Indecency With a Child Attorney

Indecency With a Child Defense in Ellis County

More Than 200 Jury Trials Behind Your Defense

When you’re under investigation or facing a charge under Texas Penal Code Section 21.11, the decisions you make in the first hours and days matter. We represent people at every stage of these allegations, from initial law-enforcement contact through trial, in Ellis County and Navarro County courts.

Attorney Michael J. Crawford has handled hundreds of jury trials over nearly a decade of criminal-defense practice. That courtroom experience shapes how we evaluate the allegations against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and build a defense strategy around the facts of your specific case.

An accusation isn’t a conviction. Before you speak with investigators or agree to any interview, contact us for a confidential consultation. Reach The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford at (214) 903-7722.

What Texas Penal Code Section 21.11 Covers

Texas Penal Code Section 21.11 applies to alleged conduct involving a child younger than 17 years of age. The statute defines two principal forms of prohibited conduct, each carrying a different felony classification.

Indecency With a Child by Contact
This subsection involves engaging in or causing sexual contact, which the statute defines as certain touching, including through clothing, when committed with the required intent. A charge under this subsection is a second-degree felony.

Indecency With a Child by Exposure
This subsection involves exposing or causing exposure of specified intimate body parts with the intent required under the statute. A charge under this subsection is a third-degree felony.

The legal analysis in any case focuses on the specific subsection charged, the alleged conduct, the mental state the prosecution must prove, and the evidence supporting each element. Which subsection applies, and how strong that evidence is, are questions that require a careful review of the charging documents and the facts.

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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

Why Early Representation Matters

A charge under Section 21.11 carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom: your freedom, reputation, family relationships, and long-term future are all at stake. The Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office prosecutes felony cases through its criminal division, and the process can move quickly once charges are filed.

We’re a short walk from the Ellis County courthouse. Attorney Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, and his local ties inform our understanding of the courts and their procedures. Early representation can help preserve evidence, protect your constitutional rights, and establish appropriate communication channels with investigators and prosecutors before the investigation progresses.

Evidence We Review in These Cases

We examine the full record, not just the narrative the prosecution presents.

Evidence we may review includes:

Child interviews: The timing, setting, and method of a child’s interview can affect the reliability of the statement
Medical records: Whether physical findings are consistent with the allegations
Phone and digital records: Communications, timestamps, and location data can support or contradict the prosecution’s timeline
Statements attributed to the accused: Whether those statements were obtained in compliance with constitutional requirements
Witness accounts: Inconsistencies between what different people reported and when they reported it

Our role is to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, and legal issues in the allegations and the available evidence, and to discuss with you the defenses that may fit your specific facts.

Navigating Your Case While It’s Pending

After an arrest or charge, you’ll face obligations and restrictions before your case is resolved. Bond conditions in these cases can include restrictions on contact with minors, travel, and electronic device use. Court appearances in the Ellis County criminal courts carry specific scheduling and procedural requirements you must follow.

We explain your legal situation clearly at every step. You should comply with all lawful court orders and bond conditions and avoid discussing case facts publicly or with potential witnesses. How you respond to law-enforcement contact, a court setting, or a specific bond restriction depends on the precise order and the procedural posture of your case. Those are questions we work through with you directly.

What to Bring to a Consultation

We provide personalized consultations to help you understand where you stand and what the next steps are. Whether you’ve been contacted by investigators, arrested, or formally charged, we can help you evaluate your situation and your options.

Useful information to gather before your consultation:

Charging documents or a citation, if you have them
Bond paperwork and any written bond conditions
Court notices or hearing dates
Any prior attorney communications
Relevant messages, emails, or records you believe may be connected to the allegations

Don’t delete, alter, or share potentially relevant evidence before speaking with us. Our practice serves clients in Ellis County, Navarro County, and throughout 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

What a Conviction Can Mean Under Section 21.11

Indecency with a child by contact is a second-degree felony under Texas law. A second-degree felony carries a sentencing range of two to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Indecency with a child by exposure is a third-degree felony, which carries a range of two to ten years and a comparable fine.

Beyond incarceration, a conviction can affect sex offender registration obligations, employment, housing, family relationships, and public reputation. The specific consequences depend on the offense charged, the disposition of the case, and applicable Texas law. Whether and how registration requirements apply requires an analysis of the facts and the specific charge, not a general assumption.

Statutory Defenses Under Section 21.11

Texas Penal Code Section 21.11 identifies two affirmative defenses. An affirmative defense is a legal issue that must be raised, supported by evidence, and evaluated against the specific facts and procedural history of the case. A general description of these defenses doesn’t mean either one applies to your situation.

The first applies where the actor wasn’t more than three years older than the victim and of the opposite sex, the relationship didn’t involve duress, force, or threat, and specified conditions related to registration status are met. The second applies when the actor was the spouse of the child at the time of the alleged offense.

Whether either defense is available in a specific case requires a close review of the charged subsection, the precise facts, the prior record, and the evidence. We conduct that analysis during consultation and case preparation. It can’t be resolved in general terms.

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Local Representation for Ellis County & Navarro County

Criminal cases in Ellis County involve county prosecutors, local court procedures, and court-specific requirements that vary by judge and case type. Attorney Crawford’s fifth-generation roots in Navarro and Ellis Counties, combined with hundreds of jury trials handled over nearly a decade, allow us to navigate local procedures and respond quickly to case developments.

Our office is a short walk from the Ellis County courthouse, making it easier to respond to courthouse filings and scheduling developments. We also serve clients in Navarro County and throughout Texas.

Start with a Confidential Consultation

These allegations are among the most serious in Texas criminal law. The right time to get legal advice is before you answer investigator questions, not after. We’re here to explain your situation, evaluate the evidence, and discuss the options available to you based on your specific facts.

Call The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford at (214) 903-7722 to schedule your confidential consultation. We represent clients in Ellis County, Navarro County, and across Texas.

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Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford Today!

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