Felony DWI Attorney Ellis County
Your Local Defense Team When Felony DWI Charges Threaten Your Future
Facing felony DWI charges in Ellis County can upend your life in an instant. At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we stand by your side from the moment you need us—offering assertive legal defense, transparent guidance, and a truly local perspective. Our felony drunk driving attorneys in Ellis County are conveniently located within walking distance of the courthouse, so we're ready to take immediate action to protect your rights, freedom, and future opportunities.
The shock and uncertainty that follow a felony DWI arrest are overwhelming, especially as you navigate the strict penalties under Texas law and unique procedures in Ellis County. Many individuals aren't aware of the urgent steps that must be taken, such as requesting your Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety within 15 days. Our team is poised to step in immediately, ensuring all vital filings and defenses are established before your first court date.
We’re committed not only to a strong legal approach but also to your overall peace of mind throughout this stressful process. Every client’s situation is distinct, and we avoid a generic defense approach—instead, your felony DWI defense attorney in Ellis County develops a plan tailored to your background and goals. Whether you’re a lifelong Ellis County resident or facing charges here for the first time, we deliver practical solutions that reflect our personal understanding of this community and a firm belief in helping you move forward.
Facing a felony DWI charge? We offer free consultations and bilingual services. Call (214) 903-7722 or contact us online to speak with a felony DWI attorney in Ellis County today.
Understanding Felony DWI Laws in Texas
In Texas, the crime of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is defined under the Texas Penal Code § 49.04. A person commits this offense if they are intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. While a first DWI is a misdemeanor, the law has specific provisions for when a DWI charge becomes a felony due to repeat offenses or other aggravating circumstances. This is primarily governed by Texas Penal Code § 49.09, which establishes a framework for enhanced punishments.
In Texas, a DWI can be elevated to a felony in several ways:
- Third or Subsequent DWI: The most common way a DWI becomes a felony is if a person has two or more prior DWI convictions. A third or subsequent DWI offense is automatically prosecuted as a third-degree felony, regardless of how much time has passed between offenses.
- Intoxication Assault: This is a third-degree felony that applies when a person, while intoxicated, causes serious bodily injury to another person. "Serious bodily injury" is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or results in protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ.
- Intoxication Manslaughter: This is a second-degree felony that applies when a person, while intoxicated, causes the death of another person. The penalties for this offense are severe, with a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years.
- DWI with Child Passenger: If a person is arrested for a DWI while a child under the age of 15 is in the vehicle, the charge is automatically a state jail felony, even if it is a first offense. This is a very serious charge that a dedicated Ellis County felony DWI lawyer will take on with the utmost seriousness.
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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
How We Handle Felony DWI Charges in Ellis County
Penalties of a Felony DWI Conviction
A conviction for a felony DWI charge in Texas can result in a complex web of direct penalties and far-reaching collateral consequences that will impact your life for years to come. Our role as your Ellis County felony DWI lawyer is to not only defend you against the direct criminal charges but also to help you understand and mitigate the non-criminal fallout of a potential conviction.
The severity of the penalties depends on the specific felony classification of the offense:
- Third-Degree Felony (Third DWI): Up to a $10,000 fine, 2 to 10 years in state prison, and a driver's license suspension of 180 days to two years.
- State Jail Felony (DWI with Child Passenger): Up to a $10,000 fine, 180 days to two years in a state jail facility, and a driver's license suspension of up to two years.
- Intoxication Assault (Third-Degree Felony): Up to a $10,000 fine, 2 to 10 years in state prison, and a driver's license suspension of up to two years. The punishment can be enhanced to a second-degree felony if the victim is a public servant or a first-degree felony if the victim is a peace officer, firefighter, or EMS personnel.
- Intoxication Manslaughter (Second-Degree Felony): Up to a $10,000 fine, 2 to 20 years in state prison, and a driver's license suspension of 180 days to two years.
These are just the direct penalties. A felony DWI conviction can also lead to court-mandated DWI education or intervention programs, a required ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle, and annual surcharges of up to $2,000 for three years to maintain your driver's license. The costs, both financial and personal, are astronomical.
