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
Online conversations can be misunderstood—or deliberately set up by law enforcement.
In Dallas, online solicitation of a minor charges often come from undercover sting operations where officers pose as minors. What may seem like a casual or unclear exchange can quickly turn into a serious felony allegation under Texas law.
And the consequences are severe.
Even without any in-person meeting, a conviction can lead to prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and a permanent criminal record. But these cases are not always as straightforward as they appear.
They often depend on digital evidence, how the communication is interpreted, and whether prosecutors can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve defended individuals facing complex sex crime allegations across Dallas County for decades. We focus on analyzing the evidence, challenging how it was obtained, and building a defense that reflects what actually happened.
If you’ve been accused or believe you may be under investigation, speaking with an experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer early can make a critical difference.
Call (972) 528-0478 for a confidential consultation.
The moment you learn you’re under investigation for online solicitation, the clock starts ticking. Digital evidence never disappears—it’s preserved on servers, in cloud storage, and through forensic recovery methods. Law enforcement may already have months of chat logs, IP addresses, and timestamped communications they’re using to build their case against you.
Early legal intervention gives us the opportunity to:
According to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, sex crime prosecutions have increased 34% since 2019, with online solicitation cases representing a growing portion of their caseload. The DA’s Special Crimes Unit, located in the Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207, handles these cases with extreme severity, which is why you need an experienced Dallas sex crimes attorney on your side from day one.
Don’t wait until you’ve been arrested. Call (972) 528-0116 now to speak with our legal team.
Online solicitation of a minor is defined under Texas Penal Code §33.021 and criminalizes electronic communication with someone under 17 years old with the intent to engage in sexual conduct or contact. This law applies across virtually every digital platform where communication occurs, including:
Here’s what many people don’t understand: you can be charged and convicted without ever meeting the minor or even attempting to meet them. The statute criminalizes three distinct behaviors:
A conviction can result from chat messages alone. No physical meeting, no physical contact, no actual minor involved—you can still face felony prosecution.
The punishment for online solicitation in Texas ranks among the harshest in the nation. The specific classification depends on the nature of the alleged conduct and whether you attempted to arrange a meeting.
Most online solicitation cases under subsection (b)—communicating in a sexually explicit manner or distributing sexually explicit material to a minor—are prosecuted as third-degree felonies. This classification carries:
However, if the minor is under 14 years old (or you believed them to be under 14), the charge escalates to a second-degree felony with 2 to 20 years imprisonment.
According to data from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the average sentence for third-degree felony sex crimes is 5.3 years, though judges have wide discretion in sentencing.
If prosecutors charge you under subsection (c)—soliciting a minor to meet with intent to engage in sexual contact—the offense is classified as a second-degree felony:
Important: You do NOT need to actually meet the minor. Simply soliciting the meeting with the required intent is sufficient for prosecution. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution under Subsection (c) that the meeting did not occur.”
Under Texas Penal Code §33.021(f-1), if the offense occurred during regular school hours AND you knew or should have known the minor was enrolled in school, the charge increases by one degree:
This enhancement was added in 2021 and significantly increases exposure to prison time.
Perhaps the most devastating long-term consequence is mandatory registration as a sex offender. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62, anyone convicted of online solicitation must register with their local law enforcement agency.
What sex offender registration means for your life:
| Consequence | Impact |
|---|---|
| Public Registry | Your name, photo, address, and offense details appear on the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry, accessible to anyone with internet access |
| Residency Restrictions | You cannot live within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, parks, or youth centers—eliminating most urban housing options |
| Employment Barriers | Most employers conduct background checks; a sex offense conviction disqualifies you from jobs involving children, education, healthcare, and many corporate positions |
| Professional Licensing | State licensing boards for law, medicine, nursing, teaching, and real estate may revoke or deny licenses |
| Travel Limitations | International travel becomes difficult or impossible; many countries deny entry to registered sex offenders |
| Community Notification | In some cases, local residents are notified when a sex offender moves into their neighborhood |
The registration period typically lasts 10 years minimum, but can be lifetime depending on the specifics of your conviction.
If convicted, you must register with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office within 7 days of release from custody or 7 days of sentencing (if not incarcerated).
