A "Serious Trial Lawyer" Ready to Fight for Your Rights
 

If you are facing criminal charges, you are probably at one of the lowest points in your life. At the Law Offices of James E. Crawford Jr. & Associates, our job is to stand next to you in your hour of need and help you get your life back.

My name is Jim Crawford. For the past 18 years, I have defended people who have been charged with crimes in Baltimore, Catonsville, Annapolis, Bel Air and throughout every county and courtroom in Maryland. I handle every type of criminal case from shoplifting to life-changing accusations such as sex crimes and homicide. I am a serious trial lawyer.

A Long History of Success in Criminal Defense Law
My trial experience is extensive. I am in court in front of judges and juries almost every day of my working life. I have tried cases successfully in just about every state and federal courtroom in Maryland.
The experience my staff and I bring to your defense is key to a successful resolution of your case. Our Maryland criminal lawyers provide high-quality, aggressive legal services for our clients. The defense attorneys in my firm are dedicated and highly experienced trial lawyers who are trusted members of the Maryland Bar and the Federal Bar.

Criminal defense is about more than knowing the law; it's also about understanding people. Judges, prosecutors, lawyers, police and defendants all bring variables that can alter the outcome of a criminal case. When I take on a case, I look at the facts, the law as it applies to the charges, and the "human element" and how it will likely affect the case.

The result? Positive outcomes for thousands of clients, a reputation as one of Maryland's most successful criminal defense lawyers and referrals from throughout Maryland and the entire United States.

Federal and State Prosecution
If you are already charged or believe you are under investigation by a state agency such as the police or the federal government, it is extremely important that you retain the services of a highly qualified federal criminal defense attorney like me immediately. In many instances, a prosecution can be avoided or even resolved prior to arrest and or trial. The quicker we have an understanding of the facts, the easier it is to push your case to resolution.

It is also important to understand that there are major differences in the way the federal government handles a prosecution and the way many county and state prosecutors handle cases. The procedures are strikingly different and need to be handled in an entirely different method. Experience and judgment are needed to protect you or someone you know who is on the "radar" of a prosecution.

• Federal and state sex offenses
• Federal and state child abuse offenses
• Federal and state child pornography and computer offenses
• Federal and state drug distribution and trafficking offenses
• Federal and state drug kingpin offenses
• Homicide
• Driving while intoxicated
• Traffic offenses
• All felonies and misdemeanors
• Probation and parole violations
• Domestic violence

The Law Offices of James E. Crawford Jr. has a long history of successfully handling criminal cases. I know that if you are being prosecuted, it can be a tremendous burden and unbelievably stressful not just for you, but for your family and loved ones. You need someone in your corner who understands the process and can guide you through it. Contact our Maryland criminal lawyers now for a free consultation on your matter.

Contact Me Now - Federal Defense Attorney - Free Consultation
443-380-0205

If you face criminal charges, contact me, Maryland criminal defense attorney James E. Crawford at 443-380-0205, before you talk to police or anyone else. I am available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I offer a free initial consultation.

Practice Areas and Legal Definitions

Representing People in Baltimore, Catonsville, Annapolis, Bel Air and Throughout Maryland
 

As a "serious trial lawyer" fighting for the rights of the accused since 1992, I have handled almost every type of criminal charge you may face in Maryland, from relatively minor crimes that can result in embarrassment and inconvenience to serious charges that can wreck your life.

The following are examples of the kinds of cases I handle:

• Sex crimes: Including rape, sexual assault, child pornography, prostitution, indecent exposure, statutory rape, solicitation, sex abuse, sodomy, third- and fourth-degree sex offenses, and sex offender registration
• Computer crimes: Including possession and distribution of child pornography, chat room offenses, computer tampering, identity theft, piracy and file-sharing, and copyright infringement
• White collar crimes: Including mortgage and other types of fraud, tax evasion, and theft by deception
• Theft and robbery: Including shoplifting, larceny, robbery and burglary
• DWI/DUI and traffic violations: Including drunk driving, driver's license suspension and traffic violations
• Drug charges: Including drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug distribution and drug kingpin charges
• Weapons and violent crimes: Including assault and battery, weapons charges, carjacking, arson, manslaughter and homicide
• Family and domestic cases: Including domestic violence, ex parte/protective orders, child abuse and child endangerment
• Juvenile cases: Including underage drinking and other charges faced by people under the age of 18

