header-logo-3    Richard   C.   McConathy  
Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
 info@mcconathylaw.com  
 
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
  Dallas ,   Texas ,   75248   United States  
 
(972) 233-5700

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Criminal Defense Lawyer Dallas | Top Rated Criminal Lawyer

Your life just flipped upside down—and now you need a criminal defense lawyer in Dallas, TX who fights as hard as you do.

The prosecutors want a quick conviction, but the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy has spent over 20 years proving them wrong with 1,000+ dismissed cases across Dallas County.

Don’t let them steamroll you, call (972) 528-0481 for a free case review now.

Free Case Review

Why Choose Our Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers

Since 2002, the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy has been protecting the freedoms of men, women, and youths charged with misdemeanors, felonies, and DWI throughout Dallas County and surrounding communities in TX.

Our Firm’s Track Record: Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled

  • 35+ years of combined criminal defense experience in Dallas
  • 1,000+ cases dismissed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
  • Serving 16+ counties across North Texas
  • Hundreds of criminal cases resulting in “Not Guilty” verdicts
  • 6,000+ criminal cases successfully handled

“When you are protecting someone’s freedoms and civil rights, you’re taking one of the most precious things and putting a shield of protection over it. You’re protecting this person from the onslaught of the awesome power of the government, and the only thing that is holding back that giant is a piece of paper written over 240 years ago.” – Richard C. McConathy

Our Team of Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers

Who Needs a Criminal Defense Attorney in Dallas?

Our services are particularly valuable for:

  • Individuals facing their first criminal charge
  • Repeat offenders facing enhanced penalties
  • Professionals whose careers could be jeopardized by a conviction
  • Students whose educational opportunities could be affected
  • Non-citizens concerned about immigration consequences
  • Individuals charged with serious felony offenses
  • Those accused of federal crimes carrying mandatory minimum sentences

What You Need to Know About Criminal Law in Texas

Facing criminal charges in Texas can be intimidating. The legal system moves fast, and prosecutors have a lot of resources behind them. That’s why having a strong defense matters — to protect your rights and fight for your future.

A criminal defense lawyer is your advocate. We’re here to challenge the case against you, make sure your rights are respected, and guide you through every step of the process.

Your Rights Under the Constitution

You have powerful rights under the U.S. Constitution. Here are some of the most important ones:

Amendment What It Means Why This Is Good for You
Fourth Amendment Protects you from illegal searches and seizures. The police need a valid reason to search you. You’re not at the mercy of random or unfair searches — your privacy is protected.
Fifth Amendment You can’t be forced to say anything that might get you in trouble, and you can’t be tried twice for the same crime. You can stay silent without it being used against you — and you get one fair shot, not multiple tries.
Sixth Amendment You have the right to a lawyer, a speedy trial, and to face the people accusing you. You’re not alone in court, and you get a fair chance to defend yourself.
Eighth Amendment Stops the court from setting unfairly high bail or handing out cruel or unusual punishments. You’re protected from extreme penalties and can fight your case without being stuck in jail just because you can’t afford bail.

 

What to Expect When You Hire Us: Step-by-Step Defense in Dallas County

Step 1: Free Consultation

We start by hearing your side. Then we review the arrest, police reports, video/audio, witness statements, and any other evidence.

Step 2: Immediate Action

We help with bond, demand evidence preservation, speak to witnesses while it’s fresh, and arrange expert evaluations if needed.

Step 3: Full Case Investigation

We dig into whether the stop or arrest was legal, if your rights were violated, whether key evidence helps you, or if the prosecution’s case has weaknesses.

Step 4: Strategy & Defense

We tailor a defense plan — this could mean filing motions to throw out bad evidence, challenging witnesses, presenting your side, negotiating, or prepping for trial.

Step 5: Fight for the Best Outcome

Our goal is always the best result: dropped or reduced charges, alternative sentencing, avoiding jail, or clearing your record when possible.

Texas Criminal Defense Process

Criminal Charges We Handle: From DWI to Federal Defense Cases

Our legal team defends clients against a wide range of criminal charges in Dallas, some of which are listed below. You can view a comprehensive list of all of our Practice Areas here

DWI Defense

Dallas DWI charges carry severe penalties including license suspension, hefty fines, and potential jail time. First-time DWI offenses can result in up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines, while repeat offenses face felony charges with years in prison.

Common DWI charges we defend:

  • First-time DWI and repeat offenses
  • DWI with BAC over .15 (enhanced penalties)
  • DWI with child passenger (felony)
  • Intoxication assault and manslaughter

Our defense strategies include challenging breathalyzer accuracy, questioning traffic stop validity, and examining field sobriety test procedures. We’ve secured dismissed cases with breath test results of .17 and .21, proving that high BAC doesn’t guarantee conviction.

