Jennifer Carpenter

Jennifer Carpenter

also known as J.L. Carpenter

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Friendswood, TX
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

907 S. Friendswood Drive, Suite 202, Friendswood, TX

About Jennifer

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

I am a determined & dedicated criminal defense attorney who protects the rights & freedom of people accused of DWI, assaults, thefts, fraud & drug possession. Having first practiced as a prosecutor, I have been serving both sides of the bar now for almost 20 years. I am passionate about defending my clients and take pride in the results obtained. Additionally, as a defense attorney, I am a former member of the Harris Co. DWI Court Team dedicated to the rehabilitation of repeat DWI Offenders.

27 years

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

There is no question about it: DUI / DWI cases are expensive. What is at stake? Your driver's license, money for fines, increased insurance premiums and possibly your career. As the number of offenses goes up, so do the penalties. As an experienced DUI/DWI defense attorney in Houston, J.L. Carpenter can take your case to court whenever possible and fight for you every step of the way. JL Carpenter provides dedicated & aggressive defense to first time offenders, felony repeat offenders, CDL & BWI

27 years

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 25 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2000

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of JL Carpenter

907 S. Friendswood Drive, Suite 202, Friendswood, TX, 77546

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Jennifer Carpenter's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

193 Client Reviews

Posted by Becky | September 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Simply the best!

JL and her staff were phenomenal! I had never been in any kind of trouble not even a speeding ticket. I thought my life was over. My type of case was very rare. They talked me through it reassured me they could come up with a good result. If I texted or emailed them they literally responded right awa...y, which I understand is not the case with all lawyers. I made a big mistake, learned a valuable lesson but I could not have done it without JL.

Posted by Mark | September 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Attorney and Very Compassionate

This was our first experience using an attorney and we are so very thankful that God led us to JL. Her and her staff's experience, expertise, kindness, and patience was remarkable. She was able to get both of our son's cases dismissed. We are very grateful for all she did and would highly recommend h...er.

Posted by Ashley | October 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

JL is a miracle worker

I just happened to be on this site looking up another attorney and searched for JL because I have so much history with her. My “baby daddy” has used JL multiple times and he got dismissals majority of the time. (My baby daddy has a very extensive criminal history and every time was facing very seri...ous charges) JL went above and beyond and never fails to impress me. She also represented a family member of mine (a minor) in Galveston county and again, my family and I were amazed by everything JL did for us. So I was shocked that JL was only a 4.9 and not rated a 5 star rating. She really is more like a 10 to be honest with you. I highly highly recommend her.

Posted by anonymous | May 1, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Difficult case, best possible resolution

I had a challenging case with a lot of moving parts. I hired JL and she and Karla immediately began filing the necessary documents and procedures to preserve and protect my rights. The most notable element of her professional composure was her responsiveness and genuine compassion towards myself ...and my immediate family. I had never been involved with the criminal justice system: she walked us through the (very complicated) legal process and explained outcomes--for better or worse--and exuded a level of confidence to where I mostly kept the possibilities of negative outcomes out of my mind. There was a clear strategy. She outlined what my responsibilities and tasks were to help her ensure the best outcome. She and Karla were in regular coordination with myself and my family each step of the way. The case was ultimately dismissed. I recommend JL to anyone who has never before experienced a legal crisis in their lives.

Jennifer Carpenter

Replied last May 1, 2024

It was an absolute pleasure working for you! Thank you!

Posted by Vernon & Alysia | March 5, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding representation

Attorney Carpenter represented our son and had his charge dismissed. She's thorough, fast, honest and has attention to detail. We appreciate all the time and effort put in from her and her staff. No regrets.

Jennifer Carpenter

Replied last March 6, 2024

Thank you so much for the positive review! It was our pleasure and honor to work for your family. Thank you for trusting us with your son's life. Looking forward to seeing him do great things!

