Ellis County DWI Defense Attorney
Trial-Ready DWI Defense Rooted in Ellis County
A DWI arrest in Ellis County starts two separate legal clocks at once: a criminal case in Ellis County court and an Administrative License Revocation proceeding with Texas DPS. You have exactly 15 days from the date of arrest to request an ALR hearing or face automatic license suspension. That deadline alone makes immediate legal counsel critical.
At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, attorney Michael J. Crawford brings over 200 jury trials of experience to DWI defense. A fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties with more than 130 years of family history in the area, Crawford knows these courts, prosecutors, and procedures firsthand. Our office sits one block from the Waxahachie courthouse, so when time-sensitive filings are required, we move immediately. Contact us for a personalized consultation to understand your situation and your options.
If you’ve been charged with DWI in Ellis County, call (214) 903-7722 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
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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 Residents Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford for DWI Defense
Local knowledge isn’t a marketing phrase here. It’s a practical asset. Crawford has spent his entire life in Navarro and Ellis Counties, where his family has lived for over 130 years across five generations. That depth of community connection shapes how we approach every case in these courts.
- Over 200 jury trials handled: Crawford tries cases. That trial record signals to prosecutors that a plea on unfavorable terms isn’t the only path forward.
- Fifth-generation Ellis County roots: Familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court culture informs every decision from initial strategy through final argument.
- One block from the Waxahachie courthouse: Proximity means immediate action when time-sensitive filings arise, and it means we’re never a remote presence in these courts.
- Nearly a decade of criminal defense experience: Our practice is built around criminal defense, and DWI is among our primary areas of focus in Texas state and federal courts.
- Recognized in legal circles: Crawford has been published in respected criminal law publications and recognized in esteemed legal circles for his work in criminal defense.
- Affiliated with leading defense associations: Active membership in criminal defense organizations supports continuing education in DWI defense science and strategy.
DUI vs. DWI in Texas: What the Law Actually Says
Texas law uses the term DWI, defined under Texas Penal Code Section 49.04, for driving while intoxicated. The term DUI appears in Texas law only for drivers under the age of 21. For adults, DWI is the operative charge.
Intoxication is established when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08% or higher, but BAC isn’t the only path to a charge. An officer can arrest a driver for DWI even below 0.08% if observed behavior suggests impairment. Drug intoxication, including prescription medications, also qualifies. Drivers holding a commercial driver’s license face a lower threshold of 0.04% BAC when operating a commercial vehicle, and any detectable alcohol is sufficient to charge a driver under 21 with DUI under the state’s zero-tolerance rule.
Penalties for a DWI Conviction in Texas
Texas DWI penalties escalate sharply with each offense level. The ranges below are statutory minimums and maximums. They don’t include the financial and collateral consequences that follow a conviction.
- First offense (Class B misdemeanor): Up to $2,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail with a 3-day mandatory minimum, license suspension 90 days to one year
- First offense with BAC of 0.15% or higher (Class A misdemeanor): Up to $4,000 fine, up to one year in jail
- Second offense (Class A misdemeanor): Up to $4,000 fine, 30 days to one year in jail, license suspension 180 days to two years
- Third offense (third-degree felony): Up to $10,000 fine, 2 to 10 years in state prison, license suspension 180 days to two years
- DWI with a child passenger under 15 (state jail felony): Up to $10,000 fine, 180 days to two years in a state jail facility
- Additional state fines: Texas law assesses separate fines of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 on top of statutory penalties at sentencing
The criminal case isn’t the only proceeding on the clock. The ALR license suspension runs separately, and the 15-day deadline to request a hearing means both tracks require legal attention from the moment of arrest.
Collateral Consequences of a DWI Conviction
The statutory penalties are only the beginning. A DWI conviction in Texas stays on your criminal record permanently. Sealing through a nondisclosure order is available in limited circumstances for some first-offense convictions. Expunction is only available if the case was dismissed without conviction or resulted in an acquittal.
Beyond the record itself, the consequences reach into daily life in ways the sentencing range doesn’t capture. Employment background checks will surface a DWI conviction, affecting job prospects across industries. Professional licenses in healthcare, law, and commercial driving can be suspended, revoked, or denied. Auto insurance premiums typically increase substantially. Depending on individual circumstances, a conviction can also affect housing applications, child custody arrangements, and immigration status. These are the reasons a DWI charge deserves serious legal attention even when the criminal penalties alone seem manageable.
Field Sobriety Tests in Texas DWI Cases
Texas law enforcement uses three standardized field sobriety tests developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand. HGN measures involuntary eye jerking as the eyes track a moving object. Walk-and-turn requires nine steps heel-to-toe along a straight line, a pivot turn, and nine steps back. One-leg stand requires balancing on a single foot for 30 seconds while counting aloud.
