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
When you’re facing criminal charges in Burleson, Texas, your freedom, reputation, and future hang in the balance. A single criminal conviction can derail your career, impact your family, and follow you for the rest of your life. The Texas criminal justice system is unforgiving, with prosecutors who aggressively pursue maximum penalties.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve protected clients throughout Johnson County for over 35 years, achieving more than 1,000 case dismissals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We don’t just handle cases – we fight for people whose lives have been turned upside down by criminal charges.
Don’t face the system alone. Contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys today for a confidential consultation.
Our legal team handles the full spectrum of criminal charges in Johnson County courts with thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and personalized defense strategies.
Texas takes drug offenses seriously, with penalties that escalate rapidly based on the substance type and quantity involved. Our Burleson drug crime lawyers defend clients against:
The penalties for drug crimes in Texas range from Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days in jail) to first-degree felonies (life imprisonment). Even simple possession charges can result in driver’s license suspension, hefty fines, and permanent criminal records affecting employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
A DWI arrest in Burleson triggers two separate legal proceedings: the criminal case and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. You have only 15 days from your arrest date to request an ALR hearing to protect your driving privileges.
The consequences extend far beyond criminal penalties. A DWI conviction can result in:
| Offense Level | Jail Time | Fine | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| First DWI | 3-180 days | Up to $2,000 | 90 days to 1 year |
| Second DWI | 30 days-1 year | Up to $4,000 | 180 days to 2 years |
| Third+ DWI (Felony) | 2-10 years prison | Up to $10,000 | 180 days to 2 years |
Violent crime charges carry severe penalties and long-lasting consequences. We handle:
Assault convictions can disqualify you from certain professions, prevent firearm ownership, and create difficulties in child custody disputes. The social stigma can be as damaging as the legal penalties.
Property crimes encompass a wide range of offenses, from shoplifting to complex white-collar schemes. We defend clients charged with:
The value of the allegedly stolen property determines the severity of theft charges:
Sex crime allegations require immediate, experienced legal representation due to their serious nature and social stigma. We handle these sensitive cases with discretion while providing vigorous defense against:
Sex crime convictions often require lifetime registration as a sex offender, which affects where you can live, work, and travel. The impact on family relationships and community standing can be devastating.
When minors are charged with crimes in Texas, the proceedings occur in juvenile court with different procedures and goals. However, serious offenses can result in certification as an adult. We protect young clients charged with:
Early intervention in juvenile cases can prevent a criminal record that follows a young person into adulthood. Our goal is rehabilitation and keeping children in their communities whenever possible.
Even after successfully resolving a criminal case, arrest records can continue harming your reputation and opportunities. Our expungement attorney in Burleson helps clients clear their records through:
Not all cases are eligible for record clearance, but we thoroughly review each situation to identify available options for protecting your future.
The actions you take immediately after an arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Follow these critical steps to protect your rights:
1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
2. Request an Attorney Immediately
3. Document Everything You Remember
4. Contact Our Firm for Immediate Legal Representation
Don’t wait to get legal help – the prosecution is already building their case. Every day you delay could mean missed opportunities to gather evidence, interview witnesses, or negotiate with prosecutors.
Step 1: Initial Arrest & Booking
Step 2: Magistrate Warning (Within 48 Hours)
Step 3: Grand Jury (Felony Cases Only)
Step 4: Arraignment
Step 5: Pre-trial Proceedings
What to Bring to Court:
When you’re facing criminal charges, you need more than just legal knowledge – you need experienced advocates who understand how the system works and fight relentlessly for your rights.
🏆 Proven Track Record of Success
24/7 Availability for Emergencies
Criminal charges don’t wait for business hours. When you’re arrested on a weekend or holiday, we’re available to provide immediate guidance and begin working on your case right away.
Personalized Legal Strategies
No two criminal cases are identical. We take time to understand your specific circumstances, investigate every detail, and develop a customized defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome in your situation.
Aggressive Representation
We don’t back down from tough cases or difficult prosecutors. Our attorneys have the trial experience and courtroom skills to take your case to verdict when necessary, while also knowing when negotiation might serve your interests better.
Our defense strategy begins the moment you contact us. We don’t just react to the prosecution’s case – we conduct our own thorough investigation to uncover evidence supporting your defense.
🔍 Investigating Constitutional Violations
Filing Strategic Motions
When we identify violations of your rights, we file suppression motions to exclude illegally obtained evidence. If key evidence is suppressed, prosecutors often must dismiss charges or agree to significant reductions.
