Ellis County Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney in Ellis County

Trial-Tested Defense Rooted in Ellis County

A criminal charge in Texas can affect your job, your housing, your reputation, and your freedom. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony, the decisions made in the first hours and days after an arrest matter. At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we handle criminal defense throughout Ellis County with a trial record that reflects what we’re willing to do for our clients: Attorney Michael J. Crawford has handled more than 200 jury trials across nearly a decade of practice.

Our office sits one block from the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie, and Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties. That proximity and those roots aren’t background details. They shape how we approach cases, how quickly we can act, and how well we understand the courts, the local legal community, and the people involved. If you’re facing criminal charges, call us for a free consultation.

Contact our Ellis County criminal defense lawyers today by calling (214) 903-7722 or filling out an online form.

What to Do Immediately After an Arrest in Ellis County

The moments after an arrest are critical. Under Texas law, anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you in court. The right to remain silent and the right to an attorney apply from the moment of arrest. Exercising them isn’t an admission of guilt. It’s your constitutional right.

Don’t make statements, sign anything, or agree to questioning until you’ve spoken with a defense attorney. That caution extends to what you do after the arrest: social media posts and messages can be introduced as evidence. The earlier you contact a criminal defense lawyer, the more options may be available: arguments at the bail hearing, early evidence preservation, and pretrial motions that can shape the case before it ever reaches a courtroom.

Our office is one block from the Ellis County Courthouse. When timing matters, that proximity lets us move quickly on urgent filings and hearings. Call The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford as soon as possible after an arrest to discuss your situation and 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.”
“
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 Ellis County Clients Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford

When you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Ellis County, local knowledge and courtroom experience are what actually move the needle. Here’s what distinguishes our firm.

One block from the courthouse: Our office is located one block from the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie. We can respond to filings, hearings, and time-sensitive developments faster than firms operating from outside the county.
Fifth-generation Ellis County roots: Attorney Crawford was raised in Navarro and Ellis Counties. His familiarity with the local legal community, the courts, and the Ellis County District Attorney’s office comes from years of practice and a lifetime of local connection.
Over 200 jury trials: Crawford has tried more than 200 jury cases across nearly a decade. That record means he knows how to build a defense for the full demands of court.
Recognized credentials: Crawford has been recognized among rising leaders in the legal community and has been published in respected criminal law publications, reflecting a commitment to staying current on defense strategy and the law.
DWI/DUI defense: The firm maintains active affiliations with leading criminal defense associations and pursues continuing legal education focused on DWI and DUI defense, keeping our strategies current.
Client-first communication: Clients receive personalized attention. We explain each stage of the process clearly so you know where your case stands and what comes next.

Criminal Defense Services We Offer

We handle criminal defense cases ranging from minor misdemeanors to felony charges, including:

DWI/DUI Defense in Ellis County

DWI and DUI charges are among the most common matters we handle, and they’re also among the most detail-dependent. A strong defense often turns on specific facts: the circumstances of the traffic stop, how field sobriety tests were administered, whether breathalyzer equipment was properly calibrated, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedure at every step. Crawford’s affiliations with leading criminal defense associations and his ongoing focus on DWI and DUI defense education directly inform how we approach these cases in both Ellis County courts and Texas state courts. We know the procedural requirements and where law enforcement commonly falls short of them.

What a Criminal Defense Attorney Does for Your Case

Effective criminal defense is built long before a case reaches a jury. The work begins with a thorough analysis of the facts: reviewing police reports, examining physical and digital evidence, and assessing the legal basis for the charges. Crawford identifies procedural errors, challenges evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights, and evaluates whether the prosecution may be able to sustain its burden at trial.

That analysis drives strategy. In some cases, the strongest move is a pretrial motion that limits what the prosecution can present. In others, negotiating with prosecutors may better serve the client’s interests. When a case goes to trial, Crawford’s record of more than 200 jury trials means he isn’t learning on the job, and his proximity to the Ellis County Courthouse means he can act at every stage without delay.

How Criminal Cases Move Through Ellis County Courts

Ellis County handles criminal cases through different courts depending on the severity of the charge. Felony matters are heard in the district courts, including the 443rd and 504th Judicial District Courts, while misdemeanor cases are handled by the County Courts at Law. In both paths, pretrial hearings, jury trials, and plea proceedings are conducted at the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie.

Crawford’s office is one block from that courthouse. His fifth-generation ties to Navarro and Ellis Counties mean he knows the courts, the local legal community, and how the Ellis County District Attorney’s office tends to approach different types of cases. That familiarity shapes everything from case strategy to how quickly we can respond when something changes.

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

The Value of Local, Experienced Defense Representation

Navigating the Texas criminal justice system alone puts defendants at a structural disadvantage. Procedural rules, evidentiary standards, and the strategic decisions made at each stage require experience that comes from trying cases in local courts. An experienced criminal defense attorney can identify constitutional violations in how evidence was gathered, challenge unlawfully obtained evidence, and present alternatives to conviction that a defendant going it alone is unlikely to find.

A criminal conviction in Texas carries consequences that reach far beyond the sentence: employment barriers, housing restrictions, professional licensing complications, and a permanent public record. Crawford’s more than 200 jury trials represent firsthand experience with the procedural and evidentiary demands of Texas criminal cases, and his familiarity with Ellis County courts and the District Attorney’s office informs strategy from the first consultation forward.

Assertive Criminal Defense for Ellis County Clients

At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we take an assertive approach to criminal defense because our clients’ rights and futures are at stake. Each case receives thorough preparation, clear communication, and a defense strategy built around the actual facts. Crawford’s trial record reflects a genuine willingness to take cases to court when that’s what it takes. If you’re facing criminal charges in Ellis County, we offer a free consultation to discuss your situation, walk through your options, and explain what a defense can look like from here.

Call us today at (214) 903-7722 for a free consultation.

Criminal Convictions, Record Consequences, and Why Fighting Charges Matters

A criminal charge doesn’t always end in a conviction, and the difference between fighting a charge and accepting a plea can follow a person for decades. A felony conviction in Texas can mean prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent public criminal record. Misdemeanor convictions carry lighter penalties but can still affect employment, professional licensing, and housing eligibility.

Texas law provides pathways to limit the long-term impact of certain charges. Expunction allows eligible individuals to clear arrests and charges that didn’t result in conviction from their record. Nondisclosure orders can restrict public access to certain criminal records for qualifying offenses, though eligibility depends on the charge type, how the case was resolved, and the individual’s criminal history. The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford handles both nondisclosures and expungements as part of our criminal defense services.

Whether you’re fighting charges outright or pursuing record relief after the fact, the options available depend heavily on the decisions made at each stage of the process. Representation from a criminal defense attorney who knows Ellis County courts and has the trial record to back it up matters from day one.

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Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford Today!

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