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
Not every allegation reflects what actually happened.
In Dallas, child abuse charges can escalate quickly into serious felony cases—affecting your family, your reputation, and your future almost immediately. And once the process starts, it moves fast. These cases are often shaped by how events are interpreted, not just what occurred.
The question is whether the state can prove its version.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we focus on challenging the narrative, testing the evidence, and protecting your position from the start.
If you’re facing these allegations, speak with an experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Call (972) 528-0116 for a confidential consultation.
Early legal intervention often determines whether charges are filed or dropped. Many people make irreversible mistakes during the investigation phase because they don’t understand their rights or the severity of the situation they’re facing.
Child Protective Services (CPS) and law enforcement frequently begin investigating allegations before making an arrest. During this period, anything you say can and will be used against you in both criminal and family court proceedings. Investigators are trained to elicit incriminating statements, even from innocent people trying to cooperate.
Our Dallas criminal defense attorneys step in immediately to:
We’ve seen cases where early legal representation prevented charges from being filed entirely. In other situations, the work we do during the investigation phase becomes the foundation for a successful defense at trial.
Don’t speak to investigators without an attorney present. Call our office immediately at (972) 528-0116.
Your actions in the hours and days following an accusation will significantly impact your case outcome. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Our Dallas criminal defense lawyer team provides:
Immediate Legal Protection — Once you hire us, all communication with law enforcement and CPS goes through our office.
Thorough Case Investigation — We independently review CPS reports, police statements, medical records, and witness accounts to identify inconsistencies and exculpatory evidence.
Expert Witness Consultation — We work with pediatric specialists, biomechanical experts, and child development professionals to challenge medical evidence and misdiagnoses.
Aggressive Court Representation — We fight at every stage including bond hearings, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and jury trials.
Family Court Coordination — We coordinate with family law attorneys to protect your parental rights while defending the criminal charges.
Local Dallas County Experience — Attorney Richard C. McConathy has practiced criminal defense in Dallas County courts since 2002. We know the prosecutors, judges, and court procedures, allowing us to anticipate strategies and identify opportunities others might miss.
Aggressive Representation — We don’t plead cases that should be fought. When the evidence supports it, we take cases to trial and hold the state to its burden of proof.
Client-Focused Service — You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not paralegals or junior associates. We keep you informed throughout the process and make ourselves available when you have questions or concerns.
| Firm Metric | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy |
|---|---|
| Years of Experience | 35+ |
| Cases Dismissed in DFW | 1,000+ |
| Total Criminal Cases Handled | 6,000+ |
| Counties Served | 16+ |
Texas law defines several categories of child abuse, each carrying severe criminal penalties. Understanding the specific charge you’re facing is the first step in building your defense.
Texas Penal Code § 22.04 criminalizes causing physical or mental injury to a child 14 years old or younger, or causing injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled person by omission (failing to act). This charge covers:
Penalties vary based on intent and injury severity:
Also prosecuted under § 22.04, child endangerment charges apply when someone places a child in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment—even if no actual injury occurs.
Common scenarios include:
The state doesn’t need to prove actual harm occurred, only that the danger was imminent and substantial.
Neglect charges involve failing to provide necessary care, supervision, or resources for a child’s physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Examples include:
Sexual abuse of a child represents the most serious category of child abuse charges. These allegations fall under various Texas statutes depending on the specific conduct alleged.
Common charges include continuous sexual abuse of a child, indecency with a child, and sexual assault of a child. These are first or second-degree felonies carrying:
Our firm has extensive experience defending sex crime allegations. Learn more about our approach on our child sexual abuse defense lawyer page.
Child abuse convictions carry some of the harshest penalties in Texas law. Beyond incarceration, these convictions trigger lifelong consequences that impact every aspect of your future.
| Offense Level | Prison Range | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years | Up to $10,000 |
| Third-Degree Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $10,000 |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2 – 20 years | Up to $10,000 |
| First-Degree Felony | 5 – 99 years or life | Up to $10,000 |
Criminal penalties represent only part of what you face. A child abuse conviction also results in:
Permanent Criminal Record — Felony convictions cannot be sealed or expunged in Texas. This record follows you for life, appearing in employment background checks, housing applications, and professional licensing reviews.
