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 24/7 | Serving All of Texas
Being accused of a sex crime in Fort Worth can destroy your life in ways you never imagined. The moment charges are filed, your reputation, career, and freedom hang in the balance. Unlike other criminal charges, sex crime allegations carry a unique social stigma that can persist even if you’re ultimately cleared of wrongdoing.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we understand the devastating impact these accusations have on our clients and their families. Our experienced criminal defense team has successfully defended clients against the full spectrum of sex crime charges in Tarrant County, from false accusations to complex cases involving digital evidence.
In addition to sex crime defense, our firm also assists clients who need a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Worth for related or additional charges. Don’t face these serious charges alone. Call our Fort Worth sex crime lawyer at (972) 528-0478 for a confidential consultation where we’ll review your case and explain your legal options.
Sex crime charges in Texas encompass a wide range of alleged offenses, each carrying severe penalties and long-lasting consequences. Our firm has extensive experience defending clients against all types of sex crime allegations in Fort Worth and throughout Tarrant County.
Sexual assault is one of the most serious charges you can face in Texas. Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.011, sexual assault occurs when someone intentionally or knowingly causes penetration without the other person’s consent.
These charges require immediate attention from an experienced defense attorney who understands the complexities of consent, evidence evaluation, and constitutional protections.
Texas Penal Code Section 21.11 defines indecency with a child as sexual contact with anyone under 17 years old. These charges can be filed even without physical contact if the alleged conduct was designed to arouse or gratify sexual desire.
Warning signs that you may be under investigation:
The age of consent in Texas is 17 years old, but the law contains several exceptions and complexities that can impact your case. Even consensual sexual activity can result in criminal charges if one party is under the age of consent.
Romeo and Juliet Exception: Texas provides limited protection for consensual relationships between teenagers close in age, but this defense has strict requirements and doesn’t apply to all situations.
| Age of Victim | Age of Defendant | Potential Charge | Penalty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 14 | 17 or older | Aggravated Sexual Assault | First-degree felony |
| 14-16 | 3+ years older | Sexual Assault | Second-degree felony |
| 14-16 | Less than 3 years older | Potentially protected under Romeo & Juliet law | May avoid felony conviction |
Federal and state authorities aggressively pursue internet sex crimes, often using sophisticated technology to track digital communications. Possession of child pornography can be charged at both the state and federal level, potentially resulting in decades of imprisonment.
Common internet sex crime charges include:
While prostitution charges are typically misdemeanors in Texas, solicitation involving minors or human trafficking can result in felony charges. Recent legislative changes have increased penalties and expanded the definition of trafficking-related offenses.
Texas Penal Code Section 33.021 criminalizes communicating with a minor online with intent to commit sexual acts. Law enforcement often conducts undercover operations using fake profiles to identify potential offenders. These cases require careful examination of evidence and investigation methods to ensure defendants’ rights are protected.
School employees face enhanced penalties for sexual relationships with students under Texas Penal Code Section 21.12. Even consensual relationships with students over 17 can result in second-degree felony charges if the employee is in a position of authority.
Sex crime convictions in Texas carry some of the harshest penalties in the criminal justice system. The consequences extend far beyond prison time and fines, affecting every aspect of your future life.
| Offense Level | Prison Term | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| State Jail Felony | 6 months – 2 years | $10,000 |
| Third-Degree Felony | 2 – 10 years | $10,000 |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2 – 20 years | $10,000 |
| First-Degree Felony | 5 – 99 years or life | $10,000 |
Most sex crime convictions require lifetime registration as a sex offender under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62.
Registration includes:
Beyond formal penalties, sex crime convictions result in:
Every sex crime case is unique, and the best defense strategy depends on the specific facts and evidence involved. Our experienced Fort Worth sex crimes defense lawyers have successfully used various defense strategies to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
False allegations of sexual misconduct are more common than many people realize. Studies suggest that 2-10% of sexual assault reports are false, though the actual number may be higher due to underreporting of fabricated claims.
Common motives for false accusations include:
When both parties are adults, consent is often the central issue in sexual assault cases. Our defense team examines all available evidence to demonstrate that the encounter was consensual, including:
In cases involving strangers, mistaken identity can be a viable defense. Cross-racial identification is particularly unreliable, and factors like poor lighting, stress, and the passage of time can affect eyewitness accuracy.
Police must follow strict procedures when investigating sex crimes. Common violations that can result in evidence suppression include:
Illegal searches of homes, vehicles, or electronic devices
The absence of DNA evidence or physical trauma doesn’t prove guilt, but it can raise reasonable doubt about whether the alleged crime occurred. Our defense team works with forensic experts to explain the significance of missing evidence to juries.
