Author: JL Carpenter

Taking Care of Ourselves During CoronaVirus Quarantine

We can only control what we can control. At this time, we have two choices: 1) spend time worrying about things of which we have no control; or 2) embrace the current situation and make the most of it. How are you adapting to life in quarantine? Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    April 9, 2020

But, Why did you stay?

If it can happen to her, a capable trial attorney, it can happen to anyone. Mekisha Jane Walker’s ground-breaking and thought-provoking memoir has the potential to change the way domestic violence is viewed. Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    March 8, 2020

What is Exculpatory Evidence

Many cases have been reversed on appeal after learning that the State had withheld evidence that would be considered “exculpatory” for the accused. Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    March 5, 2020

Legislative Update

Legislative Update on Hemp / Marijuana Testing: The passing of House Bill 1325, the bill that legalized hemp in Texas, created numerous unintended consequences that are still being unveiled, even eight months later. Initially, several prosecutors decided to no longer prosecute low-level marijuana cases because testing protocol did not support testing to distinguish between hemp… Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    February 28, 2020

Public Intoxication

Did you know? Breathalyzer tests are not necessary for Public Intoxication arrests. Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    February 20, 2020

Custodial Interrogation

Miranda Warnings

Despite what is seen on television, the MIranda warnings only come into play during a custodial interrogation. Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    February 13, 2020

Rise in DWI Arrests

We hear clients say, “I didn’t feel intoxicated” or “I was literally right around the corner from home” or “I was supposed to be the designated driver.” Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    February 9, 2020

4th Amendment

In criminal law, it is important to ensure that law enforcement act within the confines of the law and do not violate clients’ Constitutional rights. Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    February 8, 2020

Burdens of Proof

In the legal system, there are various standards or burdens of proof. Meaning, how strong the evidence needs to be for police to stop a citizen, evidence to obtain a warrant, evidence to win a civil lawsuit, evidence to terminate a parent’s rights and ultimately, how strong the evidence needs to be to take someone’s… Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    January 23, 2020

Roles in the Criminal Justice System

Oftentimes folks think the defense can file a motion to dismiss and have the Court dismiss a case. While this is an option under limited circumstances, typically the Judge does not have the power to dismiss a case. The prosecutor is the one who brings the charges and the prosecutor is the one who can… Read More »

  • JL Carpenter

    January 16, 2020