Vehicular Assault Attorney In Ellis County

Support When You Are Accused After A Serious Crash

An arrest for vehicular assault can turn your life upside down in a single night. You may be trying to process a serious crash, worry about the other people involved, and now face a felony charge that could lead to prison and a permanent criminal record. In this moment, you need clear information and a steady vehicular assault attorney Ellis County residents can turn to for guidance. At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we focus our work on criminal defense, including serious driving offenses that involve allegations of intoxication, reckless conduct, and serious injury. Our office is located close to the Ellis County courthouse in Waxahachie, and our attorney has handled more than 200 jury trials across Texas. We know how high the stakes are for you and your family, and we work to protect your rights at every stage of the case. You do not have to guess about your next step or face upcoming court dates alone. We can walk you through what to expect, discuss realistic options, and begin building a defense that fits the facts of your situation.

Dial (214) 903-7722 now or contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford online to schedule a free consultation.

Facing A Vehicular Assault Charge in Ellis County

If you were arrested after a serious crash here in the county, you are probably dealing with more than one crisis at the same time. You may be worried about an injured driver or passenger, the damage to vehicles, and now a criminal accusation that you never expected. Many people in this position have no prior experience with the criminal justice system and feel unprepared for what lies ahead at the Ellis County courthouse.

On top of that, you may now be out on bond with strict conditions, unsure whether you can drive, and afraid of losing your job or professional license. Family members are often desperate for information and may be the ones searching for a lawyer on your behalf. These worries are common, and it is normal to feel frightened, ashamed, or overwhelmed when a serious crash leads to felony charges. Our attorney, Michael J. Crawford, is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, and our office is a short walk from the Ellis County courthouse where many of these cases are heard. We use that local presence to stay closely connected to what actually happens in court here, and we work to be accessible to clients and their families who are trying to make sense of a difficult time.

Why Our Firm Is Prepared To Defend Vehicular Assault Cases

When you are facing a serious driving offense, you need more than a general practice lawyer. You need a legal team that focuses on criminal defense work and is prepared to stand with you from your first court date through a possible jury trial. At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, our practice is centered on defending people accused of crimes throughout Texas and across the United States, and that includes complex felony cases that can change the course of a person’s life.

Our attorney has handled more than 200 jury trials, which is a level of courtroom experience that many lawyers do not have. That history matters in vehicular assault criminal defense, Ellis County defendants can rely on, because serious cases sometimes go all the way to trial. We understand how prosecutors present evidence such as accident reconstruction, officer testimony, and chemical test results, and we know what it takes to challenge those presentations in front of a jury when that is the right path.

Vehicular assault charges often grow out of alleged DWI or claims that a driver was impaired. Our firm places a strong emphasis on continuous legal education in DWI and DUI defense, and we maintain affiliations with respected criminal defense associations. This focus helps us stay current on issues such as blood and breath testing, field sobriety procedures, and other technical aspects that can shape the outcome of a vehicular assault defense lawyer Ellis County case.

Attorney Crawford has been named among Rising Stars and has been published in respected criminal law magazines. These recognitions show that his work is respected within the legal community. Just as important, our firm takes a client-first approach, combining strategic case planning with clear communication so that clients understand what is happening, why certain decisions are made, and how each step may affect their future.

Understanding Vehicular Assault Charges & Penalties

To make informed choices about your case, it helps to understand what prosecutors may have to prove and what you might be facing. In Texas, serious injury crashes can lead to different charges depending on the facts. Vehicular assault allegations often involve claims that a driver caused serious bodily injury through intoxication or through conduct that prosecutors say was reckless or dangerous under the circumstances.

These cases are usually treated as felonies, which means potential exposure to time in a state jail facility or prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record if there is a conviction. The specific range of punishment can depend on factors such as the severity of the injuries, whether anyone has prior convictions, and whether aggravating circumstances are alleged. Collateral consequences can include effects on your driver’s license, professional and occupational licensing, housing, and future employment opportunities. It is also important to recognize that not every serious crash meets the legal standards for a felony offense. Issues such as causation, the accuracy of chemical testing, road and weather conditions, and the actions of other drivers can all influence what actually happened. Part of our role is to examine how the law applies to the unique facts of your case, then explain your options so you are not left guessing what the charges could mean for your future.

What To Do After A Vehicular Assault Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest are often confusing. You may have already been to jail, posted bond, and received paperwork that is difficult to understand. Taking a few specific steps can help protect your position while your case is still developing.

