On May 20, 2014, President Barack Obama nominated Crawford to serve as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, to the seat being vacated by Judge William K. Sessions III, who subsequently assumed senior status on June 15, 2014. Crawford was recommended to President Obama, on March 24, 2014, by Senator Patrick J. Leahy after being evaluated by a nonpartisan Judicial Selection Commission established by Senator Leahy and Senator Bernie Sanders.[6] A hearing on his nomination before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee was held on June 4, 2014.[7] On June 12, 2014 his nomination was reported out of committee by a voice vote.[8] On June 19, 2014 Senate Majority LeaderHarry Reid filed a motion to invoke cloture on the nomination. On June 23, 2014, the United States Senate invoked cloture on his nomination by a 52–32 vote.[9] On June 24, 2014, his nomination was confirmed by a 95–0 vote.[10] He received his judicial commission on August 4, 2014.[5] He took the oath of office during his judicial investiture ceremony on August 12, 2014, and he maintained chambers in the United States Courthouse in Rutland, Vermont.[11]Harold Eaton Jr. succeed him on the Vermont Supreme Court.[12] He served as chief judge from 2017 to 2024.[13] He assumed senior status on August 9, 2024.[5]