Online Solicitation of a Minor in Ellis County
More Than 200 Jury Trials Inform Your Defense Strategy
An online solicitation of a minor charge under Texas Penal Code Section 33.021 carries consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. What you say to investigators or post online can affect the defense. At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we provide criminal defense representation for people facing these allegations in Ellis County and Navarro County.
Attorney Michael J. Crawford has handled hundreds of jury trials during nearly a decade of practice. We handle sensitive solicitation matters involving online messages, digital evidence, and undercover operations, and we treat consultations with discretion and without judgment.
An accusation isn’t a conviction. The defense in any case must be evaluated from the specific communications, evidence, and procedural history involved. Before you speak with investigators or post anything about your situation online, get legal advice.
If you or someone you know has been contacted by law enforcement or charged with online solicitation of a minor in Ellis County, contact us now at (214) 903-7722. We offer confidential consultations to discuss what happened and the next steps.
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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
Defending a Felony Case in Ellis County’s Courts
Felony criminal matters in the county are handled by the 40th and 443rd Judicial District Courts. Each case moves through local filing, docket, discovery, motion practice, and, when necessary, jury trial within that specific forum. The practical details of those procedures can differ from other Texas jurisdictions.
Our office is close to the Ellis County courthouse, which allows Attorney Crawford to remain attentive to filings, settings, and developments as they arise. His roots in this community go back generations. We also regularly serve clients facing charges in Navarro County.
How We Review an Online Solicitation Case
Our defense review begins with the complete record. We examine police reports, audio and video recordings, and the communications law enforcement identifies as evidence of solicitation. Digital evidence in these cases can include texts, direct messages, emails, photographs, videos, device data, call records, and account information. The meaning of any message depends on its full context, sequence, and the intent the prosecution must prove.
We look closely at how the investigation began and how each stage of contact developed. That review includes questions about probable cause, search and seizure, the identification of participants, and whether the communications actually establish the agreement or intent alleged by the State.
Once we understand the record, we discuss realistic paths with the client, including negotiation and trial. More than 200 jury trials inform how we build and evaluate a defense from the start.
What to Do After an Arrest or Investigative Contact
The steps taken immediately after an arrest, release on bond, or first contact with investigators can affect the entire case. We advise clients to limit what they say about the matter, avoid speaking with law enforcement before receiving legal advice, preserve messages and records, and track every court date and piece of paperwork they receive.
Don’t delete, alter, or forward digital material after learning you’re under investigation. The appropriate next step depends on where you’re in the process, whether that means initial investigative contact, arrest, bond, indictment, or a scheduled court setting.
Our initial consultation involves listening to your account, reviewing available documents, and explaining the charge and early case stages in plain terms. We provide updates on filings and court dates throughout the case, and we handle sensitive allegations with discretion and respect for your confidentiality.
If law enforcement has contacted you about an online solicitation allegation, you have the right to speak with an attorney before answering substantive questions. We approach these consultations without judgment and understand that privacy concerns can touch on family relationships, employment, licensing, and reputation. Call The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford at (214) 903-7722 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford?
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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 a Conviction or Adverse Disposition Can Mean
The consequences of an online solicitation of a minor case extend beyond any sentence imposed. The classification and potential punishment depend on the subsection charged, the alleged conduct, the ages involved, the evidence, and the person’s criminal history. A conviction under Texas Penal Code Section 33.021 can also create criminal-record and sex-offender registration consequences that follow a person long after the case closes.
Depending on the disposition and the individual’s circumstances, the effects of a case can reach employment, housing, family relationships, professional licensing, immigration status, and reputation. Not every consequence applies in every case, and deferred outcomes carry different implications than convictions. These distinctions matter, which is why understanding the charge and the realistic range of outcomes from the beginning is essential.
Get a Confidential Defense Consultation
If you’re facing an Online Solicitation of a Minor allegation, Attorney Crawford brings extensive experience and longstanding ties to Ellis and Navarro Counties. We review your account, available documents, communications, and immediate concerns before discussing next steps.
Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford at (214) 903-7722 to schedule your confidential consultation.