Sexual Exploitation Attorney in Ellis County | The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford

Navarro & Ellis County Sexual Exploitation Attorney

Sexual Exploitation Defense in Ellis County, Texas

Sexual exploitation charges are among the most serious allegations under Texas and federal law, and the consequences begin long before any conviction. As soon as an investigation becomes public, employment, custody, and reputation can all be affected. We defend clients facing these charges in Ellis County and throughout Texas and the United States, backed by board certification in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and more than 350 criminal jury trials.

Attorney Michael J. Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties. Our office sits close to the Ellis County courthouse in Waxahachie, so we can act quickly when hearings, bond issues, or investigation developments require a fast response.

If you or someone you know is under investigation or facing charges, contact us now. We offer free consultations and answer calls and texts 24/7. Call or text (214) 903-7722 today.

Why Clients in Ellis County Choose Our Firm

Board certification in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization isn’t awarded for years in practice alone. It reflects demonstrated mastery of criminal defense through written examinations, peer evaluations, and a documented trial record. That credential matters in cases like these, where the stakes are highest.

With more than 350 criminal jury trials handled and over 5,000 criminal cases overall, we build every defense with verdict readiness in mind from day one. That approach shapes how we investigate, how we evaluate the government’s evidence, and how we advise clients at every stage. Attorney Crawford’s work in criminal defense has also earned Rising Stars recognition and publication in leading criminal law magazines.

Our fifth-generation roots in Ellis County give us practical insight into prosecutors at the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office, the court staff, and the community context that influences how these cases are charged and tried. We appear regularly in the Ellis County courthouse and understand the procedures and expectations that govern how sexual exploitation cases move. Throughout the process, we prioritize clear communication so clients know where their case stands at each step.

Sexual Exploitation Charges Under Texas & Federal Law

Sexual exploitation is prosecuted under distinct statutes at the state and federal levels, each with its own penalty structure. Knowing which statute applies, and what the government must prove, is foundational to building a defense.

Texas Penal Code §43.25: Sexual Performance by a Child

Section 43.25 prohibits employing, authorizing, or inducing a child under 18 to engage in sexual conduct or a sexual performance. A conviction is a second-degree felony, carrying 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the alleged victim is younger than 14, the charge elevates to a first-degree felony with a sentencing range of 5 to 99 years. Producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child is charged separately under §43.25(d) as a third-degree felony, upgraded to second-degree if the child is under 14. Texas law also provides affirmative defenses under §43.25(f) for conduct undertaken for bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purposes.

Texas Penal Code §43.26: Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography

Section 43.26 criminalizes knowing possession of, or access with intent to view, visual material depicting a child under 18 engaging in sexual conduct. Amendments effective September 1, 2025, also cover AI-generated and computer-generated images virtually indistinguishable from a real child.

Under Texas Penal Code §43.26 as amended, penalties are quantity-driven: fewer than 100 depictions is a third-degree felony (2 to 10 years); 100 to 499 depictions is a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years); 500 or more depictions is a first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life). Additional enhancements apply when the accused worked in a child-care setting.

Federal Law: 18 U.S.C. §2251

Federal law targets the production of child sexual abuse material. A first offense under 18 U.S.C. §2251 carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years. A second offense raises that range to 25 to 50 years. Receipt or distribution of such material carries a separate federal mandatory minimum of 5 years.

State and federal charges can proceed simultaneously. A person may face prosecution under Texas statutes and federal law for the same underlying conduct. Most convictions under §43.25 and §43.26 also require lifetime sex offender registration under Texas Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

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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

What a Sexual Exploitation Charge Means Beyond Prison

Collateral Consequences of a Conviction

A sexual exploitation conviction carries consequences that extend far beyond the sentence itself. Lifetime sex offender registration under Texas Chapter 62 affects where a person may live, where they may work, and whether they may travel, while placing personal information in a publicly accessible database.

Professional licenses can be revoked following a conviction, and an accusation alone may prompt an employer to suspend or terminate employment before the case resolves. Bond conditions while a case is pending can include electronic monitoring, internet restrictions, and residence requirements that reshape daily life immediately.

Protective orders may restrict contact with children, including a defendant’s own family members. Any related family court proceedings involving child custody or visitation can also be directly affected. In smaller communities like those throughout Ellis County, reputational harm can spread quickly, which is why retaining counsel as early as possible matters.

How We Approach Sexual Exploitation Defense

These cases are often built on digital forensic evidence: device examinations, IP address logs, peer-to-peer network records, and file metadata. Each of those elements is a potential point of challenge, and we examine them thoroughly from the outset.

