The criminal trial term weeks in Coahoma County of May 12 and May 19 have been cancelled by judicial order due to short staffing in the DA’s office. Approximately 40 trials were set for these two weeks for plea or trial, with 12 being murders or manslaughter - some dating back to 2017.
These cases will be pushed back to July/August.
Congratulations to our 2024-25 intern, Serenity Johnson, as she finishes her last week with us and will soon walk the stage for her diploma. After a couple of weeks of well-earned vacation, Serenity will start this summer at Ole Miss working toward a masters in Homeland Security.
We have very much enjoyed having you here at the firm and best wishes to you in the future! - CLF
In this short period of time, Meg has assisted with opening and managing our Tunica branch, trying multiple felony jury trials ranging from property crimes to violent crimes to first-degree murder in multiple counties in North Mississippi.
Meg also manages a significant justice court docket in Tunica County, volunteers in multiple capacities, including at her church and Odessa food pantry, and still finds the time to be a wonderful spouse and mother.
We are so proud of Meg during this first year and thankful every day to have her as an associate at CLF.
Studies since the 1990s have consistently shown that lawyers have higher rates of depression, problematic alcohol use, and anxiety than the general population. These higher rates show themselves in our colleagues as job dissatisfaction, incivility, unethical behavior, malpractice, and suicidal ideation. All of which lead to a negative perception of lawyers by the public. The Mississippi Bar is celebrating Well-Being in Law Week (May 5-9) by recognizing those legal employers and individuals who have taken part in its Well-Being Initiative by signing the Well-Being Pledge.
Carr Law Firm is proud to make this pledge for ourselves and our employees
One case was tried. Defendant was found not guilty on all counts in a multiple count indictment involving alleged embezzlement of approximately $765,000 from the Tunica Housing Authority
Enjoyed the opportunity to present at the Mississippi State Public Defenders conference regarding effective use of demonstrative aids at trial.
Carr Law Firm represented an individual charged with Ct I: First Degree Murder and Ct II: Aggravated Assault. These charges stem from a shooting incident at a block party at Waxhaw Park in October 2021 where two people were killed and multiple people injured.
After a four day trial, the jury was unable to come to a unanimous decision as to any count and said they were hopelessly deadlocked.
The Court declared a mistrial.
This case will be retried at the earliest in October 2025.
Attorney Mike Carr presenting at the Mississippi Association for Justice 2025 Criminal Law seminar in Crystal Springs. Titled “Tickets to the Show”, this lecture discussed effective use of visual/demonstrative aides during cross examination and closing argument, particularly focusing on primary source data such as body cam footage.
Big thank you to Kitchens Law Firm for hosting their annual crawfish boil after the event for all the attendees, politicians, law enforcement, and friends. Mississippi hospitality at its finest.
This makes 5 full months and 5 criminal court terms in all 5 courthouses where Judge Nowell cannot have a trial due to lack of a court reporter.
We have people sitting in jails throughout the 11th Circuit Court District who cannot have their day in court.
We have victims of crime who cannot have their day in court.
The Court has to lower bonds and release individuals pre-trial who they normally may not release - because people cannot be perpetually held without a certain and speedy trial date.
All because of lack of a court reporter.
Fortunately I’ve just been told Judge Nowell has a court reporter starting July 1st.
Jury trial held. One individual was found guilty of First Degree Murder and one individual was found not guilty of Accessory After the Fact based on an incident which occurred Sept 2019.
In a different matter, one individual plead guilty to Aggravated DV and a separated charge of Attempted Rape was dismissed.
14 cases remain pending on this week’s trial docket.
More than a year ago, PBA client officer Zack Jenkins and the City of Senatobia were named in a $2M lawsuit for arresting a minor for public urination. This officer was blasted all over the media and made into a person he is not.
The US District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi dismissed the case this week for lack of a constitutional violation.
Again, we are thankful Officer Jenkins is a PBA member and trusted Carr Law Firm with his case.
3 for 3 this week!
The federal civil suit against Carr Law Firm client Indianola Police Dept Sgt. Greg Capers on an allegation of shooting an 11 year old boy has now been dismissed.
Sgt. Capers in an award winning officer and a PBA member.
Again - if you are law enforcement, please consider joining PBA.
Carr Law Firm will be there for you.
Officer from a local police force received word he was terminated while on medical leave. Fortunately this officer was a Police Benevolent Association Member. The PBA called us with this assignment - and we got to work.
After an almost 4 hour board meeting last night, the officer was reinstated WITH backpay!
Carr Law Firm has proudly served as contract counsel for PBA for more than 15 years. We represent law enforcement across north Mississippi on a wide vsriety of legal issues in federal and state courts.
If you are law enforcement, we strongly recommend you become a PBA member.
This week Carr Law Firm attorney Meg Coker worked side saddle with lead trial counsel Jacinta Hall to secure a not guilty in an aggravated domestic violence trial in Desoto County Circuit Court.
No jury trials. No pleas taken. One motion heard. 15 cases on the trial docket.
Court cannot have trials because there is no court reporter.
As such, the Court has had to cancel 4 weeks of court in 4 different counties.
It is very likely it will be unable to have any jury trials until July.
This week, there were overlapping criminal trial weeks in the 11th Circuit. 3 weeks of trials in Quitman County are ending, and 4 weeks of Tunica trials are beginning
Quitman County Criminal Trial Term Week 3 update:
One Aggravated Assault case was remanded to the file. No other pleas no trials
Tunica County Criminal Trial term Week 1 update:
One plea to manslaughter
3 defendant armed robbery dismissed
No trials.
6 cases remaining on docket
Two trials were held.
Trial 1 - receiving stolen property - defendant plead guilty on day 2 of the trial
Trial 2 - marijuana trafficking - defendant found guilty by jury.
16 remaining cases in the trial docket for this particular week
Armed robbery charges dropped against CLF client Rakiem Clark today after we announced trial - the victim no longer wanted to prosecute. Maybe it’s the luck of the Irish today. Looking forward to watching this young man get back on his feet.
Carr Law Firm is a boutique criminal defense and personal injury firm practicing in state and federal courts across Mississippi.
CARR LAW FIRM, PLLC
The Gallery Building
301 West Sunflower Road, Suite D
Cleveland, MS 38732
T 662.441.1LAW
F 662.441.1530