Next steps: Contact us immediately to preserve evidence and protect your driving privileges through ALR hearings.

Learn More About Dallas DWI Defense →


Drug & Narcotics Crimes

Texas drug laws are among the harshest in the nation, with possession of even small amounts leading to felony charges. Possession of 1-4 grams of cocaine is a felony carrying 180 days to 2 years in jail, while trafficking charges can result in decades in prison.

Drug charges we handle:

  • Possession of controlled substances (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs)
  • Possession with intent to distribute
  • Drug trafficking and manufacturing
  • Prescription drug fraud

Our defense approach focuses on illegal search and seizure violations, challenging evidence chain of custody, and examining whether police had probable cause. Recent success: Possession of controlled substance felony reduced to Class A misdemeanor (Dallas County F1334337).

Next steps: Don’t speak to police without an attorney present – drug cases often hinge on constitutional violations.

Explore Dallas Drug Crime Defense →


Domestic Violence Defense

Family violence charges in Dallas carry serious consequences beyond criminal penalties, including protective orders, loss of gun rights, and impact on child custody. Assault family violence is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and $4,000 in fines.

Domestic violence charges include:

  • Assault by contact family violence
  • Assault causing bodily injury to family member
  • Continuous violence against family
  • Violation of protective orders

Defense strategies involve examining witness credibility, investigating motive to fabricate, and presenting evidence of self-defense or defense of others. We understand that domestic disputes are complex and allegations aren’t always truthful.

Next steps: Avoid contact with the alleged victim and comply with any temporary restraining orders while we build your defense.

Get Dallas Domestic Violence Defense →


Violent Crimes Defense

Violent crime convictions in Texas result in lengthy prison sentences and permanent criminal records. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony carrying 2-20 years in prison, while robbery charges can result in up to 99 years.

Violent crimes we defend:

  • Assault and aggravated assault
  • Robbery and aggravated robbery
  • Murder and manslaughter charges
  • Deadly conduct offenses

Our approach includes investigating self-defense claims, challenging witness identification, and examining forensic evidence. We’ve dismissed aggravated assault with deadly weapon charges (Dallas County F1300346) through aggressive pretrial motions.

Next steps: Violent crime cases require immediate action to preserve surveillance footage and witness statements.

Secure Violent Crimes Defense →


Theft & Property Crimes

Texas theft laws impose penalties based on the value of stolen property. Theft under $2,500 is a misdemeanor, but theft over $2,500 becomes a felony with potential prison time. Robbery (theft by force) carries 2-20 years in prison.

Property crimes we handle:

  • Theft, shoplifting, and larceny
  • Burglary of vehicles and habitations
  • Robbery and aggravated robbery
  • Criminal mischief and vandalism

Defense tactics focus on challenging intent to steal, examining surveillance evidence, and negotiating restitution agreements. Case result: Theft felony reduced to Class A misdemeanor (Dallas County F1245325-W).

Next steps: Early intervention can often resolve theft cases through pretrial diversion or plea negotiations.

Fight Theft Charges →


Sex Crimes Defense

Sex offense allegations carry devastating consequences including lengthy prison sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, and social stigma. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony with 2-20 years in prison, while indecency with a child can result in 10 years to life.

Sex crimes we defend:

  • Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault
  • Indecency with a child
  • Possession of child pornography
  • Public lewdness and indecent exposure

Our defense strategy involves challenging forensic evidence, examining witness credibility, and investigating false accusation motives. These cases require immediate expert consultation and careful evidence preservation.

Next steps: Do not discuss the allegations with anyone except your attorney – statements can be misinterpreted.

Protect Your Future →


Juvenile Defense

Juvenile criminal charges in Dallas can impact your child’s future education, employment, and military service opportunities. While juvenile court focuses on rehabilitation, serious offenses can result in adult certification and prison time.

Juvenile matters we handle:

  • Misdemeanor and felony juvenile cases
  • School disciplinary hearings
  • Juvenile drug and alcohol offenses
  • Certification as adult proceedings

Our approach emphasizes rehabilitation programs, community service alternatives, and keeping cases in juvenile court. Early intervention often prevents adult prosecution and preserves future opportunities.

Next steps: Contact us before your child speaks to police or school officials about any allegations.

Protect Your Child’s Future →


Record Expunction & Sealing

Criminal records can haunt you for years, affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing. Texas expunction laws allow certain cases to be completely erased, while orders of nondisclosure can seal records from public view.