Federal        

• Federal Drug Charges
• Federal Child Pornography & Sex Crimes
• Federal Sentencing Guidelines
• Federal Pre-trial Indictment Investigations

State    

• 24-Hour Bail
• Representing Clients Before Charges Are Filed
• Violation of Probation & Parole
• Lab Analysis
• Professional License Protection
• Search & Seizure
• Forfeiture of Property
• Parole Violations
• Warrants

Sex Crimes    

• Third- & Fourth-Degree Sex Offenses
• Rape
• Inappropriate Touching
• Indecent Exposure
• Prostitution & Solicitation
• Sex Offender Registration Program

Computer Crimes    

• Child Pornography
• Possession & Distribution of Child Pornography
• Internet Crimes

White Collar    

• Fraud Crimes
• Embezzlement
• Grand Jury Proceedings
• Mortgage Fraud
• RICO & Racketeering
• Tax Fraud

Theft    

• Larceny
• Shoplifting
• Burglary
• Robbery

DWI & Traffic    

• DWI/DUI Defense
  • Baltimore DUI
• Traffic Violations
• Driving on a Suspended or Revoked Driver's License
• Maryland MVA Hearings
• Vehicle Homicide
• CDL Violations

Drug Charges    

• Drug Possession
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Drug Distribution
• Drug Kingpin Charges
• Criminal Drug Diversion

Weapons & Violent Crimes    

• Assault & Battery
• Weapons Charges
• Carjacking
• Arson
• Homicide & Manslaughter

Domestic    

• Domestic Violence
• Ex Parte Protective Orders
• Child Abuse
• Child Welfare
• False Complaints

Juvenile    

• Underage Drinking

 If you or someone you know in Maryland needs the assistance of an experienced Baltimore Criminal and Drunk Driving Defense Attorney, call James E. Crawford, Jr. today at 443-380-0205, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation.

If you or someone you know in Maryland needs the assistance of an experienced Baltimore Criminal and Drunk Driving Defense Attorney, call James E. Crawford, Jr. today at 443-380-0205, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free consultation.


James E. Crawford Jr. & Associates, LLC
1435 Sulphur Spring Road
Baltimore, MD 21227
Telephone: 443-380-0205
Fax: 443-919-4207


I am a trial lawyer, plain and simple.
— Attorney Jim Crawford

When people ask about my experience and approach to criminal defense law, I respond, "I'm a trial lawyer, plain and simple." I am in court almost every working day of my life, usually multiple times per day. Since 1992, I've helped thousands of clients and have handled thousands of hearings and trials in Baltimore, Catonsville, Annapolis, Bel Air and throughout Maryland.

A letter from James E. Crawford Jr.:

One of the least things I enjoy doing is writing about myself. That’s probably true about most of us. However, I thought it was important to convey a little about the lawyer and person you want to represent you.
I have been practicing law since 1992. I completed my undergraduate college degree in 1985 at Frostburg State College, Master of Arts at University of Baltimore in 1987 and Juris Doctor Degree in 1992 at University of Baltimore School of Law.

I am a member of the Maryland Bar Association, Baltimore County Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, various other Bar Associations, various committees for Judicial Elections and other Legal Associations. I was elected a member of the Maryland Democratic State Central Committee and have been interested in politics for many years. I’ve handled many high profile Maryland Political races and have worked with many high profile political figures.

As an attorney I have handled literally thousands of cases throughout the years. Many of them high profile as well as the standard run of the mill type cases. I practice in all Maryland Counties, all District Courts, Circuit Courts and Federal Courts. Quite frankly there isn’t a Courtroom in the State of Maryland that I haven’t been in.

When I decided to build this web site I was asked to write and describe a little about myself. I had to stop and think about the qualities that I possess and why I have been so successful practicing law all these years. In other words what makes me the type of lawyer and person that you would want to represent you. Why do clients continue to come back and why is the majority of my practice referrals from other clients that are very satisfied with the out come of their cases. Without being too forthright, probably the most desirous quality that I have is the fact that I really care about the outcome of my clients’ case and their well being. I believe that it is really important for a lawyer to strive and to do their best for a client in every way possible. Frankly, I think my profession has lost its way in that regard somewhat. There are still a lot of good lawyers out there, but I think a lot of people don’t look at lawyers the way they used to. I also believe it is very important for a lawyer to represent a client with all their ability and skill. It is my duty to stand between you and the police and to convince a judge or a jury that a particular out come is best for you. I still believe practicing law is a noble cause and justifies using all my energy and skills to represent a client.
I am a trial lawyer, plain and simple. I am in Court just about every day of my working life. I’ve tried thousands of cases and I am very familiar with the Courthouse and Courthouse personnel. That is why I have been so successful — because I have been there many times.