See All Client Reviews

Jennifer Carpenter's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jennifer
Nwadinma Ihechiluru Odunze Nwogu headshot
Nwadinma Nwogu

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Other

"I have had the opportunity to experience true compassion mixed with experience and zeal for justice for Clients as is the practice of Counsel. I admire her commitment to keep her mind, her body, her spirit and her skills top notch for positive results. I endorse this lawyer"

James Reese Campbell headshot
James Campbell

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"As a former prosecutor, I had many cases against Jennifer Carpenter. Jennifer has the rare ability of being a relentless advocate for her clients while remaining personable. Anyone facing criminal charges would be well served by seeking her representation."

Diana Elizabeth Sims headshot
Diana Sims

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have never met a more passionate attorney that always fights hard for her clients!"

Brett A. Podolsky headshot
Brett Podolsky

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cletus Ernster headshot
Cletus Ernster

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. When someone contacts me needing potential criminal defense help, I refer them to JL, because JL cares, works hard and fights to protect the rights of her clients."

Trinidad Zamora III headshot
Trinidad Zamora

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The epitome of what it is to be a force to be reckoned with. JL is compassionate and her relentless pursuit for the truth is unmatched. If I were in a bind, she would be on the short list of my calls. Oh and she prays... I endorse this lawyer."

Jennifer Rachelle Jenkins headshot
Jennifer Jenkins

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer, Jennifer Carpenter is a well-respected, thorough, and knowledgeable attorney."

Dustin Stanley King headshot
Dustin King

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the privilege of working with Ms. Carpenter and her DWI/DUI clients for about the last 5 years. Ms. Carpenter is an excellent attorney who is always fighting for her clients and is in constant communication with her clients regarding the status of their case. I fully endorse Ms. Carpenter."

Benjamin David Gray headshot
Benjamin Gray

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"She is a great attorney. She is intelligent, hard working, and cares for her clients. I learned a lot when I interned for her during law school. I enjoyed going to court and shadowing her as she worked."

Andreea Ionescu headshot
Andreea Ionescu

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Russell Allen Neumann headshot
Russell Neumann

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"J.L. is a passionate criminal defense lawyer. Everyone in all the courts like her. She gets results and works hard for them, I hold her in high esteem."

Andrew Joseph Willey headshot
Andrew Willey

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"JL has a great heart and is overly helpful to me. It is clear that she will handle any case with full attention and care to every client, while being aggressive in fighting for them. I endorse her fully."

Daniel Allen Krieger headshot
Daniel Krieger

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known JL since her early days as a prosecutor. She was a fantastic litigator then and is now a top gun defense attorney. Her down-to-earth personality coupled with her relentless advocacy is unparalleled. I'd highly recommend her."

Joseph Manuel Ruiz headshot
Joseph Ruiz

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. JL is as great a lawyer as she is a person. She's willing to go the extra mile for her clients and truly cares about their futures. She's adept at getting her clients great results and, if necessary, will do an excellent job in front of a jury if the case requires a trial."

Sean Reza Darvishi headshot
Sean Darvishi

Unknown lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. J.L. is a fantastic lawyer. She listens to her client's needs and addresses them head on. I would highly recommend her services"

George Bruce Dombart headshot
George Dombart

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Hampton Tuthill headshot
Robert Tuthill

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lisa Shapiro headshot
Lisa Shapiro

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Shari Goldsberry headshot
Shari Goldsberry

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"JL is an intelligent lawyer who understands the daunting complexities of the Texas code of criminal procedure. But more than that, JL is able to use her extensive knowledge of the law to provide excellent representation to her clients when they need it most. I have no doubt that should you hire JL your rights will be well protected."