Record relief options:

  • Expunction for dismissed or not guilty cases
  • Nondisclosure for deferred adjudication completions
  • Juvenile record sealing
  • Pardons and clemency

Eligibility requirements vary by offense type and outcome. Expunction completely erases the arrest and court records, while nondisclosure limits access to certain employers and licensing boards.

Next steps: We’ll review your case history and determine the best record relief option for your situation.

Clear Your Record →


Traffic Offenses

Serious traffic violations in Dallas can result in license suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time. Driving while license suspended is a Class C misdemeanor for first offense but becomes a Class B misdemeanor with potential jail time for subsequent violations.

Traffic violations we handle:

  • Reckless driving and racing on highway
  • Driving while license suspended/invalid
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Commercial driver violations

Our traffic ticket lawyer’s defense strategies include challenging radar accuracy, questioning officer training, and negotiating reduced charges to avoid license impact. Many clients don’t realize that pleading guilty to traffic tickets can affect insurance rates and driving privileges.

Next steps: Don’t simply pay the ticket – contact us to explore defense options and license protection.

Fight Traffic Charges →

Client Testimonials

“The case was dismissed. It got expunged completely from my record. My life just went on. Richard made such an effort to prove my innocence and I couldn’t thank him enough for the hard work that he put in for my case.” – Former Client

“Richard’s team was tenacious. They told me they were gonna fight this to the end in court. I felt like he cared about me and my best interests and treated me like I was family. They were able to get the blood test dismissed and my case was dismissed. I can’t thank Richard and his team enough.” – Former Client

Real Case Results from Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney Richard McConathy

These are actual criminal cases our Dallas defense lawyers have successfully handled:

Felony Defense Results

  • Aggravated Assault w/ Deadly Weapon, Dismissed, Dallas County, F1300346
  • Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Reduced to Class A Misdemeanor, Dallas County, F1334337
  • Theft (Felony), Reduced to Class A Misdemeanor, Dallas County, F1245325-W
  • Criminal Mischief (Felony), Dismissed, Dallas County, F16-14883

Misdemeanor Case Outcomes

  • Theft, Dismissed, Dallas Co., M1554025
  • Possession of Marijuana, Dismissed, Dallas County, M13-39484
  • Assault by Contact Family Violence, Dismissed, City of Dallas, C21550262
  • Unlawful Carrying of Weapon, Dismissed, Dallas County, M13-65512

DWI Defense Successes

  • DWI with a 0.164 breath test result: Not Guilty (Case MB0253138-B)
  • DWI with a 0.17 breath test result: Case Dismissed (M0562263)
  • DWI “passed out at the wheel”: Not Guilty (CR200707935)
  • DWI 2nd, Reduced to DWI 1st, Dallas Co. M14-493-99

Contact Our Dallas Criminal Defense Attorneys Today

If you’ve been accused of a crime in Dallas County, time is of the essence.

Important deadlines begin immediately after your arrest, and crucial evidence may be lost if not promptly preserved.

Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 528-0481 for a free consultation about your criminal charge in Dallas.

Remember: An arrest is not a conviction. Many criminal cases can be successfully fought with the right legal strategy and representation.

Office Location

15110 Dallas Pkwy #400

Dallas, TX 75248

Phone: (972) 233-5700

Toll-Free: 888-283-9394

Hours of Operation

Monday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

 

Mcconathy Law Principal Office

*Meetings at all locations available only by appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges in Texas

Should I talk to the police if I’m innocent?

No. Even innocent people can say things that might be misinterpreted or taken out of context. Exercise your right to remain silent and speak with a criminal defense lawyer first.

How much does a criminal defense attorney in Dallas cost?

Fees vary based on the complexity of your case, the seriousness of the charges, and whether your case goes to trial. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Can a felony charge be expunged from my record in Texas?

In certain circumstances, yes. Texas law allows for expunction of records in cases of acquittals, dismissals, pardons, and certain other outcomes. We can help determine if you’re eligible.

What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in TX?

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail. Felony offenses are more serious crimes punishable by more than one year in state prison and carry greater long-term consequences.

Should I accept a plea bargain from the prosecutor?

This depends on your specific case. While plea bargains can offer a quicker resolution with reduced penalties, they result in a conviction. We always evaluate whether we can achieve a better outcome through other means.

What happens at an arraignment in Dallas County?

An arraignment is your first court appearance where you’re formally charged and enter a plea. We can represent you at this hearing and help you understand the charges.