Boating While Intoxicated Attorney in Ellis County
More Than 350 Criminal Jury Trials Inform Our BWI Defense
A boating while intoxicated investigation raises issues that don’t arise in a road DWI case. The allegation may involve a boat, personal watercraft, water skis, an aquaplane, or another device used to transport someone on the water. Texas calls this offense BWI, although some people refer to it as BUI or boating under the influence.
We examine what prompted the contact, whether the evidence supports alleged operation, how sobriety testing occurred, and whether an officer requested a breath or blood specimen. An early review can also identify reports, recordings, messages, and witness information that should be preserved.
Call our defense team at (214) 903-7722 to discuss your Ellis County BWI charge and the next steps in your defense.
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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
More Than 5,000 Cases & 350 Criminal Jury Trials
Michael J. Crawford is board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Our firm has handled more than 5,000 cases and taken more than 350 criminal cases to jury trials. That courtroom background shapes how we review evidence, identify disputed issues, and prepare for court.
Our legal team also pursues ongoing legal education and maintains affiliations with the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Texas DUI/DWI Lawyers Association.
How We Evaluate a Boating While Intoxicated Case
During a consultation, we review the charge and available evidence, explain what to expect, and discuss how the case may proceed. Our work can include analyzing evidence, developing a defense strategy, negotiating with prosecutors, appearing in court, and preparing for a possible jury trial.
A case-specific evaluation may address:
- The initial contact: What prompted a Game Warden or another officer to approach, stop, or investigate the watercraft.
- Operation: Whether the evidence identifies who was operating the watercraft at the relevant time.
- Officer observations: What the officer reported about speech, balance, coordination, appearance, or behavior.
- Testing: How field sobriety procedures and any breath or blood specimen were obtained and documented.
- Available records: Whether reports, body-camera footage, vessel-camera footage, dispatch records, witness accounts, videos, or laboratory records exist.
The appropriate approach depends on the evidence, charge classification, prior record, and your objectives. We evaluate negotiation and trial as distinct paths while preparing the case for potential court proceedings.
How Water Conditions Can Affect BWI Evidence
Wind, sun, heat, dehydration, fatigue, and boat motion may affect a person’s balance, coordination, appearance, or performance during an investigation. The significance of those conditions depends on the setting, timing, and other available evidence.
Field sobriety procedures also require close review. We consider where the testing occurred, whether the surface was stable, what instructions the officer gave, and whether the officer distinguished possible impairment from the ordinary effects of time spent on the water.
A reported breath or blood result doesn’t tell the whole story. The collection procedure, chain of custody, testing method, instrument records, laboratory documentation, and reliability of the result may all require evaluation.
Steps to Take After a BWI Arrest
What you do after release can affect the criminal case and any separate license proceeding. Follow all court instructions and bond conditions, and keep every document received from law enforcement, the jail, the court, the Texas Department of Public Safety, or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Protect information that may matter to your defense:
- Don’t discuss the alleged facts with investigators or post about the incident online.
- Preserve videos, photographs, messages, receipts, location records, and boating records.
- Write down potential witnesses and their contact information while the events remain fresh.
- Keep all paperwork concerning specimen requests, release terms, court settings, and license deadlines.
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
Driver’s License Consequences After a Texas BWI Arrest
A BWI arrest can trigger an administrative license revocation process through the Texas Department of Public Safety, even when the alleged conduct involved a watercraft rather than a motor vehicle. This process is separate from the criminal case.
Refusing a requested breath or blood specimen and providing a specimen at or above the applicable alcohol concentration can lead to different suspension consequences. You generally have 15 days after receiving a suspension notice to request an administrative hearing, but the controlling deadline and available options depend on the notice and the facts of the arrest.
Get a Clear Assessment of Your BWI Charge
Contact us for a free initial consultation about an Ellis County boating while intoxicated arrest, pending charge, evidence issue, or driver’s license concern. We can review the available information, explain the legal process, and discuss the defense paths the evidence may support.
We provide criminal defense representation in Ellis County and throughout Texas. Calls and texts are accepted 24/7, and Spanish-language communication is available.
Call or text (214) 903-7722 to speak with The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford about your Texas BWI case.