Happy New Year

This New Year's Eve the state of Tennessee will have several "no refusal" check points.  That means that if you are under suspicion of DUI you will be required to submit to a breath or blood test.  While a breath test can be challenged, the challenges or a blood test are more stringent.  A DUI charge can have severe consequences to your pocketbook and your record.  Be smart and take a taxi or a designated driver.  www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com

Holiday Schedule

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.  Please enjoy the time with your family and friends, and be careful.  This shouldn't be a time for stress and materialistic endevours, but giving and thankfulness.  If the last few weeks have shown anything, it is that every day we have is a good one.  I am spending time with my family this Christmas and will be out of the office until December 29, 2012.  I am still available by phone and email.  If you are arrested or facing charges, please contact me and I will help you through the process.  Have a safe and happy holiday!
www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com

Tis the Season to Procrastinate

As I sat in court today, I heard the familiar refrain that you always hear this time of year ..."Judge I don't have an attorney hired.  Its Christmas."  People want to buy gifts and food during the holiday season, however the worst thing you can do is prolong your case by waiting to hire an attorney.  Every time your case is reset, the court costs rise on your case.  It may seem like you are saving money by not having to pay an attorney in December, but in the end it will cost you more money.  Do not procrastinate.  Give yourself the gift of legal representation if you have a case.  It will be worth it in the end.
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Good Luck Runners!

My office wishes good speed to all the St. Jude marathon runners.  It is always a beautiful day and it raises money for a wonderful charity.  Have fun and be safe this weekend!
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Desperate times should not call for desperate measures

Black Friday Shoppers Caught with Counterfeit Money

It is that time of season for people to spend money.  The problem is for those who do not have any.  They often turn to theft, forgery, or counterfeit money to buy merchandise.  The monetary cost and jail time far outweigh the risks of holiday theft.
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Thanksgiving Holiday

My office will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.  If you need anything, please call and leave a voicemail and I will get back to you this weekend.  Have a safe Holiday from the Carriker Law Office.
www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com

Divorce and Domestic Violence

Terrence Thomas, accused of killing wife, will appear in court - Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee
It is not uncommon for people going through divorces to also get charged with domestic violence.  This can happen for two reasons:

1.  They are already in a physically abusive relationship.

2.  The other party is playing games and attempting to gain favorable ground in the divorce.  Living together during divorce proceedings makes the likelihood of arrest on a domestic violence case increase.

The relationship has already turned sour and if there has been physical abuse, anger from the proceedings will escalate.  Do not become a victim of crime or a victim of a spouse playing games.

If you are going through a divorce, you need to move out of the house.  It is expensive going through these proceedings, but it is easier to ask for help from family and friends rather than face arrest or harm to yourself.  During the holidays, anger and sadness are more present during a nasty divorce or break-up.  Alcohol can fuel these feelings and people make mistakes.  If you are arrested for a domestic violence case, you need to hire counsel immediately.  

Controversial Radio Host Arrested on Child Porn Charges

Controversial Radio Host Arrested on Child Porn Charges
The Memphis community seems to really be enjoying this arrest.  Regardless of intent you cannot and not post, disseminate, or own any type of child pornography.  This is seen as a dissemination of child pornography.  The result is an arrest and federal charges.  He could be facing a serious amount of jail time.  If you are facing similar charges, you need experienced legal counsel.  You should also prepare yourself for the eventuality that you will do some jail time.  