Mark Ryan Thiessen headshot
Mark Thiessen

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Nwadinma Ihechiluru Odunze Nwogu headshot
Nwadinma Nwogu

Family lawyer

Brett A. Podolsky headshot
Brett Podolsky

Criminal defense lawyer

Cheryl Shooks Brown headshot
Cheryl Brown

Criminal defense lawyer

David A. Breston headshot
David Breston

Criminal defense lawyer

Cletus Ernster headshot
Cletus Ernster

Civil rights lawyer

Trinidad Zamora III headshot
Trinidad Zamora

Criminal defense lawyer

Jennifer Rachelle Jenkins headshot
Jennifer Jenkins

Criminal defense lawyer

Dustin Stanley King headshot
Dustin King

DUI and DWI lawyer

Benjamin David Gray headshot
Benjamin Gray

Criminal defense lawyer

Jose R. Garcia Jr. headshot
Jose Garcia

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Brian M. Roberts headshot
Brian Roberts

Criminal defense lawyer

Renee F. Kennedy headshot
Renee Kennedy

Family lawyer

Daniel Allen Krieger headshot
Daniel Krieger

Criminal defense lawyer

George Bruce Dombart headshot
George Dombart

Criminal defense lawyer

Shari Goldsberry headshot
Shari Goldsberry

Family lawyer

Jeremy Brian Gordon headshot
Jeremy Gordon

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Hampton Tuthill headshot
Robert Tuthill

Transportation lawyer

David George Hilburn headshot
David Hilburn

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark Ryan Thiessen headshot
Mark Thiessen

DUI and DWI lawyer

Joshua Zientek headshot
Joshua Zientek

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2010

2010 Houston's Top Lawyers, H Texas Magazine

2010

2010 Houston's Top 100 Professionals, H Texas Magazine

2006

2006 Houston's Top Lawyers, H Texas Magazine

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Associate Attorney, Chip B. Lewis, LLC

2006 - Present

Lawyer/Owner, Law Office of JL Carpenter

2004 - 2006

Associate Attorney, MillsShirley, LLP

2001 - 2004

Assistant District Attorney, Galveston County District Attorney's Office

2000 - 2001

Associate Attorney, The Craig Washington Law Firm

Associations

2006 - Present

Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

Member

2005 - Present

Houston Young Lawyers Foundation

Fellow

Sample of Legal Cases

DWI Dismissed

Dismissed

Indecency of a Child

No Billed

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Dismissed

DWI Dismissed

Dismissed

DWI Dismissed

Dismissed

THC Oil

Dismissed

Intoxication Assault

Plea to Veteran's Court

Resisting Arrest

Plea to Reduced Charge

Assault Dismissed

Dismissed

Unlawful Restraint

Dismissed

DWI Dismissed

Dismissed

DWI Dismissed

Dismissed

Possession of Pornography

Plea to Reduced Charge

DWI Dismissed

Dismissed

DWI Dismissed

Dismissed

DWI Blood .149

DISMISSED

Terroristic Threat

NOT GUILTY

Continuous Sexual Assault of Child

Guilty of lesser - min sentence given

Assault - Family Violence

NOT GUILTY

Continuous Sexual Assault of Child

Hung Jury

State of Texas v. Wilfred Curtis Cantwell

No Billed

State of Texas v. Elizabeth Pearce

No Billed

Assault - Family Violence

NOT GUILTY

Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon

No Billed

Interference with 911 Call

NOT GUILTY

Assault - Family Violence

NOT GUILTY

State of Texas vs. Branden Fenn

NOT GUILTY

Assault - Family Violence

NOT GUILTY

State of Texas vs. Shon Brazle

NOT GUILTY

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Thurgood Marshall School of Law

JD

1997

University of Houston

Bachelor of Science

1994

Sam Houston State University

1993

Stratford Senior High

High School Diploma

Speaking Engagements

2010

Various High Schools

Importance of Jury Duty

Publications

2022

Christian Lawyer Directory Thank You is a Prayer

2020

JL Carpenter Law Website The Rise in DWI Arrests

2020

2020

JL Carpenter Law Website What is Exculpatory Evidence?

2020

JL Carpenter Law Website Public Intoxication

2020

JL Carpenter Law Website Miranda Warnings

2020

JL Carpenter Law Website 4th Amendment

2020

2020

jlcarpenterlaw.com How Do I Get a Protective Order

2018

2018

2017

The Defender, (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association) Alcohol and the Practice of Law

2017

Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (HCCLA) Defender Best of Both Worlds - Being a Working Mother

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution