DWI Attorney in Ellis County
Board-Certified Criminal Defense. Over 350 Jury Trials. One Block From the Courthouse.
A DWI arrest in Ellis County sets two proceedings in motion at once: a criminal case in court and an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Both require immediate attention. At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we fight on both fronts from the moment you call.
Attorney Michael J. Crawford is Board Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential held by fewer than one percent of Texas attorneys. He has taken over 350 criminal cases to jury trial and handled more than 5,000 total cases. His family has lived in Navarro and Ellis Counties for over 130 years, and our office sits one block from the Ellis County courthouse. That combination of formal credential, trial volume, and local roots is what we bring to every DWI case we take on. Learn more about our firm.
Contact our DWI attorney today by calling (214) 903-7722 to schedule a FREE consultation!
Texas DWI Laws: What You Need to Know
Under Texas Penal Code §49.04, driving while intoxicated means operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. Under Texas Penal Code §49.01, intoxication covers impairment by alcohol, drugs and other substances. The standard BAC threshold is .08 or higher. CDL holders face a stricter limit of .04 percent, and for underage drivers, any detectable amount of alcohol can result in an arrest.
You have 15 days from the date of arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety to contest your license suspension. Miss that window and the suspension becomes automatic. The criminal charge and the license suspension proceed on separate tracks, which is why acting quickly matters on both.
The factors that shape how a DWI charge is classified and how severe the penalties may be include:
- Your age at the time of the arrest
- Your blood alcohol content (BAC) level
- Any prior DWI arrests or convictions
- Whether the incident resulted in injury or death
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Our Satisfied Clients
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“Eager to help, knew the law, honest, and stands by his word.”
Michael Crawford is awesome. He is by far the best defense mechanism We've seen around this town n a very long time if evr.exactly what we needed.he was so eager to help, knew the law, honest, and stands by his word. He actually works for u, his client. Even if court-appointed he seems to give 110%. Just imagine what he would do if he was getting paid. He shows me money is not everything! He is really in it to HELP his clients. My opinion is Micheal Crawford is a one of a kind lawyer.- Becky -
“Michael is not just my attorney, he is also my friend now because he is just that nice of a person.”
Michael J. Crawford is a graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in Dallas. He chose to open his own law practice in his hometown of Kerens in lieu of practicing with a big firm in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He works hard for clients. He is known as the "Blue Collar Lawyer" because he gives 110% effort for every client. I was very impressed with his professionalism, understanding, and expression of sincerity while he was handling my case. Michael is not just my attorney, he is also my friend now because he is just that nice of a person. Thanks, Michael for protecting my rights.- Jaclynn -
“Not only does he care about his client, but he will also care for your family and keep them aware.”
“- JohnIf you want a lawyer that will pour his extensive knowledge of the law and the people of Navarro County into your case, this is the lawyer for you.
He stood up to the small town Justice System, that continually beat him down, but not once gave up
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“As a satisfied client, I highly recommend Michael J. Crawford.”
- Former ClientMr. Crawford was able to represent my wishes and balance that with a sensible plan while taking the appropriate time to compassionately explain the process to me, answer all my questions and really listen to my concerns. Mr. Crawford was honest, knowledgeable, and aggressively fought for a successful outcome.
As a satisfied client, I highly recommend Michael J. Crawford.
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“If u need someone he would be the one to use!!!”
He does a really great job!!! very smart!! will help u in any wy!! love what he's doing!!!this is the kinda lawyer we been needing here in this area!!! the other lawyer all play along with the other lawyer but Micheal stand along an get the job done!! he has a great staff that has it so simple for him!! if u need someone he would be the one to use!!!- Timothy -
“It was obvious at every moment of the trial that he was there to defend his client”
Mr. Crawford was the attorney for my nephew - I sat in court the 5 days of court - and observed Mr. Crawford for the entire trial - it was obvious at every moment of the trial that he was there to defend his client -- and defend, he did. He was wonderful!- Millie -
“He is very knowledgeable and passionate about the law.”
Mr. Crawford was awesome at handling my complex custody issues. Through the process, trumped-up charges were brought against me. Mr. Crawford was available over the weekend and at night at the peak of my issues when I needed him the most. His advice was on point and everything worked out like he advised it would. He is very knowledgable and passionate about the law. He doesn't just make deals. He fights for justice and wins.- Lance -
“He knows the people, he knows the law and will not let you down.”
Michael Crawford and his associates went above and beyond to help us with a very complex case resulting in a much more favorable divorce settlement than we ever thought would happen. He took a personal interest, showed compassion and understanding and his patience was that of Job. He is passionate about his work as well as fair, tough and blunt. He is aggressive and one time said, "I love to fight" -- exactly what I am looking for in a lawyer. I would recommend his office to anyone looking for a tough, smart lawyer. He knows the people, he knows the law and will not let you down.- lschnellmann
Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Texas
The penalties for a DWI conviction depend on the circumstances of the offense and whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense. A skilled Ellis County DWI attorney can help you understand the potential penalties you face and work to mitigate them.
