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
Sex crimes under Texas law encompass a broad range of offenses that carry severe legal and social consequences. If you’re facing allegations of sexual assault, possession of child pornography, or any other sex-related offense in Arlington, you’re confronting potential prison time, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and devastating social stigma.
The legal system moves quickly in these cases, and every day without proper legal representation puts your future at greater risk.At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our experienced Arlington sex crime defense lawyers understand the gravity of these accusations and the urgent need for aggressive, discreet legal action. Our team, led by a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Arlington, brings over 35 years of combined experience to every case.
We’ve successfully defended clients against all types of sex crime charges in Tarrant County courts. Our Arlington criminal defense lawyers offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options immediately.
If you’ve been accused of a sex offense, contact our Arlington criminal defense lawyers today at (972) 528-0478 for immediate help.
Our firm handles the full spectrum of sex crime allegations in Arlington and throughout Tarrant County. Each type of charge carries unique legal challenges and potential defenses that require specialized knowledge of Texas criminal law.
Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.011, sexual assault occurs when someone intentionally or knowingly causes penetration without the other person’s consent due to:
These charges range from second-degree to first-degree felonies depending on circumstances. The prosecution relies heavily on victim testimony, which our attorneys challenge through careful cross-examination and investigation of inconsistencies.
Texas maintains strict laws regarding sexual conduct with minors. The age of consent in Texas is 17, meaning anyone under this age cannot legally consent to sexual activity with adults, regardless of apparent willingness.
Common defense scenarios include:
While often charged as misdemeanors, these accusations carry lasting consequences beyond potential jail time. Under Texas Penal Code Section 21.08, indecent exposure involves exposing genitals in public with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.
Charges escalate to felonies when exposure occurs in the presence of a child under 14, the defendant has prior convictions, or the conduct includes sexual acts. Many cases stem from misunderstandings – such as changing clothes in vehicles or on private property visible from public areas.
Child pornography charges carry both federal and state implications, often resulting in lengthy prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration. Law enforcement uses sophisticated digital forensics, executing search warrants on computers, phones, and cloud storage accounts.
Investigation procedures include analysis of browsing history, recovery of deleted files, examination of file-sharing networks, and review of social media. Our defense team includes digital forensics experts who can challenge computer evidence reliability and identify potential Fourth Amendment violations during searches.
Texas Penal Code Section 33.021 criminalizes communicating electronically with a minor (or someone believed to be a minor) and soliciting sexual conduct. Law enforcement sting operations are increasingly common, with officers posing as minors on dating apps, social media, and chat rooms.
Potential defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity through compromised accounts, entrapment by overly aggressive law enforcement, and technical defenses related to the defendant’s actual knowledge of the alleged victim’s age.
These charges often involve authority figures such as teachers, coaches, counselors, or other caretakers accused of sexual conduct with minors under their supervision. Even when the alleged victim is above the age of consent, Texas law creates special categories for these relationships.
Time is absolutely critical in these cases, as employers, licensing boards, and media attention can destroy careers and reputations before the legal process concludes.
Texas imposes some of the nation’s harshest penalties for sex crimes, with sentences that can span decades and consequences that last a lifetime.
| Offense Level | Prison Sentence | Maximum Fine | Registration Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years | $10,000 | Usually Yes |
| Third-Degree Felony | 2 – 10 years | $10,000 | Yes |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2 – 20 years | $10,000 | Yes |
| First-Degree Felony | 5 – 99 years or life | $10,000 | Yes |
| Enhanced (Prior Convictions) | 25 – 99 years or life | $10,000 | Yes |
Mandatory sex offender registration under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62 requires convicted individuals to:
Beyond criminal penalties, convictions create devastating civil consequences:
Every sex crime case is unique, requiring careful analysis of evidence, witness testimony, and law enforcement procedures. Our Arlington sex crime defense attorneys employ proven strategies tailored to each client’s specific circumstances.
False Accusation: Unfortunately, false allegations occur more frequently than many realize. Motivations include revenge after relationship breakups, child custody disputes, mental health issues, pressure from authority figures, and mistaken memory. We investigate the accuser’s background, examine social media activity, and identify potential fabrication motives.
Mistaken Identity: In cases involving strangers or low-light conditions, eyewitness identification can be unreliable. We challenge identification procedures and present alibi evidence when applicable.
Consent: When legally applicable (involving adults of consenting age), we examine evidence of mutual agreement and the absence of force, coercion, or incapacitation.
Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We meticulously review DNA testing, medical examination results, video surveillance footage, and witness credibility issues.
Improper Police Procedure: Law enforcement must follow constitutional requirements. We examine whether officers conducted searches without proper warrants, failed to read Miranda rights, used coercive questioning, or violated the right to counsel.
Digital Forensics Flaws: Computer evidence requires specialized handling. Our experts review hard drive imaging procedures, file recovery methods, network traffic analysis, and potential contamination or tampering.
When your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake, you need attorneys who combine local knowledge with national expertise in sex crime defense. Richard C. McConathy and his team bring over 35 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case.