Loss of Parental Rights — Family courts can terminate your parental rights based on a criminal conviction for child abuse. Even without termination, you may face supervised visitation or complete loss of custody.
Sex Offender Registration — Sexual abuse convictions require registration as a sex offender for 10 years to life, depending on the offense. This public listing restricts where you can live and work.
Employment Barriers — Many careers become inaccessible with a child abuse conviction, including teaching, healthcare, childcare, and any position involving vulnerable populations.
Professional License Revocation — State licensing boards can suspend or revoke professional licenses based on felony convictions, particularly those involving moral turpitude.
Immigration Consequences — Non-citizens convicted of child abuse face deportation and permanent inadmissibility to the United States.
Every case requires a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts, evidence, and circumstances. Our attorneys have successfully defended child abuse allegations using various approaches.
Child abuse allegations often arise from custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or relationship conflicts. A parent, ex-partner, or family member may fabricate or exaggerate claims to gain advantage in family court or seek revenge.
We investigate the accuser’s motivations and document evidence of bias, including:
The state bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Accusations are not evidence. We challenge cases where the prosecution relies on:
Medical professionals sometimes incorrectly attribute accidental injuries or medical conditions to abuse. Common areas of misdiagnosis include:
We consult with independent medical experts to provide alternative explanations for injuries and challenge the state’s medical witnesses.
Children suffer accidental injuries during normal childhood activities. We present evidence showing:
Law enforcement and CPS investigators must respect your constitutional rights. We file motions to suppress evidence obtained through:
When evidence is obtained illegally, we file motions to suppress that evidence, which can result in dismissed charges or significantly weakened prosecution cases. We’ve successfully challenged constitutional violations in Dallas County courts and apply this same rigorous analysis to child abuse cases.
Many child abuse statutes require proof of intentional or knowing conduct. We challenge whether the state can prove you acted with the required mental state, especially in cases involving:
Understanding what to expect helps reduce anxiety and allows you to prepare for each stage of the process.
CPS is required to investigate reports within 24 to 72 hours. During this phase, investigators may interview the child and witnesses, request medical examinations, inspect your home, photograph injuries, and request statements.
This is the most important time to have an attorney to prevent you from making statements that can be used against you.
If investigators believe they have sufficient evidence, you may be arrested or receive notice that charges have been filed. You’ll be transported to Lew Sterrett Justice Center (111 West Commerce Street) for booking and processing.
The booking process includes:
This process typically takes 4-8 hours, though it can extend longer during busy periods. Once booked, you’ll wait for your arraignment hearing.
Your first court appearance—the arraignment—occurs within 24-72 hours of arrest. This hearing takes place at the Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N. Riverfront Boulevard), connected to Lew Sterrett by an enclosed walkway.
What Happens at Arraignment:
The magistrate judge will:
We typically advise pleading “not guilty” at arraignment. This preserves all your legal options and gives us time to investigate the allegations, review evidence, and build your defense strategy.
The courtroom will be formal. Address the judge as “Your Honor.” Dress conservatively if possible. Do not argue or interrupt. Let your attorney speak for you.
After arraignment, if bond is posted, you’ll be released with written conditions. If you remain in custody, we immediately begin working on bond reduction motions.
After arrest, you’ll be transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center at 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202 for booking and processing. Within 24-72 hours, you’ll appear before a magistrate judge for your initial arraignment, where the judge formally reads the charges and sets bond.
The bond amount depends on several factors:
Judges may impose conditions of release including:
Bond Options in Dallas County:
If you cannot afford the initial bond amount, we file bond reduction motions and argue for lower amounts or modified conditions. Time is critical—the faster you secure representation, the faster we can work on getting you released.
For general jail information, call Lew Sterrett at (214) 761-9025. However, do not discuss your case over recorded jail phone lines without your attorney present.
The pretrial phase involves extensive investigation, legal research, and motion practice:
Child abuse felony cases are prosecuted in the Criminal District Courts at the Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N. Riverfront Boulevard). The pretrial phase often takes months or over a year. We use this time to build the strongest possible defense, consulting medical experts, investigating false accusation motives, and identifying constitutional violations.
Most cases resolve through plea negotiations, where the state offers reduced charges or sentencing recommendations in exchange for a guilty plea. We carefully evaluate whether any plea offer serves your best interests.
