Ellis County Assault Attorney
Board-Certified Criminal Defense. 350+ Jury Trials. Rooted in Ellis County.
An assault charge in Texas carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect your job, your housing, and your reputation for years. If you’ve been charged with assault in Ellis County, the decisions you make in the days immediately after your arrest can shape everything that follows.
The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford defends individuals facing assault charges throughout Ellis County, Texas. Attorney Michael J. Crawford is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential fewer than two percent of Texas attorneys hold. He has handled over 5,000 cases and taken more than 350 criminal cases to jury trial. Our Waxahachie office sits close to the Ellis County courthouse, and our ties to this community run deep. Se Habla Español.
Facing assault charges in Ellis County? Call or text us 24/7 at (214) 903-7722 to schedule a free consultation with our assault defense team.
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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
Why Ellis County Assault Defendants Choose Our Firm
When your freedom and record are at stake, credentials and courtroom experience matter. Attorney Michael J. Crawford brings both to every assault defense case in Ellis County.
- Board Certified in Criminal Law: Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by a small fraction of Texas criminal defense attorneys.
- Texas Super Lawyers® 2020–2025: Named a Texas Super Lawyer every year from 2020 through 2025, and a Texas Rising Stars™ honoree from 2016 through 2020.
- Published Recognition: Featured in Texas Monthly and Super Lawyers magazines from 2021 through 2025 as a leader in criminal law.
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100: Member of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers Executive Committee.
- 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating: The highest rating available on Avvo’s attorney review platform.
- 350+ Criminal Jury Trials: More than 350 criminal cases taken to jury trial, including more than 125 DWI jury trials. That courtroom record reflects real experience across the full range of criminal charge types.
- Deep Local Roots: Attorney Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, with his family’s history in this area spanning over 130 years. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.
- Accessible & Bilingual: Free initial consultations, 24/7 availability for calls and texts, and Spanish-language services available.
Types of Assault Charges in Texas
Texas law recognizes several distinct categories of assault, each defined by the nature of the conduct and the relationship between the parties. The charge classification shapes everything from which court hears your case to the punishment range you face.
- Simple Assault: Under Texas Penal Code section 22.01, simple assault includes intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to another person, threatening imminent bodily injury, or making provocative or offensive physical contact. Physical contact isn’t required for a charge to be filed.
- Aggravated Assault: Assault becomes aggravated under section 22.02 when it involves serious bodily injury or the use or display of a deadly weapon, carrying substantially more severe penalties.
- Sexual Assault: Non-consensual sexual contact under section 22.011 is charged as a second-degree felony and carries sex offender registration requirements in addition to prison time.
- Assault Family Violence: Acts of assault against a spouse, dating partner, parent, child, or household member under Texas Family Code section 71.004 carry collateral consequences beyond the criminal sentence, including restraining orders and a potential federal prohibition on firearm possession, depending on the circumstances.
Penalties for Assault in Texas
The punishment range for an assault charge in Ellis County depends on the classification of the offense. A conviction at any level can follow you for years, which is why understanding your exposure from the outset matters.
- Simple Assault (Offensive Contact): Class C Misdemeanor, fine up to $500.
- Assault Causing Bodily Injury: Class A Misdemeanor, up to one year in county jail, fine up to $4,000.
- Aggravated Assault: Second-Degree Felony, two to 20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000.
- Sexual Assault: Second-Degree Felony, two to 20 years in prison, fine up to $10,000.
- Assault Family Violence: Enhanced penalties apply for prior family violence convictions, and additional consequences can include restraining orders and child custody issues. A family violence finding on any assault conviction, including a misdemeanor, may result in a federal prohibition on firearm possession under 18 U.S.C. section 922(g)(9), depending on the circumstances of the case.
Call The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford today at (214) 903-7722 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our assault attorney in Waxahachie.
How Assault Cases Move Through Ellis County Courts
Knowing which court handles your case and how the Ellis County District Attorney’s office processes charges before your first appearance can make a meaningful difference in how your defense is built from day one.
Which Court Hears Your Case
Misdemeanor assault charges, including Class A assault causing bodily injury, are heard in Ellis County’s County Court at Law No. 2 or County Court at Law No. 3, both located in Waxahachie. Felony assault charges, including aggravated assault, are heard in the 443rd District Court in Waxahachie, which by agreement among the Ellis County judges handles all felony criminal cases in the county.
The DA’s Screening Intake
Before your first court date, the Ellis County District Attorney’s office conducts a screening intake to review charge accuracy and the sufficiency of the evidence. This window gives defense counsel an opportunity to raise issues about overcharged offenses or thin evidence before the case is formally filed or proceeds. Acting early matters.
Bond & First Appearance
Bond is typically set at a magistrate appearance within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. An attorney who knows local bond practices can move immediately to pursue reasonable conditions. Our Waxahachie office is close to the courts where these cases are heard, and Attorney Crawford’s longstanding ties to Navarro and Ellis Counties inform our understanding of how these proceedings run in practice.
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
Assault Defense Strategies in Ellis County
Every assault case turns on its own facts. The right defense depends on the specific circumstances, the evidence the prosecution holds, and the legal weaknesses we can identify in its case. With more than 350 criminal jury trials behind him, Attorney Crawford has applied defense strategies across the full range of assault charge types, from Class A misdemeanors to aggravated assault felonies.
Defense strategies we evaluate in Ellis County assault cases include:
- Self-Defense and Defense of Others: Affirmative defenses under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9 require asserting and supporting a justification claim with evidence, including witness accounts, surveillance footage, and investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Texas’s Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground framework can justify the use of force when a person reasonably believes it was immediately necessary to protect against unlawful force.
- Consent: When the alleged victim knowingly and voluntarily agreed to the physical contact at issue, consent can be a recognized defense to the charge.
- Lack of Intent: Assault under Texas Penal Code section 22.01 requires intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct. Demonstrating that the accused didn’t act with the required mental state can defeat the elements of the offense.
- Mistaken Identity: In group altercations or chaotic situations, witness identification of the accused may be unreliable. We investigate the basis for any identification and challenge it where the evidence supports doing so.
- Witness Credibility and Report Inconsistencies: Challenging the credibility of the complaining witness and identifying inconsistencies between the police report, prior statements, and physical evidence can expose significant weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Affidavit of Non-Prosecution: When a complaining witness provides an affidavit of non-prosecution, that document is not binding on the state, but it is a factor the District Attorney’s office may weigh in deciding whether to proceed with charges.
Speak With an Ellis County Assault Defense Attorney
If you’re facing assault charges in Ellis County, the sooner you have legal counsel, the more options may be available for your defense. We offer free initial consultations, accept calls and texts 24/7, and are ready to get to work on your case.
Call The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford today at (214) 903-7722 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation about your assault charges in Ellis County.