Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
Allegations involving child pornography in Dallas carry severe consequences. These cases are built on digital evidence—files, devices, and online activity—and how law enforcement interprets it. A conviction can mean prison time, heavy fines, and lifetime sex offender registration.
But the charge alone is not proof.
These cases often come down to who had access to a device, how the evidence was obtained, and whether the state can actually tie it to you.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we defend clients facing serious sex crime charges across Dallas County by challenging the evidence and protecting their rights.
If you’ve been accused or are under investigation, speak with an experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer as early as possible.
Call (972) 528-0116 for a confidential consultation.
The moment law enforcement begins investigating child pornography allegations, time becomes your enemy. Investigators are collecting evidence from your devices, internet service provider, and cloud storage accounts. Every day that passes without legal representation puts you at a disadvantage.
Digital evidence multiplies quickly. Once files are identified on your computer or phone, forensic analysts create copies and begin cataloging every image, video, and communication. They’re building a timeline of your online activity, analyzing metadata, and potentially linking you to additional charges.
Most people don’t realize they’re under investigation until officers execute a search warrant at their home or workplace. By that point, the prosecution already has a substantial amount of evidence. If you’re arrested in Dallas County, you’ll be taken to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center at 111 West Commerce Street. Your case will then be processed through the Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, where Dallas County’s 17 District Courts handle felony criminal matters.
Contacting a defense lawyer immediately allows us to:
We’ve seen cases where early legal intervention prevented charges from being filed altogether. The sooner you reach out to our attorneys, the more options we have to protect your future.
If you’re arrested for child pornography in Dallas, understanding the booking and court process will help you know what to expect. The faster you contact an attorney, the faster we can intervene to protect your rights.
After arrest, you’ll be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center (111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202). This is the primary detention facility for all Dallas County arrests. You can reach the jail information line 24/7 at (214) 761-9025.
The booking process includes:
The booking process typically takes several hours, especially during busy weekends. Your information won’t appear in the Dallas County online jail lookup system for several hours after arrest.
Under Texas law, you must see a magistrate within 48 hours of arrest. The magistrate will:
For felony child pornography charges, magistration takes place at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. The magistrate considers several factors when setting bond:
Child pornography cases typically carry high bond amounts ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the number of files involved and whether promotion or distribution charges apply.
Once bond is set, you have several options:
Important for sex crime charges: Some judges impose bond conditions including:
If you cannot afford bond, your attorney can file a motion for bond reduction at the Frank Crowley Courts Building. Having an experienced attorney argue for bond reduction significantly increases your chances of a lower bond amount.
Being accused of child pornography is terrifying, but your immediate actions will significantly impact the outcome of your case. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Never underestimate how seriously Texas prosecutors pursue these cases. You need equally aggressive legal defense on your side.
Call (972) 528-0116 now to speak with our Dallas criminal defense attorneys.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy approaches every child pornography case with the understanding that your entire life is on the line. We’ve handled thousands of criminal cases across North Texas and know exactly how prosecutors build their cases—and how to dismantle them.
Our legal team will:
With over 35 years of combined experience and more than 1,000 cases dismissed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our attorneys have the knowledge and trial skills to handle even the most complex sex crime cases.
Child pornography offenses are prosecuted under both Texas state law and federal law. The specific charges you face will depend on the nature of the alleged conduct, the amount of material involved, and whether the case is being handled at the state or federal level.
Under Texas law, child pornography is defined as any visual depiction of a person under 18 years old engaging in sexual conduct or lewd exhibition. This includes:
The legal definition extends beyond explicit sexual activity. Images that focus on a minor’s genitals or depict them in sexually suggestive poses can also qualify as child pornography, even if there’s no sexual act taking place.
Possession involves knowingly or intentionally accessing or possessing material with the intent to view it. Promotion includes distributing, selling, or displaying child pornography to others. Production involves creating or causing the creation of such material.
Texas Penal Code § 43.26 criminalizes possession and promotion of child pornography. The law applies whether the material is stored on physical media, computer hard drives, cloud storage, or accessed through the internet.
Understanding whether you’re facing state or federal charges is important because the penalties and investigation methods differ significantly.
Texas state charges typically involve:
Federal charges are prosecuted under different statutes and involve:
Federal prosecutors have more resources, longer investigation timelines, and seek harsher penalties than state cases. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, defendants convicted of federal child pornography offenses receive an average sentence of 100 months in prison.
