Drug Distribution Attorney in Ellis County
Facing Drug Distribution Charges in Ellis County? Start Here
A drug distribution charge in Ellis County can disrupt every aspect of your life. The stakes are significant. Drug cases can affect your reputation, career, and freedom. If you or someone you care about has been charged or is under investigation, you may feel stressed, uncertain, and want answers quickly.
At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we understand these circumstances because we've spent years guiding individuals and families through moments just like this. Our attorney is a fifth-generation resident of Ellis and Navarro Counties and knows the community, the local legal system, and the people who make key decisions.
You are not alone. Help is available just one block from the Ellis County courthouse in Waxahachie.
Secure your freedom by hiring a dedicated Ellis County drug distribution lawyer. We provide comprehensive bilingual service in English and Spanish and offer free consultations. Call (214) 903-7722 or reach out online now to discuss your felony charge.
Understanding Drug Distribution Laws in Texas
In Texas, the law defines "delivery" or drug distribution broadly as the transfer, actually or constructively, of a controlled substance to another person. This includes selling the drug, offering to sell it, or simply giving it away. The most severe aspect of the law is that intent to deliver is treated the same as actual delivery.
The penalty for a Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession with Intent to Deliver (M/D/I) charge is determined by two factors:
1. Penalty Group (P.G.)
Texas classifies drugs into four Penalty Groups (PG 1, 1-A, 2, 3, 4) based on their abuse potential. Penalty Group 1 includes the most dangerous substances like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, and carries the harshest penalties.
2. Aggregate Weight/Quantity
The amount of the drug, including any adulterants or dilutants, dictates the felony degree. Even a small weight of a PG 1 substance can trigger a severe sentence.
- Penalty Group 1 substances (cocaine, meth, heroin): drug weight determines felony level and sentencing.
- Less than 1 gram: State jail felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail.
- 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams: First-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
- 400 grams or more: Enhanced first-degree felony punishable by 15 to 99 years or life in prison.
As your dedicated drug distribution attorney in Ellis County, we fight relentlessly to challenge the weight measurement or the Penalty Group classification to reduce the felony degree, which can save years, or even decades, of incarceration.
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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 and Collateral Consequences of Drug Distribution Convictions
A conviction for drug distribution is a felony that will result in a permanent criminal record and carries devastating penalties under Texas law.
Direct Penalties and Felony Degrees
- State Jail Felony: Punishable by 180 days to two years in a State Jail facility.
- Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by two to 20 years in a Texas prison.
- First-Degree Felony: Punishable by five to 99 years, or life imprisonment.
The charge is often enhanced by factors such as the offense occurring near a school or involving a minor, leading to additional years of incarceration.
Collateral Consequences
- Permanent Criminal Record: Felony drug distribution convictions are not eligible for non-disclosure (record sealing), creating a permanent public record.
- Loss of Civil Rights: A felony conviction results in the loss of the right to own or possess firearms.
- Professional Licensing: Convictions can lead to the denial or revocation of professional licenses (e.g., nursing, teaching, real estate).
- Immigration Issues: A conviction for drug distribution is classified as an aggravated felony under federal law, leading to mandatory detention and deportation for non-citizens.
The Texas Criminal Defense Process for Drug Distribution Charges
Defending a drug distribution felony in Ellis County requires meticulous attention to the legal and scientific evidence. Our firm provides a rigorous defense plan, starting immediately with a free consultation.
- Challenging the Initial Stop and Arrest (Fourth Amendment): The most effective defense is often challenging the constitutionality of the traffic stop or warrantless search that led to the discovery of the drugs. If we prove the stop or search was illegal, the evidence is suppressed, and the case may be dismissed.
- Contesting the Element of Intent: We focus on reinterpreting the circumstantial evidence. As your Ellis County drug distribution lawyers, we argue that scales were used for weighing food or personal supplements, cash was from a job, and text messages were misinterpreted, thus proving lack of intent to deliver.
- Challenging the Weight and Purity: We scrutinize the crime lab’s forensic report. Since the weight includes cutting agents (adulterants and dilutants), we can challenge the methodology or accuracy, aiming to drop the aggregate weight below a crucial felony threshold (e.g., dropping from 4 grams to $3.99$ grams), potentially reducing a First-Degree Felony to a Second-Degree Felony.
