Criminal Law

Busted?  Now more than ever, you need an attorney that can get you out of a tough situation.  This is your life we're talking about!  Don't trust your life to anyone.  Laura A. Carpenter brings extensive experience and aggressive defense strategies in all state and federal criminal matters.  From initial investigations through trial and appeal, you'll know you've made the right choice.

 Texas Criminal Law Areas of Speciality

Drugs, DWI, DUI, Assaults, Sex Crimes, Felonies, Expungement of Records, Misdemeanors, Murder, Possession Charges, Criminal Cases.

Drug Charges - Possession

Have you been charged with possession of a controlled substance?  That's not good.  We're here to help you get your life back on track.  You need Laura A. Carpenter to get the job done.  Call Laura A. Carpenter today.  Why wait?

DWI Texas

Nobody likes getting busted, especially for DWI. Texas is one of the toughest states for DWI, so make sure you've got an attorney who knows the right procedures to represent you.

Laura A. Carpenter will work to get your criminal record cleared.  Don't waste your time with another attorney who doesn't care about you.  Contact Laura A. Carpenter, she has over 10 years experience in Texas Criminal Law and she'll do everything possible to get you cleared.

Family Law

Divorce? Get the Family Lawyer That Will Fight for You.

Odessa Texas Divorce Lawyer Child Custody Lawyer Odessa, TX

Getting a divorce is never easy.  It can be a time of emotional upheaval.  Keep the faith.  One day it will be all over and you can move on with your life.  Until then, Laura A. Carpenter is a Family Lawyer who doesn't mess around.  Your legal battles are serious, affecting your quality of life.  Don't leave it in the hands of just anyone.  We're ready to roll up our sleeves and fight together to make things happen.

Odessa Divorce Lawyer - Odessa Child Custody Lawyer

Laura A. Carpenter handles Texas divorce and Texas child custody cases in all counties in Texas.  If you have a tough battle ahead, call us for a consultation.  We'll discuss the hard issues regarding your divorce, custody or visitation issues and inform you of your legal rights and options.

 Family Law Issues:

• Divorce
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Complex property divisions
• Child Custody Proceedings
• Child Support Issues
• Contempt Cases
• Paternity Suits
• Temporary Orders
• Restraining Orders
• Protective Orders

Business Law

There are many forms of business entities such as Corporations, S-Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), Limited Partnerships (LP), Professional Associations (PA) and Professional Corporations (PC).  Each business entity is different and each has different levels of liability protection, costs, tax consequences, etc.  Choosing the right business entity for you business requires research and consultation with your attorney and CPA. 

Laura A. Carpenter worked for 3 years as In-House Counsel for a private corporation and has extensive experience with matters your company might face, including stock issues, dealing with the board of directors, employee matters, and business litigation.

Laura A. Carpenter can help you form any business entity that you desire as well as obtain your Employer's Identification Number (EIN) number.  Please call or E-mail our office for fees associated with setting up your new business entity.

Entertainment Law

Laura A. Carpenter has an extensive background in the arts and consults on matters involving contracts for such things as actors, models, musicians, and writers of all types.  Our office can help you through the process of copywriting your original materials as well.

Wills, Estates, and Probate

A Will is a legal document that allows you to decide how and to whom your property will be distributed after your death. Anyone who is of sound mind and is at least 18 years old can make a valid Texas Will.  Married people can also make a valid Will even if they are under the age of 18.

Almost everyone needs a valid Texas Will.  The only exceptions would be people who are not married and have no children and who do not do not own property.  Even for those people, there are advantages in making a Will to simplify the disposition of the property you leave.

If you die without a valid Will, the laws of the State of Texas will determine who should inherit your property, and how much each person will inherit.  These laws can be complicated, depending upon your family situation at the time of death.

If you should die without leaving a valid Texas Will, the Judge of the court in which your estate is resolved will decide who should be appointed as the guardian of you minor children.  Normally the guardian would be the surviving parent of the children, but it might be another relative or even a friend.  Again, it will depend upon your family situation at the time of your death, and you won't be there to give your opinion to the Judge.

Probate is the process of the court establishing that a Will is valid and the court then approving final distribution of property and questions regarding minor children.

A Texas Will must be submitted to the court of Probate within four years of the date of the death of the maker of the Will.

Of course if a person dies without a valid Texas Will, the court will make all decisions regarding property and minor children based upon the laws of the State of Texas and on the Judge's opinion regarding the best interests of the children.

A proper Will can be surprisingly inexpensive, especially if a husband and wife prepare one at the same time. The real expense usually is in dying without a valid Will.  That can possibly create a financial nightmare for the surviving family members. Almost everything the family will have to do after a death is more expensive to do without a valid Will.  By spending a small amount of money now, you may save your family thousands of dollars and hours of frustration and aggravation later.

Laura A. Carpenter will be pleased to assist you with any questions you have regarding Wills and Probate in Texas.