Negotiating with Prosecutors
Our relationships with Johnson County prosecutors allow us to engage in productive plea negotiations when appropriate. We pursue:
Trial Advocacy
When negotiation isn’t sufficient, we’re prepared for trial. Our attorneys have extensive jury trial experience in Johnson County courts.
Understanding the potential consequences of criminal charges helps you make informed decisions about your defense. Texas classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties that increase based on the severity of the charge.
Misdemeanor Classifications:
| Class | Punishment | Fine | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C | Fine only | Up to $500 | Traffic tickets, minor theft |
| Class B | Up to 180 days jail | Up to $2,000 | First DWI, marijuana possession |
| Class A | Up to 1 year jail | Up to $4,000 | Assault, theft $750-$2,500 |
Felony Classifications:
| Degree | Prison Term | Fine | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Jail | 180 days – 2 years | Up to $10,000 | Drug possession, theft $2,500+ |
| Third Degree | 2-10 years | Up to $10,000 | Aggravated assault, DWI 3rd |
| Second Degree | 2-20 years | Up to $10,000 | Sexual assault, robbery |
| First Degree | 5-99 years or life | Up to $10,000 | Murder, aggravated kidnapping |
Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders: Texas has a “three strikes” law that can result in life imprisonment for defendants with multiple felony convictions. Even misdemeanor charges can be enhanced to felony level for repeat offenders.
Choosing a criminal defense attorney who practices regularly in Johnson County courts provides significant advantages.
Knowledge of Local Legal Landscape
Each judge has different preferences for sentencing and case management. Prosecutors have varying approaches to plea negotiations. Our familiarity with local personalities allows us to tailor our strategies for better results.
Johnson County Court at Law (Misdemeanor Cases)
Johnson County District Courts (Felony Cases)
Key Local Procedures to Know:
Our familiarity with these specific courts, judges, and procedures allows us to navigate the system more effectively and achieve better outcomes for our clients.
Johnson County Courthouse
Burleson Municipal Court
Johnson County Justice of the Peace Courts:
Bail Bonds in Johnson County:
Most defendants use bail bond companies located on East Henderson Street in Cleburne, near the courthouse. Typical bond amounts range from $500-$2,000 for misdemeanors and $2,500-$25,000 for felonies, though violent crimes and repeat offenses carry higher amounts.
According to the Texas Office of Court Administration, Johnson County processed over 15,000 criminal cases in 2023, ranging from Class C misdemeanors to capital felonies. Having attorneys who understand the volume and pace of these courts helps ensure your case receives proper attention.
Every moment you delay contacting an attorney is an opportunity lost. The prosecution is already working to build the strongest possible case against you.
📞 Call Now for Immediate Help: (972) 528-0116
Our attorneys are available 24/7 for urgent situations that can’t wait for business hours.
Free, Confidential Consultations During your consultation, we will:
Comprehensive Legal Services
Beyond criminal defense, we handle DWI/DUI defense, family law matters, expungement services, and criminal appeals.
Don’t gamble with your freedom and future. Contact us today to begin building your defense strategy.
Remember: The sooner you contact us, the more options we have to help you. Call (972) 528-0116 now or contact us online for your free consultation.
After arrest, you’ll be transported to the Johnson County Corrections Facility at 1800 Ridgemar Drive in Cleburne (near the Chisholm Trail Parkway). The booking process typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the time of day and facility capacity.
Johnson County Booking Process:
Within 48 hours, you must appear before a magistrate for an initial hearing where bail will be set. This hearing occurs via video conference from the jail to the Johnson County Justice Center at 2 North Main Street.
Typical Bail Amounts in Johnson County:
Local Bail Bond Information: Several licensed bail bond companies operate in Johnson County. You can research options through the Texas Department of Insurance website to verify licensing. Release typically occurs within 3-6 hours after bail bond processing.
This is why immediate contact with an attorney is crucial – we can often arrange for expedited bail hearings and begin investigating your case while evidence is still fresh. We also coordinate with reputable bail bond companies to expedite your release.
Yes, charges can be dismissed through various methods including plea negotiations, motion practice, or prosecutor discretion. We’ve achieved dismissals in over 1,000 cases through thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Legal fees vary based on the complexity of your case, the charges involved, and the amount of work required. We offer:
The cost of experienced legal representation is minimal compared to the lifetime consequences of a criminal conviction.
Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in county jail, while felonies carry potential prison sentences of two years or more. Felony convictions also result in loss of voting rights, gun ownership rights, and many professional licenses. The collateral consequences of felony convictions are far more severe than misdemeanors.
Yes, even first-time offenders can face jail time depending on the charge. However, many first-offense cases are eligible for:
Early intervention by an experienced attorney significantly increases the chances of avoiding jail on a first offense.
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.
