Statutory Rape Attorney In Ellis County

Serious Allegations, Real Consequences, Focused Defense

Being accused of sexual conduct with someone under the age of consent can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be worried about prison time, sex offender registration, and what your family, employer, and community will think. If your case is in this county, you need a criminal defense firm that understands both Texas sex offense laws and how these charges move through local courts.

At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we defend people who are facing statutory rape and related sex crime allegations here. Our team knows that many clients in this situation have never been through the criminal justice system and feel overwhelmed and afraid to talk about what happened. We listen without judgment, explain your situation in clear language, and begin working to protect your rights from the moment you hire us. Attorney Michael J. Crawford has spent nearly a decade focused on criminal defense and has handled more than 200 jury trials. He is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, and our office is located only a block from the Ellis County courthouse. That combination of trial experience and local roots informs how we approach every statutory rape case.

Schedule a free consultation with our firm to learn more about how we can help. Dial (214) 903-7722 now or contact us online.

Facing Statutory Rape Charges Here Is Overwhelming

Texas law treats sexual conduct involving someone under the age of consent as a serious felony. Even if you believed the other person was older, or there was no force or violence involved, the state can still pursue harsh penalties. A conviction can bring years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and a permanent criminal record that affects where you can live and work.

People who contact us are often dealing with shock, fear, and embarrassment. Some have already been arrested or questioned by law enforcement. Others learn that a case is being investigated through a school, a parent, or Child Protective Services. Many worry about losing their job, being separated from their own children, or being judged by neighbors and friends. We understand that this is not just a legal problem. It is also a personal and family crisis. Our role is to help you regain some control by explaining what these charges mean, what the realistic risks are under Texas law, and how the court process typically works in this county. From there, we begin planning a defense strategy that is tailored to your situation.

Why Choose Our Firm To Defend Statutory Rape Allegations

When the stakes include potential prison time and sex offender registration, you need more than a lawyer who occasionally handles criminal cases. You need a defense firm with meaningful courtroom experience and a deep understanding of how serious charges are handled here.

Attorney Michael J. Crawford has spent nearly his entire career in criminal defense. Over that time, he has tried more than 200 cases in front of juries, including serious felonies. This level of trial experience is important in statutory rape cases because it shapes how we evaluate the strength of the state’s evidence, advise you about your options, and prepare for the possibility of trial. Our firm is also rooted in the local community. Mr. Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, and he appears in the same courthouses, in front of the same judges and prosecutors, regularly. This local familiarity helps us anticipate how cases are scheduled, what procedures are common, and how certain issues are often viewed in this area.

Location matters in practical ways as well. Our office sits just a block from the Ellis County courthouse. This allows us to move quickly on new cases, attend settings in person, and stay closely involved with what is happening on the docket. When your future is on the line, you should not have to wonder whether your lawyer knows what is going on in your case.

Attorney Crawford’s work has been recognized in respected legal circles, including honors such as Rising Stars and publication in leading criminal law magazines. These acknowledgments indicate that his work is taken seriously by other lawyers in the criminal defense community. Combined with our emphasis on continuous legal education and membership in notable defense associations, they reflect our commitment to staying current on Texas criminal law and sex offense issues. Most importantly, we take a client-first approach. We understand that people facing statutory rape allegations often feel judged before they ever step into a courtroom. At our firm, you are treated with respect. We make time to answer your questions, explain the process, and discuss the potential consequences so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

How Statutory Rape Cases Move Through Ellis County Courts

Understanding how a case typically moves through the Ellis County criminal courts can relieve some of the fear of the unknown. While every situation is different, most felony sex offense cases follow a similar path, with specific courts and officials involved based on where the alleged conduct occurred.

Cases often begin with an investigation by local law enforcement or a specialized unit. Officers may reach out to you for an interview, or you may learn of the investigation through a school or another agency. If the state believes there is probable cause, you can be arrested and booked into the county jail. Bond and release conditions, including no contact orders, are then addressed in front of a local judge.

Felony statutory rape cases from this area are generally presented to a grand jury for possible indictment. An indictment is a formal charging document that moves the case into a district court in this county. Once indicted, your case will typically be assigned to a specific court that will oversee arraignment, pretrial hearings, motion practice, and any plea discussions or trial.

At each stage, decisions are being made that can affect your rights and your options. We work to protect you from making statements that might be used against you, to address bond conditions that interfere with work or family responsibilities when the law allows, and to ensure that deadlines for motions or other filings are not missed. Our presence a block from the courthouse makes it easier for us to stay engaged with the day-to-day progress of your case.