Ok, a little about myself. I grew up in Baltimore, attended Mount St. Joseph High School. I am married and have four (4) great children. I have always been involved in the community by coaching sports for kids and being involved with other charities. I have also always played and loved sports, especially basketball and baseball. My favorite music is by “The Who”. I think I’ve always identified with their music because of the “underdog” theme that seems to run throughout their songs. It’s fitting for me because that’s how I feel about my clients. Most people come to me when they are at one of the lowest points in their life, either they have been charged with a crime, or they have some other crisis in their life. They feel like the whole world is against them. My job as a trial lawyer is to stand next to you in your time of need and get the job done. That is part of my basic personality and nature.

I’ve learned that the practice of law really has no end. In other words a good lawyer will admit that there are always new things to learn, not just about his clients and the law, but also about trying to find ways to resolve complex situations. My experience and knowledge is a result of many years of tilling the fields of law. If you need help call my office and let’s discuss it.

Very truly yours,     
JIM CRAWFORD, JR.

Zack Groves Esq., Attorney
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
E-mail: zack@jamescrawfordlaw.com

It has always been my belief that our clients should feel assured in knowing that they are receiving competent and zealous representation. I attended Saint Mary's College of Maryland in Saint Mary's City, Maryland and graduated with a B.A. in History in 2002. I then attended Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, P.A. and received my Juris Doctor Degree in 2005.

Throughout Law School and after graduation, my places of employment have included the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office, and several other private firms.

Our office fosters the mentality that each client deserves individualized representation. It is our hope to guide each client in any problem that may arise, with the highest level of professionalism and efficiency.

I pride myself on taking on a new challenge with a client who needs my help and time. I look forward to providing you with my absolute best effort.

Education:

• Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
  • J.D. - 2005
• Saint Mary's College of Maryland, Saint Mary's City, Maryland
  • B.A. - 2002
  • Major: History

Justin W. Esworthy, Associate

Location: Baltimore, Maryland
E-mail: Justin@jamescrawfordlaw.com

I graduated from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York with a degree in Business Administration. In 2006, I obtained my Juris Doctorate from Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana. During law school I had internships practicing both family and criminal law.

Since I began practicing law, I’ve represented thousands of clients in criminal, civil, and domestic matters. I have tried hundreds of cases ranging from minor misdemeanors, including traffic infractions, to serious felonies carrying a possible penalty of life imprisonment. My vast experience allows me to be comfortable representing clients in an array of legal difficulties.

Bar Admissions:

• Maryland
• Virginia
• U.S. District Court District of Maryland

Education:

• Tulane Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • J.D. - 2006
• Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
  • B.B.A - 2000

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• Maryland State Bar
• Virginia State Bar
• United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Past Employment Positions:

• Virginia Beach Office of the Public Defender
• Innocence Project, University of Baltimore School of Law

Steven D. Shemenski, Esquire

I am a blue-collar Baltimore kid that was fortunate enough to attend local Cardinal Gibbons High School.  From there, I attended Loyola College of Baltimore, where I graduated with a double major in Political Science and History in 1989.  After attending the University of Maryland at Baltimore Law School and receiving my degree of Juris Doctor in 1992, I clerked for two Judges in the Circuit Court of Baltimore County for over one and one-half years.  

That experience in a trial court setting helped prepare me for my career in litigation.  After running a solo practice and working the former Law Office of Turnbull, Mix and Farmer, I bring my more than eighteen years of trial and appellate experience to the Law Office of James E. Crawford, Jr. and Associates.  Having collaborated with Jim Crawford over the years, I know this office offers the personalized handling of cases that makes the difference case presentation.  

When asked, I half joke that maybe the best preparation for being a lawyer was what I learned waiting tables and selling wine while working my way through school.  It’s listening to people and paying attention to the details that make the difference.  Using those skills coupled with the knowledge and experience gained over the years of practice makes the difference in maximizing the potential for each client in each case.