- Pursuing Drug Court or Diversion: For eligible clients, we advocate strongly for alternatives to prison, such as Drug Court or Deferred Adjudication, which offers a path to avoid a final felony conviction.
We ensure that you understand every technical detail of your case by providing full bilingual service in English and Spanish.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Drug Distribution Defense
When you choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, PLLC, you are hiring a firm that understands how to manage the complexity and severity of Texas M/D/I cases.
Specific defense strategies we implement include:
- Challenging Constructive Possession: We argue that the drugs were found in a shared space (house, vehicle, bag) and that the State cannot prove our client had the exclusive "care, custody, or control" of the substance.
- Lack of Knowledge: We assert that the defendant did not know the substance they possessed was an illegal controlled substance or that it was present in their vehicle or property.
- The Informant Defense: In sting operations or controlled buys, we challenge the credibility, reliability, and motive of the police informant used to arrange the alleged delivery.
- Mistaken Identity: We challenge the ability of the police or undercover agents to accurately identify the defendant as the person who conducted the delivery, especially in low-light or stressful situations.
Why Choose Our Team for Your Defense
Choosing the right legal partner may be the most important step you take in defending against a drug distribution charge. At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, attorney Michael J. Crawford brings nearly a decade of criminal defense experience and over 200 jury trials to your case. This means you work with someone recognized and respected by judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement throughout Ellis County.
Our reputation for excellence includes recognition from esteemed legal communities and publications, such as Rising Stars in criminal law. With an office just a block from the courthouse, we are often able to act swiftly and decisively, whether a hearing is set suddenly or your case needs urgent attention. Our relationships with Ellis County prosecutors are built on years of real courtroom experience, allowing us to understand their strategies and craft customized defenses.
What to Do After an Arrest or Investigation
An arrest for drug distribution, or even a call from an investigator, can happen unexpectedly. It's important to use your rights to protect yourself, and every step matters.
These actions protect your future and position your case for the best possible outcome:
- Remain silent and do not answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present
- Request to contact a drug distribution lawyer in Ellis County as soon as possible
- Do not discuss your case with anyone besides your legal counsel
- Document any details about your arrest and interactions with police at the Ellis County Jail
The Ellis County Jail typically processes these cases, and your right to an attorney starts as soon as questioning occurs or you are detained. Our team acts swiftly and advocates for you during every hearing and in every police interaction.
Contact an aggressive drug distribution attorney in Ellis County for a free, confidential case review. We offer free consultations and provide professional bilingual service in English and Spanish. Call (214) 903-7722 or reach out online today.
Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford?
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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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Over 200 Criminal Cases Taken to Jury Trials
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Extensive Courtroom Experience and Longstanding Reputation with Local Judges
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20% Discount to Veterans and Current Military or Civil Service
How Our Team Builds Your Defense
Building a strong defense to a drug distribution charge in Ellis County requires experience, local insight, and persistence. With each case, our workflow begins by analyzing every detail: how law enforcement gathered evidence, the reliability of all parties in the investigation, and the methods used by officers in Waxahachie and across the county.
Our Defense Approach
We focus on these essential components:
- Independent investigation to challenge the prosecution's version of events
- Knowledge of local court processes and prosecutor strategies
- Application of ongoing legal education and criminal defense association resources
- Transparent, ongoing communication so you are always informed
- Rapid response to new hearings or developments, thanks to our proximity to the courthouse
Each strategy is customized. We draw on prior jury trial experience and stay active in legal education to adapt to the latest developments. Our direct involvement means you stay connected and never feel left out of your own defense.
Your Next Step: Talk to a Drug Distribution Lawyer in Ellis County
If you face a drug distribution charge or suspect you may soon, contact us as soon as possible. Early legal counsel can be the difference between a strong defense and missed opportunities. Allow us to protect your rights and provide steady, practical advice from the beginning.
Contact a drug distribution attorney in Ellis County at The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford by calling (214) 903-7722 today.
