress unlawfully obtained test results and cross-examine the State’s witnesses on these technical issues.
Learn more about our Weatherford DWI lawyer services.
Drug possession charges in Hood County range from Class B misdemeanors for small amounts of marijuana under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.121 to first-degree felonies for possession with intent to deliver controlled substances under § 481.112.
We challenge search and seizure procedures under the Fourth Amendment, including warrantless searches, searches incident to arrest, and vehicle searches based on the “automobile exception.” In many cases, drugs are discovered during traffic stops where the initial stop itself was unlawful or searches exceeded the scope permitted by law.
Assault charges under Texas Penal Code § 22.01 range from Class C misdemeanors to second-degree felonies, depending on injury severity and the relationship between the accused and the alleged victim. Family violence allegations carry additional consequences, including protective orders and prohibitions on firearm possession under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9)).
Hood County prosecutors often proceed with assault family violence cases even when the alleged victim recants or refuses to cooperate. We’ve successfully defended these cases by challenging the credibility of witnesses, presenting evidence of self-defense, and demonstrating inconsistencies in the State’s narrative.
Theft charges under Texas Penal Code § 31.03 are classified by the value of property allegedly taken:
| Property Value | Offense Classification | Potential Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $100 | Class C Misdemeanor | Fine up to $500 |
| $100 – $749 | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000 |
| $750 – $2,499 | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail, fine up to $4,000 |
| $2,500 – $29,999 | State Jail Felony | 180 days to 2 years in state jail |
| $30,000 – $149,999 | Third-Degree Felony | 2 to 10 years in prison |
| $150,000 – $299,999 | Second-Degree Felony | 2 to 20 years in prison |
| $300,000 or more | First-Degree Felony | 5 to 99 years in prison |
Unlawful Carrying of Weapon charges under Texas Penal Code § 46.02 and other weapons violations can result from traffic stops, searches during arrests, or police encounters. Even licensed gun owners can face charges if they carry in prohibited locations under § 46.03.
A Motion to Revoke Probation or Motion to Adjudicate can send you to jail or prison for the full term of the original sentence. Probation violations can be “technical” (missing a meeting, failing a drug test) or involve new criminal conduct.
We defend probation violation cases by challenging the sufficiency of evidence, presenting mitigating circumstances, and negotiating for probation to continue with modified terms rather than revocation.
Juvenile cases in Hood County are handled differently than adult cases. The focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment, but convictions can still affect education, employment, and future opportunities.
We’ve represented juveniles charged with assault, drug possession, theft, and other offenses. Our approach focuses on demonstrating that our client poses no danger to the community and that alternatives to detention serve the juvenile’s best interests.
An expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 permanently destroys arrest records. An Order of Nondisclosure under Government Code § 411.0715 seals records from public view but allows law enforcement and certain licensing agencies to access them.
You may be eligible for an expunction if charges were dismissed, you were acquitted at trial, or you were pardoned. Nondisclosure is available for certain offenses after completing deferred adjudication probation.
Texas Penal Code Chapter 12 classifies offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. The classification determines potential jail or prison time, fines, and collateral consequences.
Felony convictions carry lifelong consequences, including loss of voting rights while incarcerated or on parole, prohibition on firearm possession, and ineligibility for many professional licenses.
After arrest, you’ll be transported to the Hood County Jail, located at 400 Deputy Larry Miller Drive in Granbury (main entrance faces Crossland Street). The facility operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 817-579-3333.
During booking, you’ll be photographed, fingerprinted, and your information will be entered into the system. This process typically takes 2–4 hours depending on how busy the jail is. Officers may attempt to question you during booking. Do not answer questions without an attorney present. Anything you say will be documented and used by prosecutors.
Bond is set by a magistrate or judge, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Bond types include personal recognizance bonds (release without payment), cash bonds (full amount paid to the court), and surety bonds (10–15% paid to a bondsman).
Factors that affect bond amounts include the severity of the charge, prior criminal history, ties to the community, and flight risk. We advocate for the lowest possible bond and, when appropriate, for release on personal recognizance.
If you’re released on bond, you’ll receive conditions you must follow, which typically include: appearing at all court dates, not committing new offenses, staying within Hood County or surrounding counties, and potentially surrendering your passport for serious charges. Violating bond conditions can result in your bond being revoked and being taken back into custody.
Arraignment typically occurs within a few days to two weeks after arrest. For misdemeanor cases, arraignment takes place at the Hood County Court at Law, located at 1200 W. Pearl Street in Granbury (inside the Hood County Justice Center).
The court is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00 PM–1:00 PM), and can be reached at 817-408-3480.