First Offense
- Fines up to $2,000
- 3 to 180 days in jail
- Driver’s license suspension for up to one year
- Annual surcharge of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to retain your license
Second Offense
Class A misdemeanor
- Fines up to $4,000
- 30 days to one year in jail
- Driver’s license suspension for up to two years
- Annual surcharge of $1,500 to $2,000 for three years
Third Offense
Third-degree felony
- Fines up to $10,000
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- Driver’s license suspension for up to two years
- Annual surcharge of $1,500 to $2,000 for three years
Additional Penalties for Aggravating Factors
Certain circumstances can lead to enhanced penalties, including:
- DWI with a Child Passenger: Charged as a state jail felony with up to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.
- Intoxication Assault: Causing serious bodily injury while driving intoxicated, charged as a third-degree felony.
- Intoxication Manslaughter: Causing the death of another person while driving intoxicated, charged as a second-degree felony.
- High BAC: A BAC of 0.15% or higher may elevate a first offense from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor.
The Real Cost of a Texas DWI Conviction
The statutory fine is only the starting point. Annual surcharges to keep your driver’s license run between $1,000 and $2,000 per year for three years, adding up to $6,000 on top of the headline fine. A conviction also typically triggers significantly higher auto insurance premiums and can put professional licensing at risk in regulated fields. The fine on the charging document understates what a conviction actually costs.
Contact our Ellis County DWI attorney today at (214) 903-7722 to schedule your free consultation!
How We Fight a DWI Charge in Ellis County
Every DWI case is built from a specific set of facts, and the defense has to be built the same way. Misdemeanor DWI cases are heard in Ellis County Court at Law; felony DWI, Intoxication Assault, and Intoxication Manslaughter cases move to the 443rd or 504th Judicial District Court. Knowing those courts, the judges, and the prosecutors matters when it comes time to argue your case.
We can also request your ALR hearing within the 15-day window to contest the license suspension on your behalf, running that defense parallel to the criminal case.
Defense strategies we use to challenge DWI charges include:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop: Questioning whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop in the first place.
- Disputing FST Administration: Examining whether standardized procedures were followed and whether external factors affected your performance.
- Attacking Breath Test Validity: Reviewing breathalyzer calibration records, maintenance logs, and operator qualifications.
- Challenging Blood Test Results: Scrutinizing chain of custody, lab protocols, and whether medical conditions or procedural errors affected accuracy.
- Reviewing Police Procedures: Verifying that Miranda rights were observed and that warrant requirements were satisfied.
- Presenting Affirmative Evidence: Using witness testimony, dashcam or bodycam footage, and other evidence to establish sobriety.
- Pursuing Alternatives to Conviction: Exploring deferred adjudication and other options available to eligible first-time offenders.
Is a DWI a Felony in Texas?
Most DWI charges in Texas begin as misdemeanors. A charge becomes a felony when a driver has two or more prior DWI convictions, making the third offense a third-degree felony. A DWI with a child passenger under 15 is charged as a state jail felony regardless of prior history. Intoxication Assault, which involves causing serious bodily injury while driving intoxicated, is a third-degree felony. Intoxication Manslaughter, causing a death while intoxicated, is a second-degree felony.
The line between a misdemeanor and a felony can come down to the specific facts of your arrest. The only reliable way to understand what you’re actually facing is to have an experienced DWI defense attorney review your case.
Can a DWI Charge Be Dismissed in Texas?
Yes, dismissal is a possible outcome in some cases. A charge can be dismissed when the defense successfully challenges the legality of the traffic stop, attacks the validity of breath or blood test results, or exposes gaps in the prosecution’s evidence. When dismissal isn’t achievable, charges can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense through negotiation.
What’s realistic depends entirely on the facts of your arrest. An attorney review of the specific circumstances is the only reliable guide to likely outcomes. If a case results in dismissal or acquittal, you may be eligible to pursue expungement; a deferred adjudication outcome may qualify for nondisclosure, which limits who can see the record.
Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford?
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A Powerful Defense Team Working for You
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All Initial Consultations Are FREE of Charge
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Se Habla Español
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Board Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
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We Take Your Calls and Texts 24/7 - Here When You Need Us
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Client & Peer Reviewed 5 Stars for Quality Representation
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Handled over 5000 Cases and Over 350 Criminal Cases Taken to Jury Trials
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Extensive Courtroom Experience and Longstanding Reputation with Local Judges
Why Ellis County Residents Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford for DWI Defense
Attorney Michael J. Crawford is Board Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a designation earned by fewer than one percent of Texas attorneys. He has taken over 350 criminal cases to jury trial and handled more than 5,000 cases total. He has been named to Super Lawyers multiple years, including 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and is a member of the National Trial Lawyers and the Texas Bar College.
His family has lived in Navarro and Ellis Counties for over 130 years, giving us genuine familiarity with the courts, judges, and prosecutors in Ellis County. Our office is one block from the Ellis County courthouse, which lets us move quickly after an arrest.
We take calls and texts 24/7, all initial consultations are free, and we offer Spanish-language service. If your license is suspended, we can also help you pursue an occupational driver’s license that allows you to drive to and from work during the suspension period. In every case, our goal is to work to keep you out of jail, preserve or restore your driving privileges, reduce or eliminate fines, and pursue every alternative to conviction the facts support.
Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford today at (214) 903-7722 to schedule a FREE consultation with our DWI/DUI lawyer in Ellis County and Navarro County.