Registration location: Dallas County Sheriff’s Office – Sex Offender Registration Unit 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75207 (Second floor of Lew Sterrett Justice Center)
What the registration process involves:
Ongoing obligations:
Cost: $50 annual registration fee
⚠️ Critical: Failure to register or update information is a separate felony offense under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.102, punishable by 2-10 years additional prison time. Dallas County prosecutors aggressively pursue failure-to-register cases.
Where your information appears: Your registration data is uploaded to the Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry, which is publicly searchable and includes:
This information cannot be removed, sealed, or hidden even after your registration period ends—it becomes permanent public record accessible by anyone with internet access.
If you’re under investigation or have been arrested for online solicitation of a minor, your immediate actions will significantly impact the outcome of your case. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Do Not Speak to Police Without an Attorney Present
You have a constitutional right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Exercise it. Law enforcement officers are trained interrogators who will use psychological tactics, false statements about evidence, and implied promises of leniency to extract a confession. Even “clarifying” statements or attempts to explain your side of the story can become the cornerstone of the prosecution’s case. The only words you should say to police are: “I’m invoking my right to remain silent, and I want to speak with my lawyer.”
2. Do Not Delete Messages, Emails, or Social Media Accounts
It’s natural to panic and want to erase potentially incriminating evidence. Don’t do it. Deleting digital evidence constitutes obstruction of justice under Texas law and can result in additional felony charges. Moreover, deleted messages are almost never truly gone—they’re stored on company servers, backup systems, and can be recovered through forensic analysis. Destroying evidence suggests consciousness of guilt and will be used against you at trial.
3. Preserve All Evidence That Supports Your Defense
While you shouldn’t delete anything, you should immediately secure evidence that helps your case. This includes:
4. Contact a Defense Lawyer Immediately
Time is not on your side. The longer you wait to retain an attorney, the more difficult your case becomes. Our team can intervene during the investigation phase, potentially before charges are filed.
Understanding the immediate legal process can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights. Here’s what typically happens after an online solicitation arrest in Dallas County.
After arrest, you’ll be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center (commonly called “Lew Sterrett”), located at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207. This is Dallas County’s main intake facility, situated just west of I-35E near downtown Dallas, adjacent to the Frank Crowley Courts Building.
The booking process includes:
⏱️ Timeline: Booking typically takes 4-8 hours, though delays are common during weekends and holidays when the facility is busiest.
For online solicitation charges in Dallas County, bond amounts vary significantly based on the degree of the felony and your criminal history:
| Charge Classification | Typical Bond Range | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Degree Felony (standard subsection b) | $10,000 – $30,000 | May require GPS monitoring; no contact with minors; internet restrictions |
| Second-Degree Felony (meeting solicitation or under-14 victim) | $25,000 – $75,000 | Strict supervision; possible home confinement; no internet access |
| First-Degree Felony (school enhancement) | $50,000 – $150,000+ | Enhanced monitoring; may be denied bond entirely |
| Prior Criminal History | Bond may be denied | Considered flight risk or danger to community |
Important: Dallas County Magistrate Judges set bonds within 48 hours of arrest. However, for sex crimes, prosecutors often request high bonds or no bond, arguing you pose a danger to children. Having an attorney present at your initial appearance can significantly impact the bond amount.
Your first court appearance will be at one of Dallas County’s criminal courts, depending on case assignment:
Frank Crowley Courts Building 133 N. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
George Allen Courts Building (Downtown Dallas) 600 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202
Your arraignment typically occurs 2-4 weeks after arrest. This is where you’ll be formally notified of charges and enter a plea. Here’s what happens:
Before the hearing:
During the arraignment:
Forms you may encounter:
⚖️ Local Practice Note: Dallas County judges expect strict courtroom decorum. Address the judge as “Your Honor,” stand when spoken to, and never interrupt. Criminal District Court 2 (Judge Nancy Kennedy) and Criminal District Court 5 (Judge Juan Renteria) handle many sex crime cases and maintain particularly formal proceedings.
If you’re released on bond for an online solicitation charge, Dallas County Community Supervision typically requires:
Electronic Monitoring:
Internet and Phone Restrictions:
Geographic Restrictions:
Our office can help you:
Call (972) 528-0116 right now. We’re available 24/7 for urgent matters.
