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 »
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- 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 »
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- 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 »
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- JL Carpenter
February 28, 2020
Public Intoxication
Did you know? Breathalyzer tests are not necessary for Public Intoxication arrests. Read More »
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- 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 »
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- 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 »
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- 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 »
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- 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 »
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- 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 »
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- JL Carpenter
January 16, 2020
State of Texas v. Antonio Armstrong, Jr. Update
We were set to begin Jury Selection this past Monday in the State of Texas v. Antonio Armstrong, Jr. After learning about missing evidence last Friday, the Court granted a continuance until the defense had an opportunity to learn more and evaluate the consequences of the missing evidence for our client at trial. The trial… Read More »
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- jlcadmin
January 10, 2020
DWI vs. DUI & Driver’s License Suspension
In the State of Texas, “DWI” is Driving While Intoxicated. “DUI” is Driving Under the Influence under the age of 21. Let’s say a 20-year-old has a glass of wine at dinner and then drives. If pulled over and asked to provide a breath test and the result is under .08, then the 20-year-old may… Read More »
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- jlcadmin
December 23, 2019
Defending Domestic Violence Allegations
Oftentimes, a client comes to us charged with domestic violence or assault and says “My wife/girlfriend is willing to sign an affidavit of non-prosecution (ANP) so it should be easy to get my case dismissed.” Unfortunately, it is not that easy at all. Here’s why:O.J. Simpson was a game-changer in how prosecutors handled domestic violence… Read More »
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- jlcadmin
December 23, 2019
Dallas Cowboys’ Daniel Ross DWI Arrest Sheds Light on Police Subjectivity
If you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan, chances are you’ve at least heard that Daniel Ross, a defensive tackle for the team recently got arrested for possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon. The arrest occurred during a relatively routine stop for violating a music/noise Ordinance 97¬04¬13, sec. 1, adopted 4/15/97 while driving his… Read More »
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- jlcadmin
December 23, 2019
Criminal Case Updates: Dec. 19, 2019
It has been a rewarding week as we build up to the Christmas holidays.Here a couple of case outcomes we obtained this week: Minor in Consumption: In a small town, several high school students were written citations for Minor in Consumption (MIC). This is something “relatively” new. Back in my day, it was only Minor… Read More »
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- jlcadmin
December 19, 2019