Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Attorney

Continuous Sexual Abuse Of a Child Defense in Ellis County

Defense Backed by More Than 200 Jury Trials

An accusation under Texas Penal Code Section 21.02 carries consequences that begin the moment law enforcement makes contact. The prosecution doesn’t wait, and neither should you. The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford represents people under investigation or formally charged with serious sex offenses involving children throughout Ellis County and the surrounding area.

Attorney Michael J. Crawford has handled hundreds of jury trials over nearly a decade of criminal defense practice. That courtroom experience shapes how we review allegations, assess evidence, and build a defense from the first consultation forward.

An accusation is not a conviction. The prosecution must prove every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and that burden guides our approach.

If you’re facing an investigation or charge in Ellis County, contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford now for a confidential consultation. Call (214) 903-7722 to speak with our defense team.

What Texas Penal Code Section 21.02 Actually Requires

Under Texas Penal Code Section 21.02, the prosecution must prove two or more qualifying acts of sexual abuse committed during a period of thirty or more days, involving a child younger than fourteen or a qualifying disabled individual.

Qualifying acts under Texas law can include conduct charged under provisions such as sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, and sexual performance by a child, among others enumerated in the statute. Because the statute targets repeated conduct rather than a single incident, the prosecution’s case typically involves allegations spread across a timeline, which creates specific evidentiary and constitutional issues the defense must examine closely.

Continue Reading Read Less

Our Satisfied Clients

View All Reviews

“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.”
“
If 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
”

- John
“As a satisfied client, I highly recommend Michael J. Crawford.”
Mr. 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.

- Former Client
“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 Trial Experience Matters for This Charge

A charge under Section 21.02 is a serious first-degree felony. Choosing a defense team means evaluating courtroom readiness, investigative preparation, and how well the attorney communicates through each stage of a high-stakes case.

Our firm combines experience from over 200 jury trials with an assertive criminal-defense approach built on continuous legal education. We stay current on evidentiary rules, digital evidence admissibility, and constitutional challenges that arise in sex-offense cases so our analysis accounts for changes that can affect the admissibility of evidence and available constitutional arguments.

We keep clients involved in key decisions and explain the legal landscape in plain language. When the stakes are this high, you deserve to understand what’s happening and why, not just receive instructions.

Defense Issues in a Continuous Sexual Abuse Case

We begin each Section 21.02 defense by examining the specific facts charged, then identify the evidentiary questions those allegations raise.

Key areas our defense review may address:

Timeline of alleged conduct: Whether the alleged acts span the statutory thirty-day period and whether the evidence supports that timeline
Forensic interviews: How the disclosure developed, who conducted the interview, and whether accepted protocols were followed
Outcry testimony and witness accounts: The circumstances of initial disclosures and whether those accounts have remained consistent
Digital evidence: Electronic communications, device records, and whether searches or seizures raise constitutional questions
Medical and law-enforcement records: What documentation exists and how it aligns with the allegations as pleaded

The legal significance of any item depends on the facts, the admissibility rules that apply, and the way the prosecution has framed the charge. We assess these issues before recommending a direction.

Ellis County Felony Courts & Local Representation

Felony criminal matters in Ellis County, including jury trials, motions, pleas, and hearings, are handled through the district courts. Our office is located close to the Ellis County courthouse, which allows us to act quickly when an investigation develops or a charge is filed.

Attorney Michael J. Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties. Those roots reflect a longstanding connection to the communities we serve. We also represent clients in Navarro County and throughout Texas.

Local familiarity helps us set accurate expectations about scheduling, pretrial stages, and courtroom procedure without overpromising on results.

What Happens After You Contact Our Firm

The first step is a confidential conversation. Attorney-client communications are confidential, subject to the limits of applicable law. During the initial consultation, we seek to understand your situation, identify immediate concerns, and explain your rights.

From there, the defense process may involve:

Bond and release conditions, if charges have been filed
Discovery review and evidence assessment
Pretrial motions addressing constitutional or evidentiary issues
Strategy development based on your goals and the facts as we understand them
Hearing and trial preparation when the case requires it

Before your consultation, preserve any paperwork you’ve received, note the names of any agencies involved, and avoid discussing the allegations publicly or with investigators before receiving legal advice.

Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford?

A Powerful Defense Team Working for You
All Initial Consultations Are FREE of Charge
Se Habla Español
Board Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
We Take Your Calls and Texts 24/7 - Here When You Need Us
Client & Peer Reviewed 5 Stars for Quality Representation
Handled over 5000 Cases and Over 350 Criminal Cases Taken to Jury Trials
Extensive Courtroom Experience and Longstanding Reputation with Local Judges

Punishment Range & Consequences of a Conviction

A conviction under Section 21.02 is a first-degree felony carrying a punishment range of twenty-five years to ninety-nine years or life in prison. Under current Texas law, parole eligibility is generally unavailable until at least twenty-five calendar years have been served. The Ellis County District Attorney’s Office has publicly described this range in connection with this offense.

The consequences of a conviction extend well beyond incarceration. Depending on the offense and applicable Texas law, a conviction may require sex-offender registration for an extended period or for life. Registration obligations affect where a person can live, work, and be present, and they carry their own reporting requirements and penalties for noncompliance.

Employment, professional licensing, housing, family relationships, and public reputation can all be affected. The specific consequences depend on the charged statute, the conviction, and the facts of the case. A prompt consultation with a defense lawyer can clarify which consequences may apply.

Related Charges That May Appear Alongside Section 21.02

Prosecutors sometimes charge multiple offenses arising from the same alleged conduct. Allegations that accompany a continuous sexual abuse charge may include sexual assault of a child, aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child, or sexual performance by a child, among others.

Each of these is a distinct offense with its own elements, degree, punishment range, and potential registration consequences. They are not interchangeable with continuous sexual abuse of a child, and the defense analysis for each charge requires separate attention to what the prosecution must prove and what the evidence actually shows.

When multiple charges are filed together, the defense strategy must account for each one individually while considering how they interact at trial and in any negotiation.

Continue Reading Read Less

Speak with a Defense Lawyer Before You Do Anything Else

If you or someone you know is facing an investigation or charge involving continuous sexual abuse of a child in Ellis County, contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford for a confidential consultation. We’ll discuss the allegations, your immediate rights, and the legal options available based on the specific facts of your case.

We explain your legal options, keep you involved in decisions that affect your case, and handle case discussions confidentially, subject to the limits of applicable law.

You Don’t Have to Wait for an Arrest to Call Us

Many clients contact us before charges are filed, when they’ve received a call from a detective, been asked to come in for an interview, or simply learned that an allegation has been made. We can review your situation at that stage and discuss steps to protect your interests before the investigation progresses further.

For an initial consultation, it helps to bring or note any paperwork you’ve received, known court dates, the name of any agency that has contacted you, and any communications relevant to the allegations. You don’t need everything organized, and you don’t need to have all the answers. Attorney-client communications are confidential, subject to the limits of applicable law, so you can speak candidly about what you know.

Call (214) 903-7722 now to speak confidentially with our criminal defense team at The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford.

Continue Reading Read Less

Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford Today!

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
🛡️ Please enter the above verification code:
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy