New Office!!

Take note the office has moved!! The new address is:
109 S. Woodrow Lane
Suite 500
Denton, Texas 76205
P. 940-381-6800
F. 940-220-4984

Is an Order an Order?

Oh the things we encounter. Today was an interesting and productive day arguing a very unusual case in the district court. The case being so unique that none of the three attorneys on the case nor the Judge, who has been practicing 33 years, has ever encountered one like it. I have to admit it is quite exhilarating to be able to argue this case and put it all out there for my client, who I truly believe in.
The less interesting point- researching whether or not an Order out of the IVD court constitutes an order under the Texas Family Code. You would think an order is an order, right? Not so easy...here comes the research!

Mediation Training Done!

Well, I have waited some time for the 40 hour mediation training to be offered by our local bar association- Denton County Bar- and it finally happened! I finished up the course on Friday and I can't believe what all I learned. I am not sure what expectations I had going in, I have participated in several mediations as an attorney and even once as a mediator. That being said, I was really excited to get the training. Denton County has an alternative dispute resolution center, DCAP. The purpose of the center is to provide low cost mediation for parties to resolve their disputes without having to leave it up to the Judge. 
I love it, I think it is an invaluable resource to litigants, especially in family cases. No, it does not work in every case, but I believe a majority can be solved this way. Think about families with children, parents divorcing who have to co parent these children for the rest of their lives, a nasty court battle does not foster co parenting. Mediation truly gives the parties a chance to tell their story and work through their case with a sense of control over the issues. 
So, the training, it was great! Not only did I learn a lot but I also got to have a couple of my law school professors as teachers again. Learning the mediation process from those who have been practicing mediation since it came to be in Texas was a great learning experience. It has given me a new outlook and renewed hope to help people restore their lives with a greater amount of peace than the courtroom can every offer. 
Happy Mediating!!

It's a new year!

Well- here is to 2012- first day back in the office since the new year and I am thinking there is a lot to be done. First and foremost thank God for a successful first year in business, I can't believe it has been a year! I made it! Thank you to all of my friends and family for their support and their referrals, I could not have made it without the word of mouth referrals from all of you.
In my second year I hope to reach out and become more involved in the community and the local bar association. I hope to keep my desk more organized and and stay on a good schedule. Here's to 2012!

Texting and Driving Prevention: Fountain

Minors and Municipal Court

Municipal Courts in Texas have the opportunity to positively impact youth in our state. Offenses that are "common" to teens in municipal court include Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Consumption of Alcohol by a minor, Possession of Tobacco by a minor, theft, violation of license restrictions among others. When these youth come to our Court it is often their first experience with the Judicial system.  This first appearance is the time for the  Court to make an impression on the minor, impress upon them that they are criminally responsible for their behavior and deter them from making these mistakes again. Often minors are under the belief that their parents can get them out of whatever trouble they are in, and this first encounter with the Court is the opportunity for the minor to realize they must be responsible for the choices they make.
Municipal Courts play an important role in our community by holding minors responsible for their behavior/choices thereby deterring future criminal conduct.

What is Municipal Court?

It is my experience that the work done in Municipal Court often goes unnoticed as it is a Court is not as well known as the higher level courts. Often when Municipal Court is mentioned people think one thing- traffic ticket- well there is more to it than that.
Stay tuned for daily tidbits about Texas Municipal Courts and their role in our community as next week is Municipal Courts Week in Texas!!!! Posted below is Texas House Resolution 1486 recognizing Municipal Courts for their important work. :

H.R.ANo.A1486

RESOLUTION WHEREAS, Municipal courts provide citizens of the Lone Star State with a local forum where questions of law and fact can be resolved in regard to alleged violations of state law and municipal ordinances;and

 WHEREAS, Because citizens come into contact with municipal courts more than any other courts, the public impression of the Texas judicial system is largely dependent on their experience there;and

   WHEREAS, Judges of the municipal courts function also as  magistrates for the State of Texas, and in that role they perform such duties as issuing search and arrest warrants, giving  magistrate warnings, and setting bail for offenses ranging from  pettythefttomurder;and

  WHEREAS, Pledging to be impartial and to conform to the  standards set by the Canons of Judicial Conduct, the estimated  6,000 employees of municipal courts work diligently to ensure the fair administration of justice while upholding the rigorous  standardsofprofessionalism;and  

WHEREAS, Municipal judges, clerks, court administrators, bailiffs, and warrant officers continually strive to improve the  administration of justice through participation in judicial  educationprograms,seminars,workshops,and the annual meetings of  their state and local professional organizations;and

WHEREAS, Municipal courts in Texas play a vital role in

1H.R.ANo.A1486 1 preserving public safety, protecting the quality of life for area residents,and deterring future criminal behavior,and it is indeed  fitting to recognize municipal judges and court support personnel  for their exemplary dedication to the communities they serve;now,

therefore,be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize November 7-11, 2011, as Municipal Courts Week and take special note of the important work performed by  all those associated with the state’s municipal courts.