The jurisdictional determination can mean the difference between facing a state felony with potential probation and a federal charge with mandatory minimum sentences.
Child pornography convictions result in severe, life-altering consequences. Texas prosecutors pursue maximum penalties, and judges impose harsh sentences even for first-time offenders.
Possession of Child Pornography (First Offense):
Possession of Child Pornography (With Prior Conviction):
Promotion of Child Pornography:
Certain circumstances lead to enhanced charges and longer sentences:
Federal child pornography charges carry even harsher mandatory minimum sentences:
Federal cases in Dallas are heard at the Earle Cabell Federal Building (1100 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75242) by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Federal sentences cannot be reduced for good behavior in the same way state sentences can. Defendants must serve at least 85% of their sentence.
Conviction for any child pornography offense requires lifetime registration as a sex offender under Texas law. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, registered sex offenders must:
In Dallas County, you’ll register with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office at the Frank Crowley Courts Building. Sex offender registration impacts every aspect of your life—where you can live, your employment opportunities, and your relationships. It creates a permanent public record that follows you for life.
| Offense Level | Texas State Prison | Federal Prison | Fine | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession (First Offense) | 2-10 years | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Lifetime |
| Possession (Prior Conviction) | 2-20 years | 10-20 years | Up to $10,000 | Lifetime |
| Promotion/Distribution | 2-20 years | 5-20 years (5-year min) | Up to $10,000 | Lifetime |
| Production | 2-20 years | 15-30 years (15-year min) | Up to $10,000 | Lifetime |
These penalties represent starting points. Judges can impose consecutive sentences, meaning multiple charges result in decades behind bars.
Child pornography cases are among the most challenging to defend, but experienced defense attorneys know how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and build strong defenses. Our team examines every aspect of your case to develop the most effective strategy.
The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when gathering evidence. We’ll examine whether investigators:
If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, we can file a motion to suppress evidence. When critical evidence gets excluded, prosecutors often cannot prove their case and must dismiss charges.
Texas law requires proof that you knowingly or intentionally possessed or accessed child pornography. We can challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove you knew the material was on your device.
Defense arguments include:
Lack of knowledge defenses require detailed forensic analysis of your devices, internet history, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.
Prosecutors rely heavily on digital evidence, but that evidence isn’t always as clear-cut as they claim. We work with forensic experts to identify:
Digital evidence is only as reliable as the forensic analysis behind it. Poor investigation techniques, contaminated evidence, or flawed assumptions create opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Law enforcement uses undercover operations and online sting operations to catch people involved in child pornography. Sometimes, these operations cross the line into entrapment—when officers induce someone to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise committed.
Entrapment defenses apply when:
We’ll examine all communications between you and investigators to determine whether entrapment occurred.
Technology has created new defense opportunities in child pornography cases. Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create realistic but fake images and videos. This emerging technology allows someone to manipulate existing images to make them appear to depict illegal content.
Deepfake defenses raise questions about:
As AI technology advances, these defenses will become increasingly relevant in child pornography cases. Our legal team stays ahead of technological developments to provide cutting-edge defense strategies.
For more information on how deepfake technology impacts sex crime defenses, visit our deepfake porn page.
Child pornography charges often occur alongside other sex crime allegations. Our legal team has extensive experience defending clients against all types of sex offenses in Dallas County and throughout North Texas.
We handle cases involving:
Many sex crime investigations start with one allegation and expand as investigators examine your devices, internet history, and communications. Having an attorney who understands the full scope of potential charges is important for building a comprehensive defense.
If you’re facing any criminal charges, visit our Dallas criminal defense lawyer page to learn how we can help.
When your freedom and future are on the line, you need defense attorneys who will fight aggressively and leave no stone unturned. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy brings decades of experience defending serious criminal charges in Dallas courts.
We don’t just handle minor offenses. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against serious felony charges throughout Dallas County, including cases involving constitutional violations, illegal searches, and prosecutorial overreach. We know how to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and fight aggressively for dismissals and reductions.
Our attorneys practice in Dallas County courts every day. We understand how local prosecutors build their cases, which judges handle sex crime cases, and what defense strategies are most effective in this jurisdiction.
We know the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and have established professional relationships with prosecutors. This familiarity allows us to negotiate more effectively and anticipate the prosecution’s tactics.