Consider these actions as you move forward:

• Be careful about statements. Avoid discussing details of the crash with law enforcement, alleged victims, insurance representatives, or anyone else until you have spoken with a lawyer. Even casual comments or apologies can be misunderstood and later used against you.
• Follow your bond conditions. Conditions may restrict travel, alcohol use, or contact with certain people. Courts generally take violations very seriously, and complying with these rules can help keep you out of additional trouble while your case is pending.
• Preserve information and documents. If you have photos, contact information for witnesses, insurance paperwork, or discharge papers from a hospital, keep them together. These materials may be useful when your attorney reviews the case.
• Monitor your own medical needs. If you were injured in the crash, follow up with medical providers as needed and keep records of your treatment. Your physical condition at the time of the incident and afterward can matter in both the criminal and civil context.
• Contact a criminal defense lawyer promptly. Early involvement allows your attorney to start gathering records, request videos or reports that may only be available for a limited time, and help you prepare for initial settings at the Ellis County courthouse.

We regularly meet with clients and their families soon after an arrest to help them understand what the paperwork means, what the first court date typically involves, and how we can begin protecting their rights.

How We Approach Vehicular Assault Criminal Defense In Ellis County

Every serious crash is different, so our approach begins with a careful review of the specific facts. We look at the complete picture, not just the accusations on the face of the charging documents. This includes examining reports, videos when available, crash diagrams, and any information about road design, lighting, or weather that may have played a role.

In many vehicular assault cases, intoxication evidence is central. As a firm with a strong focus on DWI and DUI law, we pay close attention to how officers conduct field sobriety tests, how blood or breath samples are obtained and handled, and whether procedures followed current legal and scientific standards. Questions about the timing of tests, the maintenance of equipment, or the way samples were stored can all be important in evaluating the strength of the state’s case.

We also consider issues of causation and legal responsibility. A serious injury does not automatically mean that a driver committed a felony offense. Our work often involves asking whether the alleged conduct truly meets the legal definition of vehicular assault and whether other factors may have contributed to the outcome. In some situations, the facts may support seeking a reduction in charges, a different type of disposition, or ultimately preparing for trial when that is in the client’s best interest. Because our office is located close to the courthouse here, we are very familiar with the rhythms of the local court system. That familiarity helps us manage court dates, communicate with court staff when appropriate, and keep clients informed about what to expect from appearances before judges and prosecutors in this county. Throughout the process, we strive to explain your options in plain language so that each decision is made with a clear understanding of the possible consequences.

What To Expect From The Court Process Here

Knowing what lies ahead in the legal process can ease some of the anxiety that comes with a vehicular assault charge. While each case is unique, there are common stages that many felony cases follow at the Ellis County courthouse. Understanding these stages helps you see where your case may be headed and how we can assist along the way.

After an arrest, many cases begin with an initial appearance or setting where the court confirms that you have counsel and may address scheduling. Discovery, which refers to the exchange of evidence, often follows. This is when reports, videos, and other materials are shared, and it is an important phase for evaluating the strength of the state’s case and identifying potential defenses. Multiple pretrial settings can occur while the attorneys review evidence, file motions, and discuss possible resolutions.

In some matters, negotiations can lead to agreements that avoid a trial. Whether that is appropriate depends on factors such as the evidence, your criminal history, and your goals for the outcome. In other cases, a jury trial may be the right path. As a firm with more than 200 jury trials handled, we are comfortable preparing for that possibility. Our goal is to keep you prepared for each stage, explain which hearings you must attend at the courthouse, and help you understand what to expect when you are in front of a judge or jury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for vehicular assault here?

Vehicular assault charges can carry serious penalties, including the possibility of a felony conviction. Depending on the specific offense charged, the range of punishment may include a term in a state jail facility or prison, significant fines, and conditions such as probation. Courts may also impose requirements such as alcohol or drug treatment, community service, or restrictions related to driving.

Beyond formal sentencing, a conviction can affect your record for many years and can influence employment, housing, professional licensing, and in some cases immigration status. The exact penalties available depend on Texas law, the level of offense, your prior record, and the facts the prosecution can prove. Part of our role is to review your situation in detail, then explain the realistic range of outcomes in your specific case rather than relying on general descriptions.

Do I really need a lawyer right after a vehicular assault arrest?

