Aggravated DWI Attorney in Ellis County
More Than 350 Criminal Jury Trials Behind Your Ellis County DWI Defense
An aggravated DWI charge in Ellis County can expose you to jail time, substantial fines, driver’s license consequences, and damage to your reputation. The arrest may also trigger a separate Administrative License Revocation process with its own deadlines. Early legal guidance can help you understand both proceedings and preserve relevant evidence.
At The Law Office of Michael J Crawford, PLLC, we defend clients against serious DWI allegations. Our office is located just a block from the Ellis County courthouse, allowing us to act quickly to protect your rights. Attorney Michael J Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Ellis and Navarro Counties and has handled more than 200 jury trials. Our firm has managed more than 5,000 cases overall, with more than 350 criminal cases taken to jury trials.
We offer free initial consultations and bilingual service in English and Spanish, and we take calls and texts 24/7.
Don’t face the Texas criminal justice system alone. Contact an aggravated DWI attorney in Ellis County at (214) 903-7722 or reach out online today to schedule a free consultation. We offer bilingual service in English and Spanish.
Understanding Aggravated DWI Laws in Texas
In Texas, a standard DWI charge under Texas Penal Code Section 49.04 is typically a Class B misdemeanor. “Aggravated DWI” is a term commonly used by the public, but Texas law defines distinct offenses and enhancement provisions under Chapter 49 of the Penal Code rather than one universal offense by that name. The specific charge you face, its classification, and its potential punishment all depend on the statute charged, your prior history, and the facts of your case.
Legal Definitions & Factors That Increase DWI Charges
A DWI offense occurs when a person is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. Intoxicated means either:
- Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs.
- Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more.
Texas law treats the following circumstances as separate offenses or enhancement provisions:
- High BAC: Under Section 49.04, a first-time DWI is elevated from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor if a specimen analysis shows an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more.
- DWI with Child Passenger: Section 49.045 makes DWI with a passenger younger than 15 a state jail felony, even for a first-time offender.
- Repeat DWI Offender: Section 49.09 provides enhanced punishment for prior intoxication-related convictions. A third or subsequent DWI is a third-degree felony.
- Intoxication Assault: Section 49.07 applies when intoxication causes serious bodily injury to another person. Serious bodily injury means an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ. This offense is a third-degree felony.
- Intoxication Manslaughter: Section 49.08 applies when intoxication causes the death of another person. This offense is a second-degree felony.
The wording of the indictment or information controls the charge being defended. We examine the specific statutory basis for each charge, including the alleged enhancement factors, to build a defense plan tied to your actual case.
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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
Felony Aggravated DWI Cases in Ellis County Courts
When an aggravated DWI charge reaches felony level, including intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter, DWI with a child passenger, or a third or subsequent DWI, the case moves through Ellis County’s district courts. The 443rd Judicial District Court handles felony criminal matters, including felony motions, pleas, dockets, and criminal jury trials. Ellis County also has additional district courts with felony criminal jurisdiction.
Felony cases can involve grand jury proceedings and indictment, pretrial motions, discovery, plea negotiations, sentencing decisions, and trial. The precise court, procedural posture, and available resolutions depend on the charged offense and the status of your case. Attorney Crawford has handled more than 200 jury trials and represents clients in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases.
Collateral Consequences of an Aggravated DWI Conviction
Depending on the circumstances of your case, an aggravated DWI conviction in Ellis County can carry fines, confinement, and driver’s license suspension. License consequences may arise through the criminal case, the ALR process, or both. Ignition-interlock requirements, license eligibility, occupational-license options, and suspension periods depend on the offense, your prior history, court orders, and action by the Texas Department of Public Safety. We can assist with occupational driver’s license matters when a license is suspended.
Beyond the direct penalties, a conviction can affect other areas of life. Effects vary by offense, individual circumstances, and applicable law rather than applying uniformly in every case:
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): A court may require installation on your vehicle as a condition of probation or license reinstatement.
- Criminal Record: A conviction can appear on background checks and can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing applications. Texas record-clearing options depend on the arrest, disposition, offense, waiting periods, and statutory eligibility. A felony conviction is not automatically eligible for expunction.
- Employment and Professional Licensing: Some employers and licensing boards consider criminal history, and the effect depends on the offense and the specific field or license involved.
- Financial Consequences: Auto insurance rates may increase, and SR-22 filings may be required. Eligibility for certain government programs can also be affected depending on the offense and program requirements.
- Child Custody and Family Matters: A conviction, particularly one involving a child passenger, may be a factor in family court proceedings. The effect depends on the facts and the court’s assessment.
- Voting and Firearm Rights: A felony conviction in Texas can affect the right to vote and to possess firearms. The specific consequences depend on the offense and applicable state and federal law.
Board Certified Criminal Law Counsel for Aggravated DWI Defense
Choosing the right attorney matters when the potential penalties threaten your freedom or future. Our courtroom experience, local ties, and emphasis on clear communication shape how we prepare each defense.
Attorney Crawford is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He was named among Rising Stars from 2016 through 2020 and has been published in Texas Monthly and Super Lawyers magazines in criminal law. He is also a fifth-generation Ellis County resident. Our firm has handled more than 5,000 cases, with more than 350 criminal cases taken to jury trials.
