First Offense DUI Attorney

First Offense DWI Attorney in Ellis County

Board-Certified Defense for Your First Texas DWI Charge

A first DWI arrest can trigger two separate proceedings: a criminal prosecution and an administrative process affecting your driver’s license. Both may require attention before you fully understand the charge or your defense options.

Texas generally charges impaired adult drivers with driving while intoxicated, or DWI, although many people search for DUI representation. We defend Ellis County clients facing a first DWI charge by reviewing the arrest date, notices, traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath or blood testing, and available video. These details help us identify immediate deadlines and issues requiring further investigation.

Call or text (214) 903-7722 24/7 for a free initial consultation about your first DWI arrest and the steps you may need to take now.

Texas Penalties for a First DWI Offense

A standard first-offense DWI is generally filed as a Class B misdemeanor. Ellis County court materials identify a potential sentence of 72 hours to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000, subject to the charge and any alleged enhancements.

A blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher can elevate the charge to a Class A misdemeanor. A child passenger, crash, injury, death, commercial driver’s license, or qualifying prior offense can also change the legal analysis and potential consequences.

A conviction may affect more than the criminal case:

Driving privileges and insurance requirements
Employment and professional licensing
Probation, alcohol education, or ignition interlock orders
Your criminal record

The Criminal Case & Administrative License Revocation

Administrative License Revocation is a separate Texas process that addresses possible license suspension after certain DWI arrests. It doesn’t wait for the criminal case, so both proceedings require timely attention.

A hearing request may need to be submitted within 15 days of arrest. The exact deadline and available challenge depend on the arrest circumstances, documents, and notice provided. Obtain case-specific guidance before relying on a general deadline calculation.

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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.”
“
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

More Than 200 Jury Trials Inform Our DWI Defense

Michael J. Crawford is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has handled more than 200 jury trials. We draw on that courtroom experience to build an evidence-focused defense rather than treating a first arrest as routine.

Our investigation can include chemical test results, dashcam and body-camera footage, witness accounts, and the circumstances surrounding the stop. These sources may reveal important facts that aren’t fully reflected in the arrest report.

Evidence We Examine in a First-Offense DWI Case

An arrest isn’t a conviction. The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and we examine whether its evidence meets that burden.

Our review may address:

The traffic stop: Whether the officer had a lawful basis to stop or detain the driver.
Officer observations: Whether video or witness accounts provide context missing from the officer’s report.
Field sobriety tests: How the tests were explained, administered, and interpreted.
Breath and blood testing: How the sample was collected, handled, analyzed, and documented.
Warnings and procedures: Whether officers followed the required steps during the investigation and arrest.

What to Expect From Your First Consultation

During your consultation, we explain the immediate issues, court process, and available next steps. Your bond paperwork, temporary driving permit, court documents, testing information, and arrest timeline can help us assess the situation.

Our work can include:

Identifying license-related notices and applicable deadlines
Representing you in the Administrative License Revocation proceeding
Obtaining and investigating available arrest evidence
Developing a defense strategy based on the facts and your goals

Your defense may involve negotiations, challenges to evidence, pretrial motions, or trial. We explain the available options without assuming every first-offense case should follow the same path.

Protect Your Opportunity to Challenge a Suspension

A pending criminal court date doesn’t pause the separate license process. Keep every document you received and contact us promptly so we can review your notice, calculate the applicable deadline, and discuss whether to request a hearing.

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

How First-Offense DWI Cases Move Through Ellis County Courts

Ellis County maintains County Courts at Law Nos. 1, 2, and 3, along with a Criminal Misdemeanor Division. The assigned court, filings, settings, and procedures depend on the accusation and any alleged enhancements.

Our familiarity with the local court structure helps us track filings, prepare for settings, address motions, and conduct negotiations under the procedures governing your case. Timelines and available options still vary according to the facts and charge.

DWI, DUI, & Driver’s License Consequences

Texas Penal Code Section 49.04 generally governs adult driving-while-intoxicated charges. DUI terminology is more commonly associated with drivers under 21, whose cases involve different legal standards. We first clarify the accusation and applicable rules, then discuss potential defenses.

A conviction can result in driver’s license suspension, an SR-22 insurance filing, probation, alcohol education, or an ignition interlock device. The consequences depend on the charge, licensing history, case result, and court orders. When ordered as part of probation, the first-offense DWI education program may include a 12-hour course.

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Local Knowledge Backed by Continuing DWI Training

Michael J. Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties. He also participates in education and training through the Texas DUI/DWI Lawyers Association and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

We pair that background with direct communication and individualized case planning. You receive clear explanations of the allegations, evidence, license proceeding, and decisions ahead.

A Breath or Blood Result Doesn’t End the Review

A chemical test result is one piece of evidence, not a substitute for reviewing the full investigation. Its significance depends on the stop, arrest timeline, collection method, testing procedure, documentation, and surrounding evidence.

The analysis changes when a case involves a refusal, high blood alcohol concentration allegation, crash, injury, child passenger, or commercial driver’s license. We examine the complete record before recommending a defense strategy.

Get a Clear Plan for Your First DWI Charge

Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the criminal case, potential license action, and evidence that should be preserved or obtained. We provide first-offense DWI defense in Ellis County and explain your next steps based on your documents and arrest circumstances.

Call or text (214) 903-7722 to speak with The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford about your first DWI charge.

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Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford Today!

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