Building a Strategic Defense
Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. As a seasoned felony DWI attorney in Ellis County, we will leverage every possible defense, including:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop: If the police officer did not have a valid reason to pull you over, the entire stop may be deemed illegal, and all evidence collected as a result may be suppressed.
- Disputing Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): These tests are notoriously unreliable. We can argue that your performance was affected by medical conditions, fatigue, or environmental factors rather than intoxication.
- Questioning Chemical Test Accuracy: The accuracy of breathalyzer and blood test results can be challenged based on issues with the equipment, the testing procedures, or the chain of custody. We can argue that a false positive was caused by mouth alcohol or that the test was not administered correctly.
- Constitutional Violations: We will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure or a coerced confession.
- Challenging Prior Convictions: The state must prove that your prior DWI convictions are valid. If we can challenge the validity of a prior conviction, it may prevent the enhancement of your current charge to a felony.
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
Our Proven Process: Step-by-Step Felony DWI Defense in Ellis County
After a felony DWI arrest in Ellis County, immediate questions and anxieties are common. Our felony DWI defense attorney in Ellis County guides you through every phase so that you never feel alone or unprepared as your case unfolds.
- Immediate Consultation: We meet with you quickly—often within hours—to collect all details of your arrest, discuss prior offenses, and initiate needed filings. Our close courthouse proximity ensures rapid access for urgent hearings and bail reviews.
- Case Assessment & Evidence Review: We conduct a meticulous review of police reports, chemical test results, and all law enforcement actions. Because Ellis County law enforcement and prosecutorial standards can influence procedures, our local knowledge is key to spotting mistakes or weaknesses in the case against you.
- Strategic Defense & Pre-Trial Motions: Our felony DWI lawyer in Ellis County crafts defenses involving scientific, procedural, and statutory arguments—challenging field sobriety performance, chemical testing, and any rights violations. We pursue every viable path to have evidence dismissed or charges reduced.
- Negotiations & Trial Advocacy: With extensive experience in Ellis County jury trials, we prepare every case for both negotiated outcomes and courtroom contests. Our established relationships build credibility when advocating before prosecutors or presenting your story to local juries.
- Transparent Communication & Support: From start to finish, you stay fully informed. We discuss every new development, explain your options in everyday language, and help manage the stress of the criminal process.
We also handle related issues such as driver’s license hearings with the Texas Department of Public Safety in Waxahachie and provide support in navigating sentencing guidelines unique to Texas and Ellis County. This hands-on, locally focused defense gives you the advantage needed in high-stakes felony DWI cases.
The Advantage of Hiring Our Felony DWI Defense Attorney in Ellis County
When you work with a felony drunk driving lawyer in Ellis County from The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, you benefit from counsel deeply invested in the region. Attorney Michael J. Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, demonstrating authentic ties to the people and legal fabric of our area.
With over 200 jury trials handled across Texas, our team has built a genuine reputation for effective, client-centered advocacy in some of the most high-stakes felony DWI cases.
- Attorney Michael J. Crawford being named a “Rising Star” and publishing in leading criminal law publications
- Strategic proximity to the Ellis County courthouse, enabling rapid and direct client support
- Commitment to ongoing education and best practices for DWI defense, including defense association participation
- Offering personalized, confidential service and consistent support before, during & after court appearances
Our firm’s strong standing in Ellis County courts means local judges, prosecutors, and clerks know us as thorough, ethical, and responsive legal advocates. This recognition can make an important difference in how matters such as plea negotiations or evidence disputes are managed on your behalf. We remain up-to-date on changes in Texas DWI law, local practices, and scientific developments in testing and prosecution, all so that we can provide legal representation that is both current and widely respected.
Take the Next Step: Contact a Felony DWI Attorney in Ellis County Today
We invite you to contact us for a private, pressure-free consultation. You’ll discover your options, gain clarity about next steps, and start to feel back in control. With The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, you work with a felony DWI defense attorney in Ellis County who knows the local system inside and out, prioritizes open communication, and is committed to guiding you confidently through this difficult time.
Call (214) 903-7722 or fill out this online form to get started with a trusted felony drunk driving lawyer in Ellis County. Protect your rights and secure your future—reach out to our team today.