For felony cases, you’ll appear before the 355th District Court, also located at 1200 W. Pearl Street. The District Clerk’s office (817-579-3236) handles felony filings.
At arraignment, the judge reads the charges and you enter a plea. We advise clients to plead not guilty at arraignment. This preserves all options and allows us time to investigate and negotiate. You should arrive 15–20 minutes early to find parking near the courthouse (the historic courthouse is located on the Granbury town square, near the intersection of Pearl Street and Crockett Street).
Misdemeanor cases are handled in the Hood County Court at Law, located at 1200 W. Pearl Street. The County Clerk’s office (817-579-3222) maintains criminal records for Class A and Class B misdemeanors. The judge presiding over criminal misdemeanors hears motions, conducts trials, and imposes sentences.
Felony cases are handled in the 355th District Court, also at 1200 W. Pearl Street. Felony cases begin with a grand jury proceeding. The Hood County District Attorney’s office (817-579-3245) presents evidence to the grand jury to determine whether there is probable cause to indict. The District Attorney represents the State of Texas in all felony criminal prosecutions in Hood County.
If indicted, your case proceeds through pretrial hearings, where we file motions to suppress evidence, challenge witness credibility, and negotiate with prosecutors. If no plea agreement is reached, the case goes to trial.
We begin building your defense immediately. This includes:
Our approach is simple: we treat every case as if it’s going to trial. This means thorough investigation, aggressive pretrial litigation, and preparation for courtroom advocacy.
Investigate police conduct and evidence:
We scrutinize every aspect of the investigation, from the initial stop through evidence collection. Police mistakes—failing to read Miranda rights, conducting unlawful searches, or improperly administering field sobriety tests—can be grounds for dismissal.
Challenge constitutional violations:
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If police violated your rights, we file motions to suppress evidence. Video evidence frequently contradicts police reports, and lab results may reveal flaws in testing procedures.
Negotiate strategically:
We’ve successfully negotiated hundreds of dismissals and reductions. When negotiation serves your interests, we pursue it aggressively. When it doesn’t, we prepare for trial.
Prepare for trial when necessary:
We’re experienced trial attorneys who know how to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for your acquittal before a Hood County jury.
Since 2002, we’ve successfully defended thousands of clients facing criminal charges. Our track record includes dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements in cases ranging from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies.
We regularly appear in Hood County courts. Misdemeanor criminal cases are heard in the Hood County Court at Law and felony criminal cases are handled by the 355th District Court, both located at 1200 W. Pearl Street in Granbury.
We understand the local procedures, know the prosecutors at the District Attorney’s office (1200 W. Pearl Street, 817-579-3245), and have relationships with court staff that allow us to move cases efficiently. We know what to expect from local judges, how the Hood County DA’s office handles specific charges, and how to present cases effectively in this jurisdiction.
We don’t default to plea bargains. Every case is prepared for trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready to defend you before a jury when necessary.
You’ll always know where your case stands. We explain your options, the risks and benefits of each choice, and likely outcomes. You make the final decision—we provide the strategy to make it confidently.
If you’re facing charges in nearby areas, we also serve:
We handle DWI cases throughout North Texas. Learn more about our Weatherford DWI lawyer practice.
In addition to Granbury, we defend clients in criminal cases throughout Hood County, including:
Acton • Cresson • DeCordova • Lipan • Oak Trail Shores • Pecan Plantation • Tolar
Whether you were arrested in Granbury, stopped on Highway 377, pulled over on Highway 144, or charged in one of Hood County’s smaller communities, we provide the same aggressive defense and local court knowledge.
Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions or give statements to police. Anything you say will be used against you. Contact our firm as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights and building your defense.
Yes. Charges can be dismissed if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence, constitutional violations occurred, or we present exculpatory evidence that undermines their case.
Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $4,000. Felonies are punishable by 180 days to life in prison and carry additional collateral consequences like loss of voting rights and firearm prohibitions.
Yes. Misdemeanor cases are handled in the Hood County Court at Law at 1200 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048 (817-408-3480). Felony cases are handled in the 355th District Court at the same address (817-579-3236).
The courts are open Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed for lunch 12:00 PM–1:00 PM). Free parking is available near the courthouse—plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early on busy court days.
You must appear for arraignment, pretrial hearings, and trial unless your attorney secures a waiver of appearance for certain hearings.
If your case is dismissed or you’re acquitted, you may be eligible for an expunction that permanently destroys all records. If you completed deferred adjudication probation, you may qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure that seals records from public view. We handle both.
Yes. First-time offenses carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. An experienced attorney can challenge the evidence and protect your future.
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
