Improper Relationship Between Educator & Student Defense in Ellis County
Criminal Defense for Ellis County Educators, School Employees & Professionals Facing Section 21.12 Allegations
An allegation under Texas Penal Code Section 21.12 can trigger a criminal investigation, an employment action, and a licensing proceeding all at once. The consequences move fast, and the statements you make early in that process can shape everything that follows. At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we provide criminal-defense representation for people in Ellis County facing these allegations, from the first contact with law enforcement through trial if necessary.
Our defense team includes an attorney Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Michael J. Crawford, three experienced attorneys, four paralegals, a private investigator, and trusted forensic and technical consultants. If you’ve been contacted by police, school officials, or investigators, don’t respond before speaking with us. Initial consultations are free and confidential.
Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford now at (214) 903-7722 to speak confidentially about your situation. We answer calls and texts 24/7.
.2208231358550.jpg "Board Certified")
.2602091426013.png "Super Lawyers 5 years")
.2602091425196.png "Super Lawyers 2025")
.2405090832152.png "Super Lawyers 2024"){kind=icon}
.2208231356024.png "Super Lawyers 2022"){kind=icon}
Our Satisfied Clients
-
“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
” -
“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.
-
“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
Elements & Classification of the Offense Under Section 21.12
Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student is classified as a felony of the second degree under Texas law, carrying potential consequences including imprisonment, fines, and lasting collateral effects on employment and professional licensing. The statute defines sexual contact in the context of this offense and requires proof that the conduct was committed with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.
Each case depends on the subsection alleged and the specific facts the prosecution claims satisfy its elements. A Section 21.12 charge may also be prosecuted alongside another offense when the same alleged conduct independently violates a separate Texas Penal Code provision. Understanding exactly what the charging instrument alleges is the first step in building a defense.
Potential Defenses & Evidence Issues
Texas Penal Code Section 21.12 includes two affirmative defenses worth examining. The first applies when the accused and the student were lawfully married at the time of the alleged conduct. The second may apply when the accused wasn’t more than three years older than the student and their relationship predated the accused’s employment at the school. Whether either affirmative defense is available depends on the specific facts and allegations involved.
Beyond affirmative defenses, the defense must examine every layer of the prosecution’s case. That includes the charged conduct, the timeline of employment and enrollment, digital communications, witness accounts, the method of evidence collection, and whether investigators and prosecutors complied with constitutional and procedural requirements. The identity of an enrolled student involved in a Section 21.12 matter is protected from public release under the statute, which affects how information flows through the proceeding.
Criminal Exposure vs. Educator-Certification Consequences
A criminal case and an educator-discipline proceeding are separate processes with different standards. The State Board for Educator Certification can impose sanctions, including permanent revocation of an educator certificate, based on a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard and without a criminal conviction. A romantic or sexual relationship with a student or minor is identified by the State Board for Educator Certification as conduct that may result in permanent certificate revocation.
Our criminal-defense representation focuses on the criminal case. If you’re also facing a Texas Education Agency or State Board for Educator Certification proceeding, tell us during your consultation. We can explain the scope of our criminal-defense representation and discuss whether you should seek separate counsel for that proceeding.
Attorney Michael J. Crawford has been recognized to the Texas Super Lawyers list from 2020 through 2025 and Texas Rising Stars from 2016 through 2020. Our firm has handled more than 5,000 cases and taken more than 350 criminal cases to jury trial, supported by investigative and forensic resources during case preparation.
What to Do Immediately after an Accusation or Investigation
The decisions made in the first hours and days after an allegation matter.
Three steps apply regardless of the stage of the investigation:
- Don’t make statements: Avoid discussing the allegations with police, school administrators, investigators, or licensing officials before consulting a criminal-defense attorney. Voluntary statements made without legal guidance can later complicate the defense.
- Preserve potential evidence: Don’t delete texts, emails, direct messages, photographs, videos, personnel records, or other materials that could be relevant. Preservation is critical even when you believe the content helps your case.
- Don’t contact involved parties: Avoid contacting the student, alleged witnesses, or other parties connected to the allegations without first speaking with an attorney.
We take calls and texts 24/7 at (214) 903-7722. Free, confidential consultations are available for Ellis County residents and anyone facing a Section 21.12 matter in Texas.
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
Defending Felony Charges in Ellis County
Ellis County felony criminal cases may be heard in the 40th and 443rd Judicial District Courts. The 443rd hears felony matters including criminal jury trials, pretrial motions, pleas, and other case dispositions. A second-degree felony defense in Ellis County requires attention to the full case lifecycle: investigation, grand jury, pretrial litigation, evidentiary hearings, plea negotiations, and, when necessary, trial preparation and jury selection.
Our firm serves clients throughout Ellis County and Navarro County, and Michael J. Crawford’s ties to both counties inform how we approach local criminal proceedings. We prepare each case as if it will go to trial.
Start with a Confidential Consultation in Ellis County
If you’re an educator or school employee in Ellis County facing an allegation, investigation, arrest, or charge under Texas Penal Code Section 21.12, speak with our criminal-defense attorney before taking any action. We represent clients in criminal-defense matters throughout Texas. Our firm includes an attorney Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has taken more than 350 criminal cases to jury trial.
Initial consultations are free. You can discuss where the matter stands, whether it’s an investigation, a formal charge, or a related professional proceeding, and get a clear assessment of your options without any obligation to move forward.