When your freedom and future are on the line, you need attorneys who specialize in defending the most serious criminal charges. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy brings decades of combined experience exclusively focused on Texas criminal defense.
Our firm has achieved exceptional results in sex crime cases, including:
Familiarity with local prosecutors and judges provides strategic advantages in plea negotiations and trial preparation. Our attorneys regularly practice in:
We don’t rely solely on the state’s evidence. Our thorough investigation process includes:
We understand the emotional toll that sex crime accusations place on defendants and their families. Our approach emphasizes:
Time is critical in sex crime cases. Understanding the Fort Worth arrest and court process helps you protect your rights while navigating this challenging situation.
If arrested for sex crimes in Fort Worth, you’ll be transported to the Tarrant County Corrections Center at 100 N. Lamar Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196. The booking process typically takes 4-8 hours depending on jail capacity and includes:
📞 Jail Information Line: (817) 884-3000 to check if bond has been set or locate someone in custody.
Your first court appearance (arraignment) typically occurs within 24-48 hours at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196.
🏢 Court Locations: Sex crime arraignments typically occur in County Criminal Courts 1-10 located on floors 5-8 of the Tim Curry Justice Center. Specific courtroom assignments vary, but commonly include:
⏰ Court Schedule: Most arraignments occur 8:30-11:00 AM. Arrive 45 minutes early for security screening and potential elevator delays.
Parking Options:
🏛️ Nearby Landmarks:
During your free, confidential consultation, we will:
Before you speak to police, we ensure you understand your constitutional rights:
Bonds can be posted 24 hours a day at the Bond Desk at Tarrant County Corrections Center, 100 N. Lamar. However, you must first appear before a magistrate judge for bond setting during your arraignment.
📞 Bond Information: Call (817) 884-3000 to determine if bond has been set and the amount.
Our comprehensive investigation typically includes:
Every case requires a unique approach. Based on our investigation, we develop a defense strategy that may include:
Whether through negotiation or trial, we fight aggressively to achieve the best possible outcome:
A sex crime conviction will follow you for the rest of your life. Understanding the full scope of consequences helps illustrate why aggressive legal defense is essential.
Sex crime convictions create significant barriers to employment:
Finding safe, affordable housing becomes extremely challenging:
Convictions strain family relationships and may result in:
The public nature of sex offender registration creates lasting stigma:
Your future depends on the decisions you make today. Sex crime allegations require immediate, aggressive legal representation from attorneys who understand the complexities of these sensitive cases.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve successfully defended clients against the full spectrum of sex crime charges in Fort Worth and throughout Tarrant County. Our 35+ years of combined experience and track record of dismissed and reduced charges demonstrate our commitment to protecting our clients’ rights and futures.
Call (972) 528-0478 now for your confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call and begin protecting your rights immediately.
Don’t let false accusations or a moment of poor judgment destroy your life. Contact our Fort Worth sex crime lawyers today and let us fight for your freedom and future.
Contact an experienced sex crime defense attorney immediately before speaking to police or anyone else about the allegations. False accusations require aggressive investigation to uncover the accuser’s motives and gather evidence proving your innocence. Document your whereabouts during the alleged incident and preserve any communications with the accuser that might demonstrate the falsity of their claims.
Yes, sex crime charges can be dismissed under various circumstances, including insufficient evidence, constitutional violations by police, or prosecutorial misconduct. However, prosecutors rarely dismiss these cases voluntarily due to their serious nature. An experienced attorney can file motions to dismiss based on legal deficiencies or negotiate with prosecutors to achieve case dismissal.
Most sex crime convictions in Texas require sex offender registration, but not all. Registration requirements depend on the specific offense and circumstances of your case. Some misdemeanor charges and certain juvenile convictions may not require registration. An attorney can explain whether your potential charges would require registration if you’re convicted.
Sex crime cases typically take 6-18 months to resolve, though complex cases may take longer. Federal cases often take longer than state cases due to more extensive investigation and discovery processes. Factors affecting timeline include the complexity of evidence, number of alleged victims, and whether the case goes to trial.
Absolutely. If you suspect you’re under investigation for a sex crime, contacting an attorney immediately can prevent you from making statements that could be used against you later. Early intervention allows your attorney to monitor the investigation, potentially preventing charges from being filed, and ensuring evidence favorable to your case is preserved.
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.
