27 June

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What qualifies as drug paraphernalia?

From smoking to injecting, there are many ways to introduce controlled substances into your body. You can also use ordinary products, such as a can of spraypaint, in unintended ways to induce a feeling of euphoria. While possessing a controlled substance is against the law in North Carolina, having the instruments necessary to ingest one may also lead to criminal consequences. What is drug paraphernalia? According to state law, North Carolina has a broad definition of “drug paraphernalia.” Essentially, under the right circumstances, virtually anything may constitute drug paraphernalia. Even household items, such as a kitchen scale or spoon, may meet the legal...

10 June

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How can a spinal cord injury affect your daily life?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in personal injury

A blow to your spinal cord can cause life-changing complications. Whether it is from a car accident or a falling object, many people struggle to regain the same strength they had before. Knowing how this injury affects you in everyday life can help you notice these signs, both in small and large ways. Free movement According to the Mayo Clinic, one common problem people have after an accident is safely lifting boxes or bags. You may notice weakness in your arms and legs, as well as your pelvic organs and hands. Your spine may also ache continuously, even when you are sitting down. This...

03 June

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How will a reckless driving citation affect your future?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in Traffic Violations

You may think that once you pay the fine for a charge of reckless driving you put the incident in the rearview mirror. However, the state of North Carolina takes traffic violations seriously. That reckless driving citation has consequences that can follow you into the future. About reckless driving The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles defines reckless driving in two ways: – “carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others” – “without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property” Possible...

01 June

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How can North Carolina drivers avoid distracted driving?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

No matter how long you have had your license, or how confident you are in your driving skills, you must still remain alert and aware behind the wheel. This entails avoiding distracted driving behaviors at all costs. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there are a number of distracted driving behaviors motorists can fall victim to. Avoiding these behaviors is your duty as a motorist, both for your safety and the safety of others. Do not text while driving Drivers in North Carolina are not permitted to text while operating a motor vehicle. Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 cannot...

14 May

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What are the signs of a traumatic brain injury?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in personal injury

Brain trauma comes in different forms and types of severity. All brain injuries should merit immediate medical attention, but some may pose a larger and more instantaneous threat than others. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) fall into the latter category. You want to know what signs may indicate a TBI, because quick action could save a life in situations of emergency involving head injuries and trauma. Physical signs of TBIs Mayo Clinic discusses potential red flags that may point to a TBI. First, note that some symptoms end up shared between TBIs and mild or moderate brain injuries. However, the way they present will...

27 April

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Are assault and battery different crimes in North Carolina?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in assault and battery

Most of us have seen a crime show where the police arrest a person and say that they are charging him with “assault and battery.” However, even though assault and battery is a very common turn of phrase, many people do not know what assault and battery consist of. Did you know that in some states “assault” and “battery” are two completely separate crimes? The reality is that what “assault and battery” actually is depends on the state that you are in. In the state of North Carolina, assault and battery are not separate crimes. Rather, assault and battery is a...

14 April

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Tragic accident kills two in Johnston County

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Car accidents can have substantial effects on victims and their families. Property damage, insurance trouble and physical injuries can take their toll and cause ongoing problems. Perhaps the most tragic outcome of a car accident is when victims suffer life-altering or fatal injuries. An investigation may provide insight into the circumstances leading up to a collision to bring closure to the victims’ families. Mother and child deceased For one North Carolina family, a recent car accident resulted in the deaths of two of their loved ones. The collision happened in Johnston County during daylight hours. Reports suggested that a dump truck collided with...

08 April

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Is the poor health of truck drivers putting you at risk?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Tractor-trailers are common on roadways in Asheville and around North Carolina. When approaching or passing one, you must respect the driver’s blind spots. After all, the sheer size of commercial vehicles, which may weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, often makes them deadly in collisions with ordinary cars. Professional truck drivers receive comprehensive training and must carry a special driver’s license. While you may be able to trust truckers to obey the rules of the road, their poor health may put your life in jeopardy. Smoking Even though many truck drivers are perfectly healthy, others have habits that may make them unsafe. According...

02 April

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Study uncovers drug conviction consequences after prison

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in Drug Charges, drug trafficking

A felony conviction can trigger a wide range of federal, state and local restrictions and sanctions that may or may not have anything to do with the actual offense. Many people believe these collateral consequences are not only unnecessary but also harmful to those who have completed their prison sentence and want to re-enter society. The North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission has studied how these indirect penalties have affected those in the state who have criminal convictions on their record. Employment Having a criminal record that anyone can view may be one of the most obstructing of consequences. One study showed...

16 March

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Simple assault vs. aggravated assault

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in assault and battery

If you are facing assault charges, you need to examine the unique aspects of your case. The penalties for assault vary from one situation to the next, depending on a number of factors (such as the extent of a victim’s injury and whether one used weapons). Moreover, it is important to understand key terms, such as aggravated assault and simple assault. Sometimes, assault cases involve major injuries that threaten one’s life, while other assault cases do not involve any bodily harm whatsoever. Unfortunately, some people find themselves wrongly accused of assault even though they were trying to protect themselves from an...

Author: Chris Proffitt