Every online solicitation case is unique, but certain defense strategies have proven effective in Dallas County courts. Our attorneys evaluate your specific circumstances to determine which approach offers the strongest chance of success.
Texas law requires prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had the specific intent to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. Intent is determined by examining the totality of your communications, not just isolated messages taken out of context.
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce someone to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise committed. Under Texas law, entrapment is established if: (1) the officer encouraged the criminal conduct, and (2) the defendant was not predisposed to commit the offense.
This defense is particularly relevant in sting operations where undercover officers pose as minors. If the “minor” initiated sexual conversation, repeatedly solicited meetings despite rejection, or used manipulation tactics to encourage illegal conduct, you may have an entrapment defense.
However, entrapment defenses are difficult to prove. Texas courts use the “objective test,” which asks whether the police conduct would have induced a normally law-abiding person to commit the offense. Simply providing an opportunity to commit a crime is not entrapment—the officer must have actively encouraged or coerced the behavior.
If you reasonably believed the person was 18 or older based on their statements, profile information, or appearance, this can form the basis of a defense. Texas law does require that you have actual knowledge or reasonable belief that the person is a minor.
Hypothetical Scenario:
A woman meets someone on an adult-oriented website that requires users to confirm they’re 18+. The profile lists the age as 21. They exchange messages about meeting for dinner. Weeks later, she’s arrested because the “21-year-old” was actually an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old in a sting operation.
This defendant has a strong age misrepresentation defense because: (1) the website’s age verification created reasonable belief of adult status, (2) the profile explicitly stated an adult age, and (3) the defendant took reasonable steps to ensure legal conduct by using an age-restricted platform.
However, this defense has limitations. If evidence shows you were informed of the minor status during the conversation and continued communicating, or if the person’s profile contained obvious indicators of minor status (high school information, underage photos), the defense weakens significantly.
The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. In online solicitation cases, this requires establishing:
Digital evidence challenges we exploit:
| Evidence Issue | Defense Strategy |
|---|---|
| Unverified IP Address | IP addresses can be spoofed, shared through public Wi-Fi, or accessed by multiple household members. We challenge the chain of custody and authentication. |
| Ambiguous Messages | Prosecutors often cherry-pick messages and remove context. We present the full conversation to show innocent interpretations. |
| Account Security | We investigate whether your account was hacked, accessed by others, or compromised, creating reasonable doubt about who sent the messages. |
| Timestamp Inconsistencies | Metadata analysis can reveal inconsistencies in when messages were supposedly sent versus when they were actually created or modified. |
| Missing Exculpatory Evidence | We file discovery motions to ensure prosecutors turn over all evidence, including messages that support your innocence. |
The majority of online solicitation arrests in Dallas result from law enforcement sting operations. Understanding how these stings work is vital to mounting an effective defense.
Local police departments, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and multi-agency task forces regularly conduct undercover operations targeting online solicitation. Recent operations have intensified across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with major stings conducted in:
Dallas Police Department Sting Locations:
Regional Coordination: The North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force coordinates multi-agency operations from their headquarters near Dallas Love Field. This task force includes:
These agencies share resources, intelligence, and undercover officers, meaning a conversation started in Dallas might result in arrest coordination with Irving or Richardson police.
The typical sting follows this pattern:
Phase 1: The Bait
Phase 2: The Hook
Phase 3: The Meeting
Common sting operation meeting locations in Dallas County:
Officers choose locations with easy surveillance access, multiple arrest team positions, and public visibility to capture everything on video.
While not definitive, these patterns often indicate you’re communicating with an undercover officer rather than a real minor:
Law enforcement sting operations must comply with constitutional protections. Common violations we identify include:
Entrapment – When officers cross the line from providing opportunity into active inducement
First Amendment violations – Some conversations constitute protected speech until they cross into solicitation territory
Fourth Amendment violations – Warrantless searches of devices, improper seizure of evidence, or illegal surveillance tactics
Fifth Amendment violations – Coerced confessions, failure to provide Miranda warnings, or continuing interrogation after you invoke your rights
If we can prove constitutional violations occurred, evidence obtained illegally can be suppressed, often leading to case dismissal.
