Out of the Office

The Carriker Law Office is closed from 8/28 through 9/6.  I will be returning phone calls and emails.  In the case of an emergency, I have someone covering my cases for me.  You can contact the main office of 901-529-8500 to get the name of the attorney covering my cases if you have a date while I am out.  Thanks.

Crime is senseless

Every day we go about our lives.  Going to work, the gym, the grocery store.  Events like the bombing at the Boston Marathon are senseless, however, we cannot live our lives in fear.  Whether it is a senseless crime or a car wreck, each day could be our last.  The only thing we can do is attempt to be safe and most importantly keep living our lives as we always would.  Life will pass you by if you are always in fear.  Don't let events like this keep you from living life to the fullest.  Then the individual/individuals have accomplished their goal.

Oh you crazy Sovereign Citizens.

Moorish Americans Say Squatter was 'Kidnapped'

The show continues on with this sovereign citizen group making allegations that this Defendant was kidnapped  and now being held ransom by the evil United States government.  The First Amendment provides us with the freedom of speech, however, that does not mean that whatever comes out of your mouth is the truth.  We all make claims every day, some true and some false.  The majority of sovereign citizens I see in court do not really hold true to an ideology, but are attempting to get something for nothing and not be penalized legally.  It is called stealing.  If you are charged with a crime, do not make this idiotic claim.  It is in your best interest to cooperate with the court and your attorney so you can receive the best possible result.  The individuals who make these claims are only making life harder on themselves.

Think Before You Speak!

2 officers relieved of duty for apparent threat
Yes, we have freedom of speech in our country, but you should exercise that freedom cautiously.  We live in a world where there are random acts of violence everyday.  People retaliate against strangers and loved ones due to problems at work and home.  These officer could be blowing off some steam due to cut backs and other work place politics.  However, their words were of extreme violence.  Violence that occurs often in the work place.  It does not matter if they really meant the threat or not.  It has to be taken seriously.  If you have issues, talk about them in the privacy of your home, not at work.  We are now a society that has to be proactive and take every threat seriously to avoid tragedy.  Exercising your right to free speech shouldn't end in being fired from your job, but there is a definite difference between a threat and a complaint.  Be smart.  Vent at home.www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com 

Drug Court Judge Seeks Funding to Help More Mothers

Drug Court Judge Seeks Funding to Help More Mothers
Often times, people who have drug charges (felony or misdemeanors) have a drug problem.  They aren't the dealer that the police are looking to arrest.  They are the go between.  They perform this function not because they will get money from the drug sales, but because they will be paid with drugs.  It often seems unfair to me that these individuals are facing a lengthy sentence when they are not the real source of the problem.  That is where drug court comes in.  If the individual has a problem and wants help, they are put into the program and sometimes get the charge off their record.  People know that it is hard.  If there is a dirty screen, the judge may place them in jail for a few days.  They have to give multiple screens weekly, and attend weekly meetings.  It is hard.  This is the only way to start on the successful path to recovery.  There are people who want the minimum sentence so they can go out and do more drugs and the people who decide to try and put it behind them.  It is programs like the Drug Court and Veterans Court that give people a chance to get their life back.  The choice is ultimately up to them.
www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com 

It can happen to you!

Rep. Curry Todd Pleads Guilty to DUI, Gun Charges

I have told many people that a DUI can happen to any one.  Being charged with a crime does not make you a criminal.  It makes you an individual that made a mistake.  While there are permanent ramifications to a DUI conviction on your record, it will only ruin your life if you let it.  It often seems that politicians or rich people get out of DUI convictions.  This is not always true.  They just know the law and know what to do if stopped by an officer for a DUI.

The state of Tennessee prosecutes DUI cases to the fullest extent.  No matter how much I prep my clients, they are disappointed in the outcome.  Whether they end up pleading as charged or if it is reduced.   Cases are not dismissed because an individual is a good person and needs a break.  They are reduced when the person refuses to take the test, looks sober on video, and hires qualified counsel.  DUI laws are constantly changing and soon we will move to a blood draw requirement.  There will always be ways to challenge a test, but it is becoming harder. If charged, you need a criminal attorney who keeps up with the changing laws.
www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com