Author: JL Carpenter
Re-Opening America
President Trump announced today a three-phase plan to re-open America, subject to each State Governors' approval. Read More »
- JL Carpenter
April 17, 2020
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
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