Stepfather Charged in Toddler's Death

Stepfather Charged in Toddler's Death

Child Abuse charges should be taken very seriously.  If you are charged with child abuse, you are facing a long amount of jail time.  People have a tendency to think that they can get out of these charges by claiming it was just an accident.  Forensic science has come a long way.  The medical examiners can indicate what injuries would be normal on a child in certain circumstances.  In other words, they know if an injury was intentional or a possible accident.  If you are facing a similar charge, hire counsel immediately and do not give a statement to the police or to any doctor.

www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com

Repo Man Shot at Raleigh Apartments

Repo Man Shot at Raleigh Apartments
Being a repo man is dangerous business.  It is not uncommon for repo people to get attacked.  These individuals typically try to get the vehicles when the individuals are not at home or busy to prevent these events.  Defendants often claim they thought their vehicle was being stolen and that is why they committed an assault.  Assault is not an effective defense for a theft.  Further, the business is typically on the side of the truck and the individuals will attempt to tell the Defendant what they are doing if confronted.  If you are not making payments on your vehicle, it is going to get repossessed.  It is not worth the jail time and attorney fees to attack someone for a piece of property.
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Former Clerk Otis Jackson Claims to be Sovereign Citizen

Former Clerk Otis Jackson Claims to be Sovereign Citizen

I see more people every year claiming to be a sovereign citizen.  They are under the mistaken belief that this will prevent prosecution.  They think this claim prevents the court from having jurisdiction over their case.  If you walk on a sidewalk, get government assistance, vote, pay a sales tax or avail yourself of anything that is in America, you are not a sovereign citizen.  You can and will be prosecuted.  Asserting sovereign citizen status will only damage your case and possibly land you in jail for contempt.  If facing criminal charges, you should hire a qualified attorney.
www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com

Suspects Sought in Two Weekend Murders

Suspects Sought in Two Weekend Murders

Juvenile Delinquency Charges - Protect your child's future.

Juvenile Delinquency charges should be taken seriously.  A delinquency case can go from juvenile court to adult court depending on the minor's age and prior contact with juvenile court.  While a juvenile record is sealed, a minor's record can be used against him in sentencing as an adult.  Parent's don't always take cases in juvenile court seriously because they think their child will not be punished and it will not affect their future.  It can have severe consequences depending on the charge.  Hire counsel immediately if your child is charged.  These cases move quickly through the juvenile court system, and we need time to prepare a defense.

Former NFL Star Indicted in Teacher Test Cheating Ring

Former NFL Star Indicted in Teacher Test Cheating Ring

You can't take the law into you own hands

Man Charged with Murder for Fatal Beating of Former Employee
While it may not seem fair, you cannot take the law into your own hands.  The victim in this case was stealing from the Defendant.  When the victim fled the scene the Defendant did not have the right to chase him down and beat him.  He knew the victim.  The right thing to do would be to call the authorities and let them make an arrest.

You can protect yourself if you are in fear of your life or the life of a third party.  That does not mean you can shoot or stop a person that is fleeing the scene.  You no longer have the basis of fear for your safety when a person's back is to you.  It is easy to want renegade justice, but the consequences could be more than you bargain for in the end.  Be safe and be smart.
www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com

Halloween

Halloween will be here in a couple of days.  It is a chance to dress up and have fun with our friends and neighbors.  It is also a time when people get behind the wheel after a few too many drinks or get involved in an altercation.  If you find yourself in that position, do not give a statement and do not submit to any tests.  Don't let one night affect the rest of your life.

www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com

Woman Found Shot Dead in North Memphis Driveway

Woman Found Shot Dead in North Memphis Driveway

Domestic assault can range anywhere from a perceived threat to a murder charge.  Do not give a statement to police.  Do not talk to friends and family about your case.  You need to hire counsel immediately.  These cases often go to trial.  A person could be facing imprisonment and at the very least the loss of their right to carry a gun.
www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com

DUI Check Points

The holidays are coming upon us and with them comes sobriety check points.  As long as there isn't an accident, you have the right to refuse all tests.  That includes field sobriety, breathalyzer, blood, and urine tests.  All of these test combined provides evidence for the prosecutor to convict you on a DUI.  Do not provide them with that evidence.  The wisest things to do is take a taxi or have a designated driver, but people do make mistakes. If you find yourself charged with DUI, please call the Carriker Law Office for a free consultation.  I can help.
www.memphistn-criminaldefense.com