Facing online solicitation charges requires an attorney with specific experience in this complex area of criminal law. Not all criminal defense lawyers have the technical knowledge, courtroom experience, or investigative resources necessary to effectively defend these cases.
What sets Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy apart:
🏛️ Deep Dallas County Court Experience We’ve handled over 6,000 criminal cases in Dallas County since 2002. We know the judges, understand how each court operates, and have established relationships with prosecutors. This local knowledge creates strategic advantages in negotiations and trial strategy.
Our familiarity with Dallas County’s criminal courts includes:
Specific Dallas County advantages:
🔬 Technical Digital Forensics Capability Online solicitation cases are won or lost based on digital evidence. We work with certified forensic experts who can authenticate evidence, identify tampering, recover deleted files, and analyze metadata to support your defense.
⚔️ Trial-Ready Advocacy While many firms prioritize quick plea bargains, we prepare every case for trial. When prosecutors know you’re willing to take a case to trial, they’re more likely to offer favorable plea agreements or dismiss weak charges.
📞 24/7 Availability for Urgent Matters Police don’t work 9-to-5 schedules, and neither do we. When you’re arrested or being questioned, you need immediate legal representation. We maintain 24-hour availability for emergency situations.
Don’t trust your future to an attorney who handles online solicitation cases as a side practice. Choose lawyers who have dedicated their careers to criminal defense and sex crime cases. Call (972) 528-0116 for a confidential consultation.
Successfully defending an online solicitation case requires intimate knowledge of Dallas County’s specific procedures, offices, and requirements. Here’s what you’ll encounter:
If you’re released on bond, you’ll report to Dallas County Pre-Trial Services, located at:
George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building 600 Commerce Street, Suite 105, Dallas, TX 75202 (Near Reunion Tower, accessible via DART Red/Blue/Green/Orange lines to Akard Station)
What happens at pre-trial services:
Reporting requirements:
Missing an appointment can result in bond revocation and immediate re-arrest. We help clients understand their reporting obligations and can attend appointments with you if needed.
If your case results in deferred adjudication or probation, you’ll be supervised by Dallas County CSCD:
Main Office: 133 N. Industrial Blvd, LB 6, Dallas, TX 75207 (Adjacent to Lew Sterrett Justice Center, off I-35E Beckley exit)
What to expect if placed on probation:
Sex Offender Treatment Providers in Dallas: Dallas County CSCD maintains a list of approved treatment providers. Sessions typically occur weekly and cost $75-150 per session (not covered by insurance for court-ordered treatment). Treatment locations are throughout Dallas County, including offices near Medical District, Richardson, and North Dallas.
For accessing case documents, filing motions, or obtaining court records:
Records Building 500 Elm Street, Suite 3300, Dallas, TX 75202 (Located across from Dallas County Courthouse, between Main Street and Elm Street)
Services:
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Important: Court records can be accessed online through Dallas County’s website, but complete files require in-person review.
Online solicitation charges are often filed alongside other sex crime allegations. Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers handle the full spectrum of sex crime cases, including:
Possession of Child Pornography – Federal and state charges for possessing, distributing, or producing images of minors in sexually explicit situations
Indecency with a Child – Physical sexual contact or exposure with someone under 17
Sexual Assault – Non-consensual sexual conduct with a minor or adult
Statutory Rape Defense – Sexual conduct with someone under the age of consent, even if consensual
Child Sexual Abuse Charges – Various offenses involving alleged sexual conduct with minors
Sexual Performance by a Child – Employing, authorizing, or inducing a child to engage in sexual conduct for visual material
Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student – Texas Penal Code §21.12 violations involving school employees and students
If you’re facing multiple charges or related offenses, our comprehensive defense approach addresses all aspects of your case within a unified strategy.
Beyond the immediate penalties of prison time and fines, an online solicitation conviction creates ripple effects that devastate every aspect of your life for decades to come.
