Probation Violation Attorney

Probation Violation Attorney in Ellis County

Facing a Probation Violation? We Offer Free Consultations and Bilingual Services

At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we understand how daunting a probation violation charge can be. Our legal team is committed to providing you with dedicated and strategic criminal defense representation to navigate this complex legal landscape as a dependable probation violation attorney in Ellis County.

Located just a block away from the courthouse, our proximity allows us to quickly take effective action on your behalf. Led by attorney Michael J. Crawford, a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, we have deep local ties and a thorough understanding of community and legal contexts, ensuring you get the personalized defense you deserve.

Our approach is not just about swift reactions; it's about understanding every nuance of your case. We assess the unique circumstances surrounding your situation, ensuring no detail is overlooked as we build a robust defense strategy just for you. As we work through your case, you can expect professionalism and dedication, reflecting our sincere investment in achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Allegations of a probation violation are serious. We offer free consultations and bilingual services to discuss your options with an Ellis County probation violation lawyer. Call (214) 903-7722 or contact us online.

Your Guide Through the Probation Violation Process

Our firm provides a clear, step-by-step guide and will be with you at every stage, ensuring you understand your rights and your options. We are an assertive probation violation attorney in Ellis County who will be your unwavering advocate from your initial contact with law enforcement to the final resolution of your case.

The legal process for a probation violation case in Eliis County include the following steps:

Motion to Revoke or Adjudicate: The process begins when your probation officer files a formal motion with the court, alleging that you violated a condition of your probation.
Probation Warrant and Arrest: A judge will issue a warrant for your arrest, and you can be arrested by law enforcement or turn yourself in to the court.
Detention Hearing and Bond: Unlike a regular criminal case, a judge has the discretion to hold you without bond until your hearing. We can represent you to argue for a reasonable bond and your release.
Discovery: We will obtain and review all the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you, including your probation officer's notes and other relevant documentation.
Plea Negotiations: The majority of probation violation cases are resolved through plea bargains. We will work with the prosecutor and your probation officer to secure a favorable plea agreement, such as an extension of your probation or modified conditions.
Revocation Hearing and Sentencing: If a plea agreement cannot be reached, we will be fully prepared to take your case to a revocation hearing. We will fight the allegations against you, and if the judge finds that you violated probation, we will present mitigating evidence and arguments to seek the most lenient sentence possible.

Potential Defense Strategies to Fight Probation Violations

Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. As a seasoned probation violation attorney in Ellis County, we will leverage every possible defense, including:

The Violation Was Not Willful or Intentional: We can argue that the alleged violation was not your fault and that you made a good faith effort to comply with the terms of your probation. For example, if you missed a payment because you lost your job or if you missed a class due to a medical emergency, we can present evidence to the court to show this.
Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that you violated probation. We will challenge the prosecution's evidence, arguing that it does not meet this standard.
The Terms of Probation Were Unclear or Unreasonable: In some cases, the terms of probation can be vague or impossible to follow. We can argue that you could not have reasonably been expected to comply with the terms.
Mistaken Identity or False Accusations: We can argue that you have been misidentified as the person who committed a new crime or that the alleged violation is based on false accusations.

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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

Understanding Probation Violation Laws in Texas

In Texas, probation is a formal sentence imposed by a judge that allows a person to avoid jail or prison time in exchange for adhering to specific court-ordered conditions. This is known as "community supervision" and is regulated under Chapter 42A of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. A probation violation occurs when a person fails to comply with one or more of these conditions.

The two main types of probation in Texas are:

Deferred Adjudication: In this scenario, you plead guilty or no contest, but the judge "defers" a finding of guilt and places you on probation. If you successfully complete your probation, the case is dismissed, and you do not have a conviction on your record. If you violate probation, the judge can "adjudicate guilt" and sentence you to any punishment within the statutory range for your original offense.
Straight Probation (Regular Community Supervision): In this scenario, you are convicted of the original crime, and a sentence is imposed but then suspended in favor of probation. If you successfully complete your probation, you have a conviction on your record, but you avoid the suspended sentence. If you violate probation, the judge can "revoke" your probation and order you to serve the full or partial original sentence.

Probation violations in Texas are categorized into two types:

Technical Violations: These are violations of the administrative conditions of your probation, such as failing to report to your probation officer, missing a class, or violating a curfew. While these are less serious than a new crime, they can still result in the revocation of your probation.
Substantive Violations: This occurs when you are arrested for a new criminal offense while on probation. A substantive violation is treated with the utmost seriousness by the court and is a far more likely reason for a judge to revoke your probation.

A skilled Ellis County probation violation lawyer will be able to distinguish between these types of violations and build a defense that is tailored to your specific situation.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To revoke your probation, the prosecution does not need to prove the violation "beyond a reasonable doubt," the standard in a regular criminal trial. Instead, the standard of proof is much lower: a "preponderance of the evidence." This means the prosecutor only needs to prove that it is "more likely than not" that you violated a condition of your probation. This lower burden of proof makes a probation violation hearing very difficult to win without a strong defense.

Common probation violations include:

Committing a new crime.
Failing a drug or alcohol test.
Failing to report to your probation officer.
Missing court-ordered classes or counseling.
Failing to pay fines, court costs, or restitution.
Violating a curfew or travel restriction.
Failing to complete community service hours.

The prosecution's case often relies on the testimony of your probation officer and other witnesses. As a seasoned probation violation attorney in Ellis County, we will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford?

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
Over 200 Criminal Cases Taken to Jury Trials
Extensive Courtroom Experience and Longstanding Reputation with Local Judges
20% Discount to Veterans and Current Military or Civil Service

Comprehensive Legal Services for Ellis County Residents

Dealing with a probation violation in Ellis County requires a knowledgeable and proactive approach. Here’s how we can assist you:

Custom Defense Strategies: We craft defense strategies tailored to your unique situation, thanks to our extensive courtroom experience and continuous legal education.
Local Insight: Our familiarity with Ellis County courthouses and procedures allows us to predict challenges and opportunities effectively.
Clear Communication: From the outset, we ensure you understand the proceedings, your rights, and the possible outcomes of your case.
Supportive Representation: We are committed to providing not just legal counsel but also emotional support, guiding you through this challenging time.

Our comprehensive suite of services is designed to tackle every aspect of a probation violation scenario. Engaging our firm means enlisting a partner who offers legal acumen and a compassionate understanding of what you're facing. For instance, consider the ramifications of missing a routine meeting with your probation officer due to unpredictable circumstances, such as transportation issues—a common challenge in Ellis County's rural areas. We investigate these situations thoroughly, advocating for clients by illustrating mitigating circumstances that can influence a favorable resolution.

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Reach Out for Skilled Legal Assistance Today

Our legal team is adept at navigating hearings and negotiations with precision. We focus on leveraging both legal precedent and the specifics of your situation to argue effectively on your behalf. This means actively engaging with local prosecutors to potentially reduce or dismiss charges, always aiming to preserve your rights and avoid unnecessary escalation of penalties. By maintaining active communication with all parties involved, we foster a legal environment conducive to fair outcomes, illustrating our dedication to your case’s integrity from start to finish.

Our focus on strategic advocacy and client-first service ensures you have a strong ally in your corner as a dependable probation violation lawyer in Ellis County. Our firm emphasizes not only defending your legal standing but also supporting your overall well-being during this stressful time.

Facing a probation violation in Ellis County? Don’t navigate this challenge alone. Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford at (214) 903-7722 for a personalized consultation to discuss your case.

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Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford Today!

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