An IP address identifies a network connection, not an individual. In homes or businesses with multiple users, the government’s claim that a specific person controlled a specific device requires additional evidence. That gap is frequently a vulnerability in the prosecution’s case. We also examine how file-sharing software operates on the device in question because peer-to-peer applications can place files on a machine without any intentional action by the owner.

Fourth Amendment suppression issues arise regularly in these investigations. Whether the warrant authorizing a device search was adequately supported, whether the search exceeded its scope, and whether any evidence was obtained through warrantless means are all issues we evaluate from the start. In cases arising from undercover or sting operations, entrapment may be a viable defense if the government induced conduct the defendant wasn’t predisposed to commit.

We handle both state-level §43.25 and §43.26 charges and federal charges under 18 U.S.C. §2251 and related statutes. With more than 350 criminal jury trials handled, our defense strategy is built with trial in mind from the beginning, whether or not the case ultimately resolves before verdict.

Facing a sexual exploitation investigation or charge in Ellis County? Don’t speak with investigators before speaking with us. We offer free consultations, answer calls and texts 24/7, and represent clients throughout Texas and the United States. Se Habla Español. Call or text (214) 903-7722 now.

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

Ellis County Representation for Sexual Exploitation Cases

Felony sexual exploitation charges in Ellis County are prosecuted by the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office and heard in the 378th Judicial District Court in Waxahachie. Attorney Crawford appears regularly in that courthouse and knows the court staff, procedures, and the prosecutors who handle sex crime allegations. That familiarity shapes how we assess charging decisions, evaluate plea options, and plan for trial.

As a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, Attorney Crawford understands how local juries approach these cases and how the District Attorney’s Office prioritizes them. Our office’s proximity to the courthouse also means we can respond quickly when urgent hearings or developments arise. For Ellis County residents also facing federal exposure, charges are prosecuted in the Northern District of Texas, where federal mandatory minimums apply. We handle both.

State vs. Federal Jurisdiction in Texas Sexual Exploitation Cases

Whether a sexual exploitation case is charged at the state or federal level is one of the earliest and most consequential decisions in the prosecution. Understanding that distinction shapes how a defense is built.

Texas state charges under §43.25 and §43.26 are prosecuted by county district attorneys. Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. §2251 and related statutes are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Federal jurisdiction typically attaches when the alleged conduct involved the internet, interstate transmission, or crossed state or international lines. Peer-to-peer file sharing that transmits files across state lines can trigger federal jurisdiction even when the defendant never left Ellis County.

Cases originating from Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force investigations or Homeland Security Investigations frequently result in federal charges. Cases initiated by local law enforcement typically remain in state court unless referred to federal authorities. Both proceedings can run simultaneously. A defendant may face charges in Ellis County District Court and in the Northern District of Texas for the same underlying conduct, and the federal mandatory minimums are generally more severe than state penalties.

Early legal representation is most valuable at the stage before charges are formally filed, when prosecutors are still deciding which forum to use and what charges to bring. We work to understand the full scope of any investigation as early as possible so we can respond to developments on both tracks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to questions we hear most often from people facing sexual exploitation charges or investigations in Ellis County.

What Is the Difference Between a State Sexual Exploitation Charge and a Federal Charge in Texas?

State charges under Texas Penal Code §43.25 or §43.26 are prosecuted by the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office. Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. §2251 or §2252 arise when conduct involved the internet or crossed state lines, carry mandatory minimum sentences, and are prosecuted in the Northern District of Texas. Both can be filed for the same underlying conduct.

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender If Convicted?

Most convictions under §43.25 and §43.26 require lifetime sex offender registration under Texas Chapter 62. Registration affects where you may live and work and places your personal information in a public database. The specific requirements depend on the exact charge and circumstances of the case.

Can Files Found on My Device Prove I Committed Sexual Exploitation If I Didn’t Know They Were There?

File presence on a device alone doesn’t establish knowing or intentional possession. Browser caching, malware, peer-to-peer software running in the background, and shared device use are all factors a defense attorney can investigate and raise. The government must prove knowing or intentional possession or access to secure a conviction.

How Quickly Should I Contact a Defense Attorney After Learning I’m Under Investigation?

As early as possible. Speaking with investigators before retaining counsel can seriously damage your defense. An attorney retained at the investigation stage can communicate with law enforcement on your behalf, advise you on what not to say, and begin assessing the evidence before charges are formally filed. We take calls and texts 24/7, so you can speak with us the same day you learn of an investigation or arrest. Call (214) 903-7722.

What Defenses Are Available in a Texas §43.25 Sexual Performance Case?

Texas Penal Code §43.25(f) provides affirmative defenses including conduct for bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial, law enforcement, or legislative purposes. Whether the Fourth Amendment was violated during the investigation and whether the government’s digital forensic evidence is reliable are also defense avenues we examine in each case.

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