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
Few criminal accusations carry consequences as serious as allegations involving a child. Before a case reaches trial, a person may face public scrutiny, strained family relationships, restrictions on daily life, and uncertainty about the future.
If you have been accused of a child sexual offense in Texas or believe an investigation has begun, speaking with a lawyer early gives you the opportunity to protect yourself before important decisions are made. We represent clients throughout Texas who face these allegations with discretion, respect, and a commitment to preparing every case thoroughly.
Call the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy at (972) 233-5700 to discuss your situation. You can call us 24/7, we’re here for you.
Yes. A Texas child sexual abuse lawyer begins protecting your rights long before a jury hears evidence. Many of these cases start with interviews, electronic evidence, forensic examinations, and statements gathered during an investigation rather than with an immediate arrest.
Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors move quickly once a report reaches authorities. Every statement, electronic record, and witness interview becomes part of the evidence prosecutors evaluate when deciding whether to file charges.
Seeking legal representation early places you in a stronger position while the investigation continues.
A criminal allegation reaches far beyond the courtroom. Even before formal charges appear, employers, schools, licensing agencies, and family members may become aware of the investigation.
Many people worry about:
Every concern exists separately from the criminal case itself. Addressing those issues early helps reduce unnecessary mistakes during the investigation.
Many child sexual abuse investigations continue for weeks or months before charges appear. During that time, officers interview witnesses, collect electronic devices, obtain medical records, and review communications.
Speaking with investigators before understanding the allegations creates unnecessary risks. Early legal guidance helps protect constitutional rights while allowing every decision to be made with a clear understanding of the possible consequences.
We understand that many people accused of child sexual abuse feel isolated long before they enter a courtroom. Every case deserves careful preparation, close attention to the evidence, and honest communication about the legal process.
Our office has represented Texans facing serious felony allegations for more than 35 years. We have handled more than 6,000 criminal cases and secured more than 1,000 dismissals. We provide direct access to Richard C. McConathy from the start of your case, not junior staff.
Those numbers reflect decades spent defending clients in courtrooms throughout Texas, including complex felony prosecutions involving forensic evidence, digital records, and extensive witness testimony.
Rather than reacting to allegations after prosecutors finalize their case, we begin reviewing evidence as early as possible. That preparation helps identify weaknesses, preserve favorable evidence, and develop a defense based on the facts rather than assumptions.
Stage of Representation | How We Help |
Initial Case Review | We examine the allegations, available evidence, and procedural history to identify immediate concerns. |
Investigation Review | We analyze witness statements, forensic interviews, electronic evidence, and investigative reports. |
Court Representation | We represent clients during hearings, negotiations, pretrial proceedings, and trial when necessary. |
Defense Development | We prepare defenses based on the evidence, applicable Texas law, and the specific facts of the case. |
Ongoing Communication | We explain each stage of the case so clients understand what is happening and what decisions lie ahead. |
Child sexual abuse prosecutions involve evidence that differs from many other criminal cases. Prosecutors frequently rely on forensic interviews, electronic communications, medical records, scientific testing, and expert witnesses.
Our experience defending felony cases allows us to review those materials with the attention they require. A careful review frequently reveals inconsistencies, investigative gaps, or assumptions that deserve closer examination before trial.
If you learn that law enforcement wants to speak with you or you have already been arrested, speaking with our office early provides an opportunity to understand the process before the case moves further through the Texas criminal justice system.
Texas child sexual abuse allegations involve several different criminal offenses. The charge depends on the alleged conduct, the age of the child, the relationship between the parties, and the evidence collected during the investigation.
Texas prosecutors frequently file these cases under provisions of the Texas Penal Code, including statutes addressing sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, continuous sexual abuse of a young child, and online solicitation of a minor. The exact statute determines the possible punishment, registration requirements, and how prosecutors present the case.
Texas Offense | General Description | Typical Classification |
Sexual Assault of a Child | Alleged sexual conduct involving a child younger than the age established by Texas law. | Second-degree felony or higher depending on the facts. |
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child | Allegations involving aggravating circumstances identified by Texas law. | First-degree felony. |
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child | Allegations involving repeated sexual abuse over an extended period. | First-degree felony with mandatory minimum sentencing provisions. |
Indecency With a Child | Allegations involving sexual contact or exposure involving a child. | Second-degree or third-degree felony depending on the conduct alleged. |
Online Solicitation of a Minor | Allegations involving electronic communication with a person believed to be a minor for unlawful purposes. | Felony classification depends on the allegations. |
Every charge carries unique legal elements that prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. The title of the offense alone does not establish guilt.
Many people assume prosecutors must present physical evidence to obtain a conviction. Texas law does not require every child sexual abuse prosecution to include DNA evidence, medical findings, or eyewitness testimony.
Instead, prosecutors frequently rely on several types of evidence working together.