Career Termination – Most employers conduct background checks before hiring. A felony sex crime conviction disqualifies you from:
Business Ownership Barriers – If you own or want to start a business:
Family Court Consequences – A sex crime conviction impacts custody and visitation rights:
Social Stigma – Sex offender status carries unique social consequences:
For non-U.S. citizens, an online solicitation conviction triggers automatic removal proceedings under federal immigration law. Sex crimes involving minors are classified as “aggravated felonies” under 8 U.S.C. §1101(a)(43), which means:
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, the immigration consequences may be more severe than the criminal penalties. We work with experienced immigration attorneys to develop defense strategies that protect both your criminal and immigration status.
If you’ve been accused of online solicitation of a minor, this isn’t something that slows down on its own.
Digital evidence is already being collected.
Law enforcement is already building the case.
And once charges move forward, the consequences are severe and long-term.
This is exactly when a defense lawyer needs to step in.
At The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve spent decades defending serious felony cases across Dallas County. When the state pushes hard, we push back harder — early, strategically, and without hesitation.
📞 Call (972) 528-0116 now to speak directly with our office.
We’ll walk you through what’s happening, what’s at risk, and what can be done immediately to protect you.
Online solicitation of a minor is typically a third-degree felony punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. However, if the minor is under 14 or if you solicited a meeting with the minor, the charge escalates to a second-degree felony (2-20 years).
If a school enhancement applies, it can become a first-degree felony with penalties of 5-99 years or life. All convictions require mandatory sex offender registration for a minimum of 10 years. Beyond incarceration, you’ll face employment barriers, housing restrictions, professional license revocation, and social stigma. The severity of these consequences makes immediate legal representation essential.
Yes. Texas Penal Code §33.021 criminalizes the communication itself when combined with sexual intent. You can be arrested, charged, and convicted based solely on text messages, social media chats, or emails—even if no physical meeting ever occurred and even if the “minor” was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.
The law recognizes three separate offenses: soliciting a minor with intent to meet, distributing sexually explicit material to a minor, and requesting sexually explicit material from a minor. Each offense can result in felony charges without any physical contact. This is one reason why online solicitation cases are so prevalent—prosecutors don’t need to prove an actual meeting occurred.
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. Under Texas law, you must prove two elements: (1) you were induced by law enforcement to engage in the conduct, and (2) you were not predisposed to commit the offense.
Simply providing an opportunity to commit a crime is not entrapment—the officer must have actively encouraged, coerced, or manipulated you into the illegal behavior. For example, if an undercover officer repeatedly initiated sexual conversations despite your attempts to change the subject, persistently suggested meeting despite your refusals, or used manipulation tactics to overcome your resistance, you may have an entrapment defense. However, these defenses are difficult to prove and require expert legal analysis of the entire communication history.
Yes, online solicitation of a minor is always charged as a felony in Texas. There is no misdemeanor version of this offense. The default charge is a third-degree felony (2-10 years prison), which escalates to a second-degree felony (2-20 years) if the minor is under 14 or if you solicited a meeting.
This felony classification means you face state prison time (not county jail), mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent conviction on your criminal record. There is no expungement or sealing available for sex crime convictions in Texas—the record remains public and searchable for life. This is why taking an online solicitation charge seriously from the moment you learn about it is absolutely critical to your future.
The timeline varies significantly depending on whether you were arrested in a sting operation or as part of an ongoing investigation. In sting operations, charges are typically filed within 48-72 hours of arrest. For investigative cases where digital evidence requires forensic analysis, charges may not be filed for weeks or even months after the initial investigation begins.
Texas law requires that felony charges be filed within the statute of limitations period—generally 10 years for second-degree felonies and unlimited for first-degree felonies. However, prosecutors often move quickly in online solicitation cases due to public pressure and political considerations. If you haven’t been formally charged but know you’re under investigation, contacting a defense attorney immediately can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.
Unfortunately, no. Texas law does not permit expungement or sealing (nondisclosure) of sex crime convictions. If you’re convicted of online solicitation of a minor, the felony remains on your public criminal record permanently. The conviction will appear in background checks for employment, housing, professional licenses, and any other situation where criminal history is reviewed.
This is distinct from cases that are dismissed or result in not guilty verdicts—those outcomes may qualify for expungement, which completely removes the arrest and charge from your record. This permanent record consequence is another reason why fighting the charges aggressively from the beginning is essential. Once convicted, you cannot undo the damage to your record, reputation, or future opportunities.
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.