Intimate Knowledge of Local Courts: We practice regularly in both Arlington Municipal Court (101 S. Mesquite Street) and the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center (401 W. Belknap Street). Our attorneys understand judge preferences, optimal hearing times, local prosecutor personalities, parking strategies, and jury selection nuances specific to Tarrant County residents.
This local insight allows us to anticipate prosecution strategies, navigate plea negotiations with realistic expectations, time motions for maximum impact, and help clients navigate the intimidating courthouse environment with confidence.
Just minutes from Arlington’s entertainment district – our office location allows us to meet clients at Parks Mall, The Highlands, or other familiar Arlington landmarks when courthouse meetings aren’t practical.
Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully defended clients against all types of sex crime allegations throughout Tarrant County, achieving favorable outcomes through strategic defense preparation and aggressive advocacy.
24/7 Availability: Sex crime investigations move rapidly, often with search warrants executed in early morning hours. We’re available around the clock to protect your rights from the moment you’re contacted by law enforcement.
Our respectful, non-judgmental approach recognizes that accusations don’t equal guilt. We treat every client with dignity while aggressively fighting the charges against them.
Reach out to our experienced Arlington sex crimes attorneys today at (972) 528-0478 to schedule your confidential consultation.
Your actions in the hours and days following a sex crime accusation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Whether you’ve been contacted by Arlington Police Department detectives at 620 W Division Street or Tarrant County Sheriff’s investigators, follow these essential steps to protect your legal rights:
Early legal intervention is absolutely critical in sex crime cases. Once formal charges are filed, the case becomes public record, potentially affecting your employment, housing, and personal relationships. Our immediate involvement allows us to:
Arlington Municipal Court (101 S. Mesquite Street) handles only misdemeanor sex crime charges like indecent exposure. The court is located in City Tower at the northeast corner of Abram and Mesquite streets, with limited street parking available – we recommend arriving early as downtown Arlington spaces fill quickly during court hours.
Felony sex crime cases are prosecuted at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center (401 W. Belknap Street) in downtown Fort Worth. This imposing building, bordered by Belknap, Weatherford, Taylor, and Lamar Streets, houses all 10 Criminal District Courts and 10 County Criminal Courts. There is no free parking available near the courthouse – expect to pay for metered parking or nearby garage spaces that typically cost $8-12 daily.
If arrested in Arlington, you’ll likely be transported to the Tarrant County Corrections Center (100 N. Lamar Street). At your arraignment hearing, usually held within 48-72 hours at the Tim Curry Justice Center, you’ll appear before a magistrate judge who will:
✅ Read the formal charges against you
✅ Inform you of your constitutional rights
✅ Set bond conditions (typically $25,000-$100,000+ for felony sex crimes)
✅ Schedule your next court appearance (usually 2-4 weeks out)
Bond can be posted 24/7 at the jail’s bond desk – call (817) 884-3000 for current bond information. Most clients use a bondsman located along the East Lancaster Avenue corridor near the jail.
Don’t wait another day to protect your future. Sex crime accusations require immediate, aggressive legal action to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and begin building your defense.
Whether you’re facing charges at Arlington Municipal Court on Mesquite Street or the more serious felony charges prosecuted at Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center downtown, we have the local knowledge and courtroom experience to guide you through every step.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we understand the fear, confusion, and urgency you’re experiencing. We know the stress of navigating downtown Fort Worth traffic, finding courthouse parking, and facing unfamiliar legal procedures. Our team will handle these logistics while focusing on your defense strategy.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation now by calling (972) 528-0478. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We can meet at our office, a neutral Arlington location like Starbucks near Parks Mall, or even by phone if courthouse appearance isn’t immediately required. Your comfort and privacy are our priorities during this difficult time.
Talk to a defense attorney today who has walked the halls of both Arlington Municipal Court and Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center hundreds of times. Get the aggressive legal help you need to protect your reputation, your future, and your family.
Your case is too important to handle alone. Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy immediately – your freedom depends on it.
Yes, most sex crime convictions in Texas require registration under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The registration period varies based on the specific offense:
Registration requirements follow you wherever you move, including other states. The only way to avoid registration is to avoid conviction, which is why aggressive defense representation is essential.
Absolutely. Our firm has handled numerous cases involving mistaken identity, fabricated accusations, and malicious false reports.
We know how to challenge weak or fabricated claims through thorough investigation, expert testimony, and aggressive cross-examination.
While most sex crimes are felonies, some misdemeanor offenses still carry severe long-term consequences:
Even misdemeanor convictions can require sex offender registration and impact employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
Legal fees vary based on case complexity, but initial consultations are always free. Factors affecting cost include:
We offer flexible payment plans and work with clients to make aggressive defense representation affordable. The cost of experienced legal counsel is minimal compared to the lifetime consequences of conviction.
Conviction brings immediate and lasting consequences beyond criminal penalties:
Immediate Impact:
Long-term Consequences:
A conviction affects every aspect of your life permanently. This is why getting experienced legal help early is so important.
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.
