JL Carpenter Law

DWI (driving while intoxicated)  and BWI (boating while intoxicated)  are pretty similar charges that hold the same punishment—only one is on land (DWI) and the other is on water (BWI). If you were recently arrested for both offenses, you might feel panicked about what kind of penalties you’re facing. We’re not going to lie—being charged twice within a short amount of time is not good. But with a tenacious lawyer who offers stellar representation on your side, you stand a better chance of protecting your future and freedom. This article will help you understand what happens if you’re arrested for both DWI and BWI in the same week in Texas. First-Offense DWI or BWI Penalties If you committed both crimes, you will receive punishments for both. In Texas, first-offense DWI is classified as a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 in fines and 72 hours to 180 days in jail. You will also lose your driver’s license for up to a year. Second-Offense DWI or BWI Penalties The fin...

The teen years are marked by increased curiosity and a desire to experiment. Many teens also fall victim to peer pressure, which may lure them to drugs and alcohol. If your child was recently arrested for drug possession, manufacturing, trafficking, or any related crime, make sure you take the right course of action to ensure one mistake doesn’t deride a promising future. Here are the things you must do if your child is charged with a drug crime in Texas: 1. Stay Plugged In As a parent, you need to understand what your child is going through and participate in the decision-making process. Consult an experienced lawyer who specializes in drug crimes. Understand the ins and outs of the case and what your child’s options are. Your child needs support, reassurance, and guidance. Make sure you fully understand the process, the legal ramifications of the case, and the different options before your child so that you can provide wise counsel to them as well. Under Texas law, drug crimes are cl...

Under Texas law, drug trafficking refers to the act of manufacturing or possessing illegal drugs with the intention of delivering them. Compared to drug possession, drug trafficking is a much more serious crime. In Texas, controlled substances are categorized based on their penalty groups. These groups were introduced under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. To determine your particular offense's penalties, you must carefully understand each penalty group. 1.  Set of Penalties for Group 1 Substances As broken down by the Texas Controlled Substances Act , Group 1 substances carry a high risk of abuse. As a result, the penalties are very serious. These drugs include cocaine, methadol, oxycodone, methamphetamines, ketamine, morphine, fentanyl, heroin, desmorphine, and other types of cocaine. If you’re caught trafficking these drugs, your charges will be as follows:   Sentence Weight (g) Prison Term Fine State Jail Felony Less than 1 g Between 180 days and 2 years Up to $10,000 ...

A DWI conviction can affect your freedom and future. If you’re not careful, you may face a prison sentence and pay exorbitant fines. However, if you act proactively and cautiously, you can get the penalties for your DWI conviction reduced in Texas. How? Continue reading. 1. Your Lawyer Has Excellent Investigative and Negotiation Skills If you want to reduce your charges, find an excellent lawyer who can negotiate with the prosecution exceptionally well. They can also petition the court to reduce your charges. Based on their experience, investigative skills, and negotiation prowess, they can even get your case dismissed before it goes to trial. However, it’s important to note that there must be a weakness in the prosecution’s case. Your lawyer will consider different aspects of the case. Let’s take a look at these in the next section. 2. Your Case Has Certain Weaknesses If your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) test results were slightly below the .08 limit, you have a better shot at ge...

Were you recently arrested for possessing, manufacturing, selling, or trafficking drugs? Drug arrests carry heavy penalties, including jail time and exorbitant fines. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can defend yourself or that the charges will magically disappear. It’s time to go to work protecting your future and freedom. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of what your next steps are in helping your attorney build a strong drug violation defense. Continue reading, and then reach out to us with questions at the end. Let’s get started. 1. Consult the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer for You in Your Area If you want to maximize the chance of getting a favorable outcome, history shows that having an experienced and qualified criminal defense attorney helps. Your lawyer should have an excellent track record that they are willing to share with you. Make sure they’ve successfully handled a wide range of drug cases in the courts where your case will be heard. Ask them for...

While the holidays are recognized for their endless merriment and bliss, they’re also known for being one of the most turbulent times on the roads. As people rush to stores for some last-minute shopping and return home from New Year’s Eve parties, the risk of DWI accidents significantly increases, as some don’t drink responsibly and then attempt to drive home when they shouldn’t. If you were charged with drunk driving during the holidays, make sure you take the right steps  with the goal of getting your charges dismissed in the new year . Remember that just because you were charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Use this guide to get started. 1. Contact an Experienced DWI Lawyer Right Away If you were arrested for drunk driving during the holidays, your first New Year’s resolution should be to put on your big boy pants and start the process of fighting for your rights immediately. Unlike the wine you may have drunk over the holidays, DWI charges do not improve with age—they turn to vi...