Evidence commonly includes:
Each piece of evidence carries strengths and weaknesses. A defense begins by examining how investigators collected that evidence and whether it supports the allegations.
Child sexual abuse cases follow procedures that differ from many other felony prosecutions. Judges frequently issue protective orders governing discovery, witness interviews, and the handling of sensitive evidence.
Children rarely testify in the same manner as adult witnesses. Prosecutors often introduce forensic interview recordings, expert testimony, and specialized witnesses to explain investigative procedures.
Defense counsel carefully reviews whether those procedures complied with Texas law and constitutional protections.
Texas prosecutors attempt to prove child sexual abuse by presenting evidence that establishes every legal element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. That evidence combines witness testimony, forensic interviews, electronic records, medical documentation, and statements attributed to the accused.
Unlike crimes that occur in public, many child sexual abuse allegations arise from private settings where few witnesses exist. Prosecutors therefore build cases by connecting multiple forms of evidence rather than relying on a single piece of proof.
One of the earliest steps in many investigations involves a forensic interview conducted at a children’s advocacy center. These interviews follow structured protocols designed to obtain information from children while reducing repeated questioning.
Defense counsel carefully reviews:
The reliability of a forensic interview becomes an important issue throughout the criminal case.
Every Texas child sexual abuse case requires a defense built around the evidence, not the accusation. We begin by reviewing the state’s evidence, identifying inconsistencies, and determining whether investigators followed Texas law throughout the investigation.
Child sexual abuse prosecutions involve complex factual issues. Allegations frequently depend on witness statements, forensic interviews, electronic records, and expert testimony rather than physical evidence alone. A careful review of each piece of evidence helps determine whether the prosecution has met its burden of proof.
Every case presents different facts, but several issues appear regularly during child sexual abuse prosecutions.
Defense Issue | Why It Matters |
False or mistaken allegations | The evidence must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. |
Inconsistent witness statements | Conflicting accounts affect credibility and reliability. |
Improper forensic interview techniques | Suggestive questioning may influence a child’s statements. |
Electronic evidence disputes | Digital records do not automatically establish who used a device. |
Constitutional violations | Evidence obtained unlawfully may become subject to legal challenges. |
Lack of corroborating evidence | Prosecutors still carry the burden of proving every element of the offense. |
A child sexual abuse conviction affects nearly every aspect of daily life. Criminal penalties represent only one part of the long-term consequences.
Many convictions require registration as a sex offender under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and registration obligations may continue for years or, in some cases, for life.
A conviction may affect opportunities long after a sentence has ended.
Consequences frequently include:
These consequences explain why many people seek legal representation before speaking with investigators or appearing in court.
Texas licensing agencies maintain authority to discipline license holders independently from criminal courts.
Healthcare professionals, teachers, commercial drivers, accountants, financial advisers, real estate professionals, and many other licensed occupations remain subject to administrative proceedings regardless of how the criminal case progresses.
Administrative actions follow separate procedures and timelines. Addressing both matters together helps avoid unnecessary surprises later in the process.
Speaking with Child Protective Services before obtaining legal advice creates risks because statements made during the investigation may later appear in criminal proceedings. We recommend discussing the situation with counsel before participating in interviews.
No. Texas prosecutors review the available evidence before deciding whether to file charges. Some investigations close without formal criminal prosecution.
False allegations occur for many reasons, including family disputes, custody disagreements, mistaken identity, or misunderstandings. Every allegation still requires careful evaluation of the evidence before conclusions are reached.
No. Some cases resolve before trial through dismissals, negotiated resolutions, or other lawful outcomes. Every case follows its own path based on the evidence and legal issues involved.
You should contact a Texas child sexual abuse lawyer as soon as you learn that law enforcement wants to speak with you or that an investigation has begun. Early representation helps protect your rights before important decisions are made.
No. Texas prosecutors may rely on witness testimony, forensic interviews, electronic communications, medical records, and other evidence depending on the facts of the case.
A target letter or notice of an investigation means prosecutors or law enforcement believe you may have information connected to a criminal investigation. Speaking with legal counsel before responding protects your interests throughout the process.
Some Texas convictions require registration under the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. Registration requirements depend on the offense of conviction and applicable Texas law.
Yes. Some child sexual abuse charges are dismissed when the evidence fails to satisfy the prosecution's burden or legal issues arise during the case. Every case depends on its own facts and procedural history.
For more than 35 years, we have represented Texans facing serious felony charges throughout state and federal courts. Our office has handled more than 6,000 criminal cases and secured more than 1,000 dismissals. We bring that experience to every client who places their trust in us.
You always work directly with Richard C. McConathy, not other associates or paralegals.
If you have been arrested, contacted by investigators, or believe you are under investigation, call the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 or complete our online contact form. We are available 24/7. The earlier we become involved, the sooner we begin protecting 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.
