Robbery Attorney

Robbery Attorney in Ellis County

Board Certified Defense, One Block from the Ellis County Courthouse

A robbery charge in Texas isn’t treated as a theft offense gone wrong. It’s prosecuted as a violent crime from the moment of arrest, and the Ellis County District Attorney’s office pursues these cases accordingly. Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 29, even a base robbery charge carries up to 20 years in prison. Aggravated robbery can carry a potential sentence of life in prison.

The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford defends clients charged with robbery and aggravated robbery throughout Ellis County. Our Waxahachie office sits approximately one block from the Ellis County Courthouse, where these cases are tried. Attorney Michael J. Crawford is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys, and has taken over 200 criminal cases to jury trial. The earlier we get involved, the more options may remain available.

Facing a robbery charge in Ellis County? Call or text us any time, day or night, for a free consultation: (214) 903-7722.

What Texas Law Defines as Robbery & Aggravated Robbery

Robbery and aggravated robbery are governed by Texas Penal Code Chapter 29 and are distinct from both theft and burglary. The charge hinges on a specific combination of elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Under §29.02, robbery occurs when a person, in the course of committing theft, intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to another, or intentionally or knowingly places someone in fear of imminent bodily injury or death. That direct interaction with another person is what separates robbery from burglary. It’s a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The charge escalates to aggravated robbery under §29.03 when the defendant causes serious bodily injury, uses or exhibits a deadly weapon, or causes bodily injury to or threatens a person who is 65 or older or has a disability. Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony with a punishment range of 5 to 99 years or life in prison, plus up to $10,000 in fines.

The prosecution must prove every element of the underlying theft and the force-or-fear element before any enhancement applies. Understanding exactly where that burden can be contested is where the defense begins.

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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

A Robbery Lawyer in Ellis County Who Knows These Courts

Defending a violent felony charge requires more than legal knowledge. It requires familiarity with the prosecutors, the courthouse, and the community where the case will be decided. Attorney Michael J. Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, and our Waxahachie office is approximately one block from the Ellis County Courthouse.

Attorney Crawford’s Credentials

Michael J. Crawford is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He earned his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law and has built a record of recognition across the criminal defense bar.

Recognition and affiliations:

Texas Super Lawyer, 2021 through 2025
Texas Rising Stars, 2016 through 2020
10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo
Top 100 Trial Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers Association
Criminal Defense Executive Committee, National Trial Lawyers Association
Member, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Team Depth & Local Presence

Our defense team includes three criminal defense attorneys, four paralegals, a private investigator, and a network of forensic and technical experts. That depth matters on felony cases, where the prosecution has the full resources of the state behind it.

Our Waxahachie office, approximately one block from the Ellis County Courthouse, keeps us close to the action from arraignment through trial. We serve clients in both English and Spanish, take calls and texts 24 hours a day, and have handled more than 5,000 cases.

A robbery charge moves quickly once the district attorney’s office opens a file. Don’t wait to get counsel involved. All initial consultations are free, and we’re available around the clock. Call or text us now at (214) 903-7722.

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

How We Defend Robbery Charges in Ellis County

Our approach starts before the prosecution’s position hardens. Our private investigator and forensic experts review evidence independently, and our attorneys examine police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage before any courtroom decision is made.

Attorney Crawford has taken over 200 criminal cases to jury trial, including high-stakes violent crime matters, and represents clients from arrest through verdict at the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie.

Common defense challenges in robbery cases include:

Contesting eyewitness identification, which can be unreliable under the circumstances robbery charges arise from
Disputing whether force or fear was actually used during a theft, as required by §29.02
Challenging the intent element the state must prove
Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful stops, searches, or interrogations
In aggravated robbery cases, challenging whether a deadly weapon was used or exhibited, whether serious bodily injury occurred as defined by statute, or whether the alleged victim qualifies under the protected-class provisions of §29.03

Every case turns on its own facts. What we do is examine every element the prosecution has to prove and identify where the evidence doesn’t hold up.

Aggravated Robbery: Why the Elevation Matters

The difference between a second-degree and a first-degree felony isn’t just a longer sentence. Aggravated robbery under §29.03 is classified as a “three-g” offense under Article 42A.054 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. That classification means a judge cannot order community supervision for a convicted defendant. Only a jury can recommend it, and only when the sentence doesn’t exceed 10 years.

Deadly Weapon Findings & Parole Eligibility

A deadly weapon finding tightens those restrictions further. When a deadly weapon is found in connection with an aggravated robbery conviction, the defendant must serve at least half the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Challenging whether a weapon was actually “used or exhibited” under the statute, or whether the alleged victim qualifies under the age or disability provisions, can determine which charge the jury considers. In some cases, negotiation may reduce an aggravated robbery charge to the base robbery offense, or further, depending on the evidence and the defense built around it. Under Texas Penal Code §15.01, attempted aggravated robbery is reduced one degree to a second-degree felony, still carrying 2 to 20 years in prison, which reflects how seriously Texas treats the full charge spectrum.

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Get a Free Consultation on Your Ellis County Robbery Charge

If you or someone you know is facing a robbery or aggravated robbery charge in Ellis County, the time to act is now. We serve clients throughout Ellis County in both English and Spanish, and your first consultation is free.

The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford handles these cases from our Waxahachie office, approximately one block from the courthouse where robbery cases are tried.

Our attorneys are available around the clock. Call or text us any time at (214) 903-7722.

What a Robbery Conviction Means Beyond the Sentence

Texas doesn’t provide expunction for felony convictions resulting in guilty verdicts. Absent a pardon or a successful appeal, the record is permanent. That makes the outcome of the criminal case highly consequential, and it’s why the defense built now shapes everything that follows.

Collateral consequences of a robbery conviction in Texas include:

Firearm rights: A felony conviction results in the permanent loss of the right to possess firearms under both Texas and federal law
Voting rights: Convicted felons lose the right to vote while incarcerated and on supervision, with restoration only upon full completion of the sentence, including parole or probation
Professional licensing: A robbery conviction can disqualify a person from licensure in healthcare, education, financial services, and other regulated fields
Employment and housing: A violent felony record is among the most difficult conviction types to overcome in background checks
Immigration status: Non-citizens convicted of robbery may face deportation proceedings, as robbery is classified as a crime of violence under federal immigration law

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Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford Today!

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