It is usually wise to speak with a defense lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest for a serious driving offense. Early in a case, decisions are made about bond conditions, evidence collection, and how statements you make might be interpreted. Having counsel in place during this period can help protect your rights and reduce the risk of missteps that are difficult to undo later.

We meet with many clients and families shortly after a crash so they can bring us the paperwork they received and ask questions about what happens next. That early involvement allows us to begin requesting records, tracking down time-sensitive information, and preparing for initial court settings. While you are not required to hire a lawyer immediately, waiting until just before an important hearing can limit the time available to build a strong defense.

How will your firm handle a case that involves alleged intoxication?

Many vehicular assault accusations are tied to claims that a driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When a case involves alleged intoxication, we pay close attention to the procedures that officers used at the scene and afterward. That includes reviewing field sobriety tests, looking at how and when blood or breath samples were collected, and examining whether those procedures met current legal and scientific standards.

Our firm places particular emphasis on ongoing education in DWI and DUI defense, which helps us stay informed about developments in testing methods and challenges that may arise. While every situation is different, that focus can be especially important when intoxication evidence is a central part of the prosecution’s case. We work to identify weaknesses or questions in that evidence and explain to you how those issues might affect your options.

Will I have to go to trial for a vehicular assault charge?

Not every vehicular assault case goes to trial, but a trial is always a possibility in serious felony matters. Some cases resolve through plea agreements or other dispositions when that is in the client’s interest and consistent with the evidence. Other cases are better suited for a jury to decide, especially when there are significant disputes about what happened or how the law applies.

Our attorney has handled more than 200 jury trials, so we are comfortable preparing for and conducting a trial when that path makes sense. During the life of a case, we typically explore both negotiation and trial preparation, then discuss with you the risks and potential benefits of each option. The decision to go to trial is ultimately yours, and our job is to make sure that decision is informed by a careful evaluation of the facts and the law.

How involved can my family be in my defense process?

Family members often play an important role when someone faces a serious criminal charge. They may help gather documents, provide transportation to court, and offer emotional support during a difficult time. We welcome appropriate family involvement and understand that loved ones need information about what is happening and what to expect.

At the same time, we must respect attorney-client confidentiality and your preferences about what is shared. In many cases, we can include family members in meetings or phone calls with your permission and answer their general questions about the process. Our goal is to support both you and your family while making sure that sensitive legal strategy discussions remain protected.

What makes your vehicular assault lawyer a good fit for cases in this county?

Our firm brings a combination of local connection and serious courtroom experience that is well-suited to defending vehicular assault charges here. Attorney Michael J. Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, and our office is close to the courthouse where many of these cases are handled. Those ties help us stay in tune with how cases move through the local system.

In addition, we focus on criminal defense, have handled more than 200 jury trials, and maintain a strong commitment to ongoing education in DWI and DUI law. Attorney Crawford’s recognition in Rising Stars and respected criminal law publications reflects the regard his work has earned among peers. Together, these factors help us provide vehicular assault criminal defense that Ellis County defendants can count on for serious, thoughtful representation.

How much does it cost to hire your firm for a vehicular assault case?

The cost of representation in a vehicular assault case can depend on factors such as the complexity of the facts, the number of hearings or settings involved, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Because each situation is different, we typically discuss fees during a consultation after learning more about your case. That conversation gives us a chance to understand what is at stake for you and to explain how we structure our work.

We are committed to being clear about fees so that clients understand what services are included and what to expect as the case moves forward. During an initial meeting, you can ask questions about costs, payment arrangements, and how our firm manages serious felony matters. Our goal is for you to have a complete picture of both the legal and financial aspects before you decide how to proceed.

Talk With Our Vehicular Assault Lawyer About Your Case

If you or someone close to you is facing a vehicular assault charge, you do not have to face the court system alone. Speaking with a lawyer who understands serious driving offenses and the local courts can provide immediate clarity about what lies ahead. Our goal is to listen carefully, review the facts of your case, and explain how the law may apply to your situation.

At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we bring deep roots in this county, an office located close to the courthouse, and substantial jury trial experience to every serious case we handle. When you contact us, you can expect straightforward guidance, respectful treatment, and a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances. Taking the step to speak with a vehicular assault lawyer Ellis County residents trust can be an important move toward protecting your future.

To schedule a confidential consultation about your vehicular assault case, call (214) 903-7722 today.