We maintain memberships in the Texas DUI/DWI Lawyers Association and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and participate in ongoing legal education. Our office is one block from the courthouse, allowing us to file motions, gather records, and act quickly. Throughout your case, we explain deadlines, options, and developments while preparing for negotiation or trial.
How We Examine the Evidence in an Aggravated DWI Case
An enhanced DWI defense must account for the specific facts, scientific evidence, and procedural posture of the case. We examine the prosecution’s evidence from each relevant angle rather than applying the same strategy to every charge.
Challenging the Scientific Evidence
Chemical-test evidence is often central to the prosecution’s case. That evidence can involve the testing device, maintenance and calibration records, sample collection and preservation, laboratory analysis, chain of custody, and interpretation. We systematically examine:
- Breath Test Accuracy: We review the calibration records, maintenance history, and proper operation of the breath-testing device used in your case.
- Blood Draw Procedure: We examine the chain of custody for the blood sample, the collection procedure, site preparation, the qualifications of the person who drew the blood, and laboratory handling.
- Retrograde Extrapolation: When the state attempts to estimate your BAC at the time of driving based on a later test result, we evaluate the assumptions about timing, alcohol absorption, and elimination that the calculation requires. The significance of any testing issue depends on the records, applicable rules, testimony, and other evidence in your case.
Attacking the Stop & Detention
A defense analysis often begins with the initial contact with law enforcement. A DWI investigation can involve the legality of the stop, the duration of detention, the basis for arrest, consent, warrant procedures, and evidence collection. We examine whether:
- The officer had reasonable suspicion to initiate the traffic stop.
- The officer had probable cause to make the arrest.
- Standardized field sobriety tests were administered and scored according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards. Administration conditions, instructions, scoring, surface, lighting, footwear, and medical conditions can all affect the reliability of these tests.
Causation Defense in Intoxication Assault & Manslaughter
Intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter require the state to establish both intoxication and causation of the alleged injury or death. In these felony cases, we examine accident reconstruction, medical records, eyewitness testimony, vehicle evidence, and roadway conditions. We may investigate whether the evidence is consistent with alternative explanations, including:
- Another driver’s conduct or a traffic violation by another party.
- Road defects or weather conditions.
- Medical complications or intervening events.
A possible alternative cause must be evaluated against the complete evidence. Whether it affects the outcome depends on the facts, applicable law, and court rulings.
Mitigation & Resolution Considerations
Even in cases with significant evidence, we identify mitigating factors that may be relevant to plea negotiations, sentencing, or trial. These can include treatment history, employment, family responsibilities, medical information, character evidence, and compliance efforts. Probation, deferred adjudication, treatment programs, plea agreements, and trial are not available or appropriate in every case. The best path forward depends on the charge, your prior record, the evidence, the prosecutor’s position, court orders, and your objectives. We develop a case-specific plan and communicate your available choices clearly, with a trial-ready approach at every stage.
Your defense starts now. Call (214) 903-7722 or contact us online for a free consultation about your arrest, charge, or license issue.
Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J Crawford, PLLC?
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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
What to Do After an Aggravated DWI Arrest in Ellis County
The paperwork you receive after an aggravated DWI arrest may contain court dates and license-related deadlines that require prompt attention. You can also take immediate steps to preserve information and exercise your rights.
If you’ve been arrested for aggravated DWI in Ellis County, take these steps:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t answer police questions without your attorney present.
- Request an attorney immediately. Tell officers that you want to speak with counsel before answering questions.
- Read your paperwork carefully. The documents you received at arrest may contain an ALR or license-suspension notice from the Texas Department of Public Safety. The criminal case and the ALR proceeding are separate matters with different procedures and deadlines.
- Act on ALR deadlines promptly. For an applicable DPS notice served at arrest, a hearing request is generally due within 15 days. Deadlines vary according to the type of notice and testing circumstances, so don’t assume that every DWI case uses the same deadline.
- Preserve all relevant materials. Save arrest paperwork, court notices, video, messages, receipts, medical records, witness information, vehicle information, and any other documents that may relate to the arrest or alleged incident. Don’t alter, destroy, or conceal evidence.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can review the charge, applicable deadlines, and available evidence.
Preparing for Your Aggravated DWI Consultation
When you contact our firm, we use the initial consultation to understand the specific facts of your situation, explain your legal options, and outline the steps involved in your defense. Coming prepared helps us give you useful guidance from the start.
Information that may be relevant to your consultation includes:
- Arrest details: The date, location, and circumstances of the stop and arrest.
- Documents received at arrest: Any paperwork, notices, or citations, including any ALR or license-suspension notice from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- Court paperwork: Any charging documents, summons, or hearing notices you have received.
- Test requests or results: Whether a breath or blood test was requested, whether you submitted to testing, and any results you have been given.
- Video or witness information: Names of any witnesses and whether you are aware of any video from the scene, a dashcam, or another source.
- Accident materials: If the arrest involved a collision, any accident report, photos, or insurance information.
- Medical records: Any medical conditions or medications that may be relevant to the events surrounding the arrest.
- Prior DWI history: Information about any prior DWI or intoxication-related cases, since prior history can affect the current charge classification and enhancement exposure.
Complete and accurate information helps us assess your case. We handle charges involving chemical testing, prior DWI history, child passengers, injury allegations, and death allegations.