When the evidence supports it, we take cases to trial and force the state to prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you’re appearing at the Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N. Riverfront Boulevard) for hearings, here’s what you need to know:
Getting There:
Frank Crowley is located in downtown Dallas near the Trinity River, directly connected to Lew Sterrett Justice Center by an enclosed walkway. Parking is available in adjacent lots (fees apply, typically $4-$10).
Public transportation: DART Bus Route 35 stops nearby. The facility is approximately 2 miles west of the George Allen Courts Building and 1 mile from Dallas City Hall.
What to Bring:
What NOT to Bring:
Security Screening:
Everyone entering Frank Crowley must pass through metal detectors. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing time to account for security lines, finding your assigned courtroom, and checking in with court staff.
Courtroom Etiquette:
Your attorney will guide you through each hearing and explain what to expect. If you’re unsure about anything, ask your lawyer before entering the courtroom.
Child abuse cases sometimes involve additional charges or arise alongside other criminal allegations. Our firm has extensive experience defending:
We handle all aspects of your defense, coordinating strategy across multiple charges when necessary.
Even after completing your sentence, a child abuse conviction continues impacting your life in profound ways.
Employment Limitations — Background checks reveal your conviction to potential employers. Many industries, particularly those involving children or vulnerable populations, are permanently closed to you. Professional careers requiring state licenses (teaching, nursing, social work) become inaccessible.
Housing Restrictions — Landlords routinely deny rental applications from people with felony convictions. Some sex offender registration requirements further restrict where you can live.
Family Court Implications — Your conviction provides grounds for terminating parental rights or imposing severe custody restrictions. Even grandparent visitation can be denied based on a child abuse conviction.
Immigration Status — Child abuse convictions trigger mandatory deportation for non-citizens and bar reentry to the United States. Some convictions make you permanently inadmissible, even if you later receive a pardon.
Social Stigma — Few accusations carry more social stigma than child abuse. Your reputation in the community may never fully recover, regardless of the facts underlying your case.
These permanent consequences make fighting the charges more important than accepting a quick plea deal. We’ve seen clients pressured into guilty pleas who later deeply regret not taking their case to trial.
Allegations like this can spiral quickly — especially if you try to handle them on your own.
One wrong statement, one conversation, or one attempt to “explain” things can be taken out of context and used against you.
This isn’t something you want to navigate without a defense in place.
At The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve spent decades defending serious criminal charges across Dallas County. We step in early, protect your position, and make sure nothing is said or done that puts you at a disadvantage.
📞 Call (972) 528-0116 now to speak directly with our office.
We’ll help you understand what to do next — and what to avoid — so you don’t make this situation harder than it already is.
Texas law defines child abuse broadly to include physical injury, mental or emotional injury, sexual abuse, neglect, and child endangerment. Under Texas Penal Code § 22.04, abuse includes causing injury through action or omission, or placing a child in imminent danger of harm even without actual injury occurring.
Yes, child abuse charges in Texas are typically felonies ranging from state jail felonies to first-degree felonies depending on the severity of injury and the defendant’s mental state. Penalties range from 180 days to life in prison. Even without physical injury, child endangerment can be prosecuted as a state jail or third-degree felony.
Absolutely. False accusations are unfortunately common in child abuse cases, particularly during custody disputes or relationship conflicts. We investigate the accuser’s motivations, document inconsistencies in their statements, identify evidence of bias or coaching, and present evidence contradicting the allegations.
Exercise your right to remain silent and contact an attorney immediately. Do not allow CPS into your home without a warrant unless required by law. Do not sign documents or provide statements without legal representation. Anything you say can be used against you in both criminal and family court proceedings. CPS investigators are not on your side, even if they seem friendly or claim they just want to “clear things up.” Call our office at (972) 528-0116 before speaking with any investigator.
The statute of limitations varies significantly depending on the specific offense and circumstances. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 12.01, injury to a child punishable as a first-degree felony has a 10-year statute of limitations. However, sexual abuse offenses against children (such as sexual assault of a child, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, and continuous sexual abuse) have no statute of limitations and can be prosecuted at any time.
For non-sexual child abuse felonies not specifically listed, the default limitation is typically 3 years. The timing rules are highly case-specific, which is why immediate consultation with a defense attorney is essential to understand your situation.
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.
