Client Stories
Shamika Crawford’s Fight for
Justice Changed the Law for Everyone
A Call, an Allegation—and Everything Changed
It took just one phone call — one allegation, without evidence — to turn Shamika Crawford’s life upside down.
When police showed up to her door, Ms. Crawford was told she had to leave her Bronx apartment immediately. Why? Because New York courts issued a full stay-away order based solely on an accusation.
In an instant, Ms. Crawford was separated from her two sons, lost both of her jobs, and was banned from her own home — where she was the leaseholder — and forced to sleep in her car without a hearing, without proof, and without a chance to defend herself before a judge or jury.
It didn’t matter that the person who accused her wasn’t credible. It didn’t matter that she hadn’t done anything wrong. All that mattered was that someone had called 911 first.
If you’re facing a stay-away order or separation from your children, get help here.
Why We Got Involved
Ms. Crawford’s case wasn’t unique—but it was urgent. Every day in New York, people accused of crimes are separated from their homes and families through temporary orders of protection, often with no evidence ever presented.
At The Bronx Defenders, we saw this injustice happening again and again in courtrooms across the city.
When Ms. Crawford came to us, we knew her case could do more than reunite a mother with her children. It could set a precedent that would protect the rights of thousands of New Yorkers in the future.
Want to know your rights when facing criminal charges?
Taking the Fight to Court—with Powerful Allies
To challenge Ms. Crawford’s unfair treatment, we teamed up with pro bono attorneys at Covington & Burling LLP.
Together, we filed a groundbreaking legal petition arguing that no New Yorker should be forced from their home without a hearing—especially when the government has no evidence to justify it.
That filing led to a major victory.
A Bronx judge reviewed the case, found the stay-away order unjustified, and allowed Ms. Crawford to return home to her family.
Soon after, all criminal charges against her were dismissed.
A Landmark Legal Victory: Crawford Hearings
But Shamika wasn’t done. With her full support, we continued the fight in higher court—and won. In a historic decision, the Appellate Division declared that anyone subject to a stay-away order affecting their home, family, or property has a constitutional right to a prompt evidentiary hearing.
Today, those hearings are known across New York as Crawford Hearings—named after Shamika Crawford.
“I’m thrilled by this decision,” Shamika said. “And I hope others can benefit from the struggle I had to endure.”
One Person Can Change the System
Shamika’s courage, and her determination to fight not just for herself but for others, created a ripple effect in the legal system. On the very day of the ruling, defense attorneys across the city began requesting Crawford Hearings. Judges began scheduling them.
And more New Yorkers—especially Black women like Ms. Crawford, who are disproportionately affected by these orders—now have a fighting chance to keep their homes, their jobs, and their children.
There’s Still More Work to Do
Crawford Hearings are a powerful tool—but they are only the beginning. Too many people still face life-altering consequences based on allegations alone. We are continuing to fight for fairness, accountability, and due process for all New Yorkers, especially those most vulnerable to systemic harm.
Ms. Crawford’s story reminds us that real change is possible—and it often begins with one person standing up and saying, “This isn’t right.”