While we cannot control which court your case is assigned to, or how quickly dockets move, we draw on our regular experience in these courtrooms to explain what you can expect. We review upcoming dates with you, explain the purpose of each hearing, and prepare you for what will likely happen, so you are not walking into court without a clear idea of why you are there.

What To Do After A Statutory Rape Allegation Or Arrest

The hours and days after learning about a statutory rape allegation can feel chaotic. You may be tempted to try to talk yourself out of trouble, to contact the person making the accusation, or to explain everything to the police. These reactions are understandable, but they can create serious problems for your defense.

First and most importantly, you should avoid talking about the facts of the case with law enforcement without a lawyer present. Officers and investigators are trained to ask questions in a way that may seem casual but is designed to gather statements that can be used in court. Even people who believe they have done nothing wrong can say things that are misunderstood or quoted out of context.

Second, you should respect any court orders or bond conditions that prohibit contact with the complaining witness or other individuals. Violating no-contact orders can lead to new criminal charges and can be viewed negatively by the court when making future decisions about your case. If you are unsure what your conditions require, we can help you review them and answer your questions. Third, you should preserve information that might be important later. This can include text messages, social media posts, emails, or photos. Avoid deleting or altering anything, since doing so can create additional issues. Instead, talk with us about what exists so we can determine what may matter from a legal standpoint.

It can also be helpful to write down your recollection of key events, including dates, locations, and the names of anyone who may have relevant information. Memories can fade quickly, and having a contemporaneous record may help you and your lawyer later. Finally, contact a defense firm as soon as you can. When you involve us early, we are better able to advise you about dealing with investigators, bond conditions, and the first court settings. Our location near the Ellis County courthouse allows us to respond quickly to new developments and to attend hearings in person when needed.

Our Approach To Building A Defense In These Cases

Careful Review Of The Allegations & Evidence

Every statutory rape case is different, and there is no single defense strategy that fits all situations. Our goal is to understand the specific facts, the evidence the state may rely on, and the legal issues that could affect the outcome. From there, we work with you to develop a plan that takes into account both the law and your long-term goals.

We begin by reviewing the charging documents, police reports, and any other materials that are available at the outset. As discovery is provided, we carefully examine digital records such as text messages, social media communications, and phone logs when they are part of the case. We look for inconsistencies, gaps, and explanations that may not be obvious at first glance.

Applying Texas Law To Your Specific Situation

Texas age of consent laws and related statutes can be complex. In many cases, the state’s theory turns on the ages of the people involved and whether the conduct alleged fits within the definitions of the charged offense. We analyze how those laws apply to your situation, including how age misrepresentation or misunderstandings may become relevant, and whether lesser included offenses are a realistic concern.

We also consider how the investigation was conducted. This can include reviewing how statements were taken, whether warrants or searches were properly obtained, and whether your rights were respected during questioning or arrest. When legal grounds exist, we may challenge certain evidence through motions and ask the court to limit or exclude what the jury may hear.

Using Courtroom Experience To Guide Strategy

Our significant jury trial history informs these decisions. Having tried more than 200 cases, Attorney Crawford has seen how jurors respond to different types of evidence and arguments. This experience helps us evaluate the risks and potential benefits of going to trial versus negotiating a resolution, always with the understanding that the final decision belongs to you.

We invest in continuous legal education and are active in criminal defense associations. This helps us stay current on developments in Texas criminal law, including changes that affect sex offenses and registration requirements. We use that knowledge to identify arguments and options that might not be obvious to someone who does not focus on criminal defense.

How We Support You & Your Family Through The Process

Clear Communication At Every Stage

A statutory rape case affects more than the person accused. Parents, partners, and children can experience stress, confusion, and fear about the future. We recognize that our role includes guiding families through the process, not only handling court appearances and filings.

From the beginning, we work to communicate clearly and consistently. We review the charges with you, explain what each setting on the court’s calendar means, and talk through possible next steps in plain language. When dates change or new developments occur, we strive to keep you informed so you are not left guessing about what is happening.

Respecting Privacy & Dignity

We also understand the importance of confidentiality and respect. Allegations of sexual conduct with a minor can carry a powerful stigma in any community, particularly in a close-knit county. Our team treats your situation as private and sensitive, and we discuss case details only with you and others who need to know for your defense.

Helping You Navigate Practical Concerns

Clients often have practical questions about how a pending case might affect their job, school enrollment, or contact with their own children. While we cannot control the decisions of employers or other agencies, we can explain how bond conditions, protective orders, and court expectations may intersect with those areas. We talk through lawful ways to handle those pressures and, when appropriate, address certain concerns in court.

Our goal is to provide steady support during a time when many people feel they have lost control over their lives. We are here to answer questions, to prepare you for what is ahead, and to stand beside you in court as we work to protect your rights and your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for statutory rape in Texas?