We understand Dallas County juries. What resonates with jurors in Dallas differs from other jurisdictions. Our trial experience in these courtrooms gives us insight into how to present your defense most persuasively.
Sex crime allegations destroy reputations and tear apart families. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and treat every client with discretion and respect.
Richard C. McConathy personally stated in a firm interview: “I take on a case, I consider that person a part of my extended family. We’re gonna throw everything out there—every bit of our heart, soul, and effort to win that case just like we were being charged ourselves.”
That commitment means:
If you’re being investigated or accused, this case is already moving forward — with or without you.
Digital evidence is being reviewed.
Law enforcement is building their case.
And waiting only puts you further behind.
This is where you need to step in — with the right defense.
At The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve spent decades defending serious criminal charges across Dallas County. We get involved early, take control of the situation, and start challenging the case before it gains momentum.
📞 Call (972) 528-0116 now to speak directly with our office.
We’ll explain where you stand, what matters right now, and what can be done to protect you moving forward.
If you’re charged with possession of child pornography in Texas, you’ll face a third-degree felony charge carrying 2 to 10 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Dallas County, you’ll be booked at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center and see a magistrate within 48 hours who will set your bond and inform you of the charges.
The prosecution will use digital forensic evidence from your devices to prove you knowingly possessed the material. You’ll go through arraignment, pre-trial hearings at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, and potentially a trial if you don’t accept a plea agreement. Your case will be assigned to one of Dallas County’s 17 District Courts that handle felony criminal matters.
Having an experienced defense attorney from the moment you’re charged is vital. We can challenge the evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained materials, and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure alternative sentencing. Many people don’t realize that certain defenses—like lack of knowledge, illegal searches, or entrapment—can result in dismissed charges if properly argued.
Yes, child pornography charges can be dropped if your attorney identifies significant weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Common reasons charges get dismissed include illegal search and seizure violations, lack of evidence proving you knowingly possessed the material, inability to prove file ownership on shared devices, and procedural errors in the investigation.
We’ve successfully defended clients against serious felony charges by challenging the prosecution’s evidence and investigative methods. For example, we secured a dismissal on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge (Dallas County F1300346) by identifying flaws in the state’s case. While every case is different, experienced defense attorneys know how to find opportunities for dismissal.
The key is acting quickly. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the more time we have to investigate your case, identify defense opportunities, and potentially prevent charges from being filed.
No, child pornography charges can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level. State charges are filed when the offense occurs entirely within Texas and doesn’t involve interstate commerce. Federal charges apply when the case involves the internet, downloading from out-of-state servers, distribution across state lines, or investigation by federal agencies like the FBI or Department of Homeland Security.
Federal cases carry harsher mandatory minimum sentences—typically 5 to 20 years for possession and 15 to 30 years for production. Federal prosecutors also have more resources and longer investigation timelines. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, federal defendants convicted of child pornography offenses receive an average sentence of 100 months in prison, with limited opportunities for sentence reduction.
Understanding whether you face state or federal charges is important because it impacts your defense strategy, potential penalties, and which court system will handle your case.
Yes, conviction for any child pornography offense in Texas requires lifetime registration as a sex offender. This means you must report to local law enforcement annually or quarterly (depending on your offense level), provide your current address and employment information, and comply with residency restrictions. Your information will be published on the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Sex offender registration impacts where you can live (many cities restrict proximity to schools and parks), your employment opportunities, and your ability to maintain relationships. It creates a permanent public record that anyone can access online.
This is why fighting child pornography charges aggressively is so important. Registration requirements are mandatory upon conviction—there’s no way to avoid them once you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial. Your only option is to beat the charges entirely or negotiate a reduction to a non-registerable offense.
If police contact you regarding a child pornography investigation, immediately exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Do not answer questions, provide explanations, or try to talk your way out of the situation. Anything you say will be used against you, even if you’re trying to prove your innocence.
Politely tell officers: “I want to exercise my right to remain silent and speak with my attorney before answering any questions.” Then contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy at (972) 528-0116 immediately.
Do not consent to searches of your devices, vehicles, or property. If officers have a warrant, don’t resist, but don’t voluntarily provide access to anything beyond what the warrant specifies. Don’t delete files, messages, or internet history—destroying evidence can result in additional obstruction charges.
The faster you get legal representation, the better we can protect your constitutional rights and begin building your defense strategy. Many people make their case worse by talking to police without a lawyer present. Don’t let that happen to you.
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.
