Court schedules new trial date for Carrie Lampkin amid legal representation discussion

The morning docket of the 187th District Court on May 7, 2025, presided over by Judge Stephanie Boyd, focused on the case of Carrie Lampkin, who is currently involved in a jury trial. The session began with Judge Boyd addressing the court's scheduling challenges, noting that simultaneous jury trials are not feasible due to staffing constraints.

Judge Boyd informed Lampkin that her case would be recalled for another trial setting, offering her the option of a jury trial or a bench trial. In a jury trial, twelve jurors would evaluate the evidence and determine guilt or innocence, while in a bench trial, Judge Boyd would make the decision based on the evidence presented. She emphasized the importance of the state proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt for a guilty verdict.

The court then discussed scheduling, with Judge Boyd proposing to set a hearing for motions on May 19, followed by a trial date on June 20. This arrangement allows for any necessary pre-trial motions to be addressed before the trial proceeds.

During the proceedings, Judge Boyd also conducted a brief inquiry into Lampkin's qualifications to represent herself in court. Lampkin confirmed she is currently a college student studying law, with approximately five years of experience in civil litigation and family law, but admitted to having no prior study of criminal law. Judge Boyd reminded her to focus on answering the questions posed during this qualification process.

The meeting concluded with the court's procedural steps clearly outlined, ensuring that Lampkin understands her options and the timeline for her case. The next steps involve the scheduled motions hearing and subsequent trial date, marking a significant progression in Lampkin's legal journey.