Statutory rape allegations in Texas are generally charged under laws that treat sexual conduct with someone under a certain age as a felony offense. The potential penalties can include years in prison, significant fines, and long-term conditions of supervision, depending on the specific charge and any prior record. Additional consequences can include loss of certain civil rights and serious limits on employment and housing opportunities.

The exact range of punishment in your case will depend on the statute you are charged under, the ages involved, whether any aggravating factors are alleged, and whether the state claims that other offenses occurred. We review those details with you so that you understand the realistic sentencing exposure if there were a conviction. From there, we work to identify lawful strategies that may improve your position.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if I am convicted?

Many felony sex offenses involving minors in Texas carry sex offender registration requirements. In some situations, registration can be required for a lengthy period, and it can affect where you live, where you work, and what activities you can engage in. For many clients, these long-term restrictions feel as serious as any prison sentence.

Whether registration would apply in your case depends on the specific statute, the circumstances of the alleged conduct, and the outcome of the case. We explain how Texas registration laws apply to your charges so that you understand the potential impact on your life. As we evaluate legal options, we keep these consequences in mind and discuss with you how different paths could affect registration requirements, without suggesting that any particular result is guaranteed.

Should I talk to the police about the accusations against me?

In most situations, it is safer not to discuss the facts of the accusation with law enforcement until you have spoken with a lawyer. Officers and investigators may sound sympathetic when they ask for your side of the story, but their job is to gather evidence for potential prosecution. Statements that seem harmless to you can be used against you later, even if you believed you were clearing things up.

If officers want to talk, you generally have the right to decline and to request a lawyer. We can then communicate with law enforcement on your behalf as allowed, help you understand what they are asking about, and advise you on whether any contact is appropriate. Our goal is to protect your constitutional rights from the earliest stages of the investigation.

How will your firm handle my statutory rape case?

When you hire The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we begin by listening carefully to your account and reviewing any documents or information you already have. We obtain and examine the state’s evidence as it becomes available, including reports, statements, and electronic records. We look for weaknesses in the allegations, legal issues with how the investigation was handled, and any context that may not appear in the police file.

Drawing on our years of criminal defense practice and more than 200 jury trials, we help you understand the strengths and risks of different options, from pretrial motions to possible plea discussions and trial. Throughout the case, we keep you informed about upcoming court dates and important decisions. Our approach is to combine thorough preparation with clear communication, so that you can make choices with a full picture of what they involve.

Can you help if my case is already filed in the Ellis County court?

Yes, we regularly represent clients whose cases are already filed in the local district courts. Even if you have already been arraigned or had an initial court appearance, it is not too late to involve a defense firm. In many cases, there is still significant work to be done reviewing evidence, filing motions, and preparing for later settings.

When you contact us about an existing case, we obtain the court file, review the current status, and talk with you in detail about what has happened so far. Because our office is located a block from the Ellis County courthouse and we appear there frequently, we are familiar with local procedures and schedules. This allows us to step in and begin working within the framework that already exists.

How private will my case be, and who will I work with?

Criminal defense representation is generally confidential, and we treat statutory rape cases with particular care because of their sensitive nature. We do not discuss your situation with others who do not have a need to know for your defense. Inside the firm, we limit access to case information to those who are working on your matter.

You will work directly with Attorney Michael J. Crawford and our team. We explain who you can contact with questions, how to reach us, and what kind of response times you can typically expect. Our goal is for you to know who is standing beside you and to feel that you can ask difficult questions without being judged.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after an allegation?

It is generally wise to speak with a defense lawyer as soon as you learn about an allegation or investigation. Early involvement allows us to advise you about dealing with law enforcement, to help you understand possible bond and release conditions, and to begin preparing for any court dates that may be scheduled. Waiting can lead to decisions that are hard to undo later.

Because we are based in this county and a short walk from the courthouse, we are positioned to respond quickly when new cases arise. If you or someone close to you is facing or expects to face a statutory rape charge, we encourage you to contact us promptly so that we can start guiding you through the next steps.

Talk With A Statutory Rape Lawyer in Ellis County In A Confidential Consultation

You do not have to face a statutory rape accusation on your own. A confidential consultation with our firm can help you understand what you are up against, what options may exist, and how the court process in this county may affect you and your family. Taking this step can replace guesswork and fear with clear information and a plan.

When you reach out to The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, you speak with a criminal defense firm that brings nearly a decade of focused practice, more than 200 jury trials, deep local roots, and a client-first approach to every serious case. We work to protect your rights, your future, and your dignity at each stage of the process.

To discuss your situation with a statutory rape attorney Ellis County in a confidential consultation, call (214) 903-7722 today.