NHTSA has specific protocols for how each test must be administered, and deviations by the officer can directly undermine the reliability of the results. Surface conditions, lighting, weather, the driver’s footwear, age, medical conditions, and physical injuries can all affect performance independent of intoxication. Results that appear damaging at the roadside are often challengeable once the full circumstances are examined.
Drivers in Texas aren’t legally required to perform these tests. Even so, results from a flawed administration can still be presented against a driver in court, which is why early legal counsel matters before any decision is made about cooperating with testing.
Challenging a DWI Charge in Ellis County
A DWI arrest is not a conviction. Prosecutors must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and experienced defense counsel holds them to that burden. Our firm investigates every arrest thoroughly by reviewing chemical test results, dashcam and body camera footage, witness accounts, and the conditions of the stop itself.
Common grounds for challenging a DWI charge include:
- Unlawful traffic stop: If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop, evidence gathered afterward may be suppressible under the Fourth Amendment.
- Improper field sobriety test administration: Deviations from NHTSA protocols can render test results unreliable and subject to challenge.
- Breath test calibration and maintenance: Breath testing devices require regular calibration and must be operated by a certified operator. Calibration logs and maintenance records are discoverable and can reveal equipment problems that produced a false high reading.
- Blood test chain of custody: Blood samples must be properly collected, preserved, stored, and documented. Gaps in the chain of custody create reasonable doubt about the accuracy of the result.
- Rising BAC defense: Alcohol continues absorbing after the last drink. BAC at the time of testing, often 30 to 90 minutes after the stop, can be higher than BAC at the time of driving, creating a valid challenge to the result.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, acid reflux, and GERD can produce false breath test positives. Physical conditions and injuries can mimic field sobriety test failure.
- Constitutional rights violations: Any violation of a driver’s constitutional rights during the stop, arrest, or testing process may be grounds for suppression of evidence.
With over 200 jury trials handled, Crawford is prepared to take a DWI case through trial when the facts warrant it. That willingness shapes every negotiation and every motion we file.
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
Chemical Tests in Texas DWI Cases
If you’re arrested on suspicion of DWI in Texas, the implied consent law requires you to submit to a chemical test upon lawful arrest. Refusing triggers an automatic license suspension: 180 days for a first refusal, two years for a subsequent refusal. That suspension runs separately from any criminal penalty and begins through the ALR process.
Texas uses three types of chemical tests:
- Breath test: The most common method. Requires proper calibration, regular maintenance, and a certified operator. Calibration logs and maintenance records are discoverable and often reveal problems.
- Blood test: A highly accurate method, but accuracy depends entirely on proper collection, preservation, storage, and chain-of-custody documentation. Gaps in the chain create reasonable doubt.
- Urine test: The least accurate method and least commonly used in Texas DWI cases.
Chemical test results aren’t automatically reliable. Beyond calibration and chain-of-custody issues, the rising BAC principle applies directly: alcohol continues absorbing after the last drink, meaning BAC at the time of testing, which may be 30 to 90 minutes after the stop, can be higher than at the actual moment of driving. Mouth alcohol, radio frequency interference, and medical conditions such as acid reflux can also skew breath test readings upward. We review chemical test results and the conditions under which they were administered as a standard part of every case evaluation.
How Our Ellis County DWI Defense Lawyers Can Help
A DWI charge creates consequences across multiple fronts at the same time. The strongest position starts with legal intervention before the first court date, when evidence can still be preserved, the ALR deadline can be met, and defense strategy can be shaped before prosecutors lock into a position.
Here is what The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford provides in a DWI defense representation:
- Case evaluation: We review the specific facts of your arrest, the conditions of the stop, and the results of any chemical or field sobriety testing. You leave the consultation with a clear understanding of what you face and what your options are.
- ALR hearing representation: We request the ALR hearing within the 15-day window and appear on your behalf before Texas DPS to contest the license suspension, while simultaneously building the criminal defense strategy.
- Investigation: We conduct a thorough review of chemical test results, dashcam and body camera footage, and witness interviews for every arrest we defend.
- Defense strategy development: Over 200 jury trials give Crawford the perspective to assess which approach gives each client the best realistic path forward, whether that means a motion to suppress, a negotiated resolution, or trial.
- Courthouse proximity: Our office is one block from the Waxahachie courthouse. When time-sensitive filings arise, we respond immediately.
- Occupational license assistance: If your license is suspended, we can help you pursue an occupational driver’s license to preserve your ability to drive to work, school, and essential appointments during the suspension period.
- Full charge range: We handle DWI cases from first offense through felony DWI, including aggravated charges, drug intoxication, and cases involving passengers under 15.
If you’ve been charged with DWI in Ellis County, call (214) 903-7722 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.