15 October

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Many North Carolina doctors have stopped prescribing opioids

The opioid crisis has affected millions of people throughout the United States. Last year, President Donald Trump declared the prevalence of opioid addiction a national emergency. The over-prescription of opioids for disproportionately mild injuries contributed to the crisis. In response, many doctors—including over 1,000 in North Carolina alone—say that they have stopped prescribing opioids altogether. Curbing the opioid epidemic, one doctor at a time According to the North Carolina Medical Board, numerous patients throughout North Carolina say that their doctors have stopped prescribing opioids for pain. The board surveyed its members and found that of the 2,661 physicians who responded, 43 percent...

12 October

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Tesla releases voluntary Vehicle Safety Report

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Cars with automatic driving features are becoming more common on roadways in North Carolina. One of the most notable is Tesla’s Autopilot feature. In its recently published Vehicle Safety Report, Tesla asserts that this pseudo self-driving feature prevents crashes. According to the voluntary report, Tesla drivers using the Autopilot feature between July and September of 2018 were involved in “crash-like events” once every 3.34 million miles. Meanwhile, drivers not using the Autopilot feature experienced car accidents once every 1.92 million miles. Tesla’s Autopilot feature combines adaptive cruise control and steering assistance. Adaptive cruise control keeps a set distance between vehicles,...

23 August

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When should a family pursue wrongful death litigation?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in Civil Litigation

When a North Carolina family is navigating the aftermath of the unexpected loss of a loved one, it is a complex and challenging time for everyone. From the sudden expenses associated with medical bills and a funeral, the family also has to navigate the emotional turmoil as well. Grieving families often find it difficult to think about potential legal options that could be available to them. It is not always abundantly clear if a death was the result of the wrongful actions of another person. If you are mourning the loss of a loved one that you think may be the...

29 June

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Here’s what college students say about their drinking habits

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense, DWI/DUI

You’d be hard-pressed to find a North Carolina college campus where zero percent of the student-body drinks alcohol. Even dry campuses report issues that are alcohol or drug-related. In order to better understand alcohol statistics in colleges throughout the nation, it helps to analyze why students drink in the first place. Your reasons for consuming alcohol on or off-campus may not be the same as your roommate’s; however, many students agree that certain factors significantly impact their choices. If you’re age 21 or beyond, you may legally drink alcohol, provided you are adhering to your own campus’s rules. However, many students...

22 June

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Fighting back against allegations or charges of robbery

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense

Facing criminal charges of any kind are a serious threat to your personal freedom and your future interests. Regardless of whether the charges against you are serious felony charges or a minor misdemeanor offense, it is critically important to shield your interests to the best of your ability, fight these charges and work to keep your record clear. Robbery charges are particularly serious criminal charges in North Carolina. A conviction could lead to time behind bars and other penalties that can permanently alter the course of your life. Every robbery case is different, but you will find it beneficial to understand the applicable laws...

21 March

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Drug trafficking: Much more serious than possession charges

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in drug trafficking

North Carolina readers know that criminal charges of any kind are a direct threat to their futures. This is especially true when facing charges that come with significant penalties, such as drug trafficking charges. Individuals charged and convicted of drug trafficking could face penalties that can change the course of their lives. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, your future and your freedom are on the line. It is critical to confront them with a strong defense and work diligently to avoid grave consequences. It can be helpful to learn more about your defense options and the next steps you...

21 December

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Did counting money lead to white collar crime counts against you?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense

Whether you’re native to North Carolina or recently moved here when you landed a new job, you’ve likely heard the term blue collar associated with people who earn their incomes in the labor industry. If you happen to work in an accounting department or as an entrepreneur or corporate executive, you may also be familiar with the term white collar as it relates to non-labor employment. In the 1930s, people started using the phrase white collar crime to describe non-violent illegal acts perpetrated for financial gain. You may have heard or used the term a hundred times but never imagined you...

29 September

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Underage? Repeat offender? Specific factors may impact DUI charge

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in DWI/DUI

Many facets can go into a charge for driving under the influence. Your age, criminal record, actions during the arrest and numerous other factors could impact the type of allegations with which police could potentially charge you. Because of the uncertainty that comes along with a DUI stop, you may wonder about the severity of your particular case. Even if you do not feel impaired, you could still face criminal charges for DUI. Officers may base their decisions on a variety of aspects, and you may need to gain information on what led to the charges in order to better know...

29 June

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Was your speeding ticket based on a radar gun? Challenge it

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in Traffic Violations

As you drove down the road, you may have seen the patrol car too late. You looked down at your speedometer and realized that you may have been driving over the speed limit. The radar gun was prominently poking out of the window of the patrol car, and you suspected that flashing lights and a speeding ticket were in your future. A speeding ticket may not seem like a big deal. You just pay the fine and go about your business, right? It may not be that simple if you already have points on your license or if your employer frowns...

25 April

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Drug crimes involving cocaine are felony offenses

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in Drug Charges

Drug charges of all kinds carry pretty significant penalties in North Carolina if a conviction ultimately occurs. Cocaine-related drug crimes are considered particularly serious. It does not matter if you face charges of simple possession, trafficking or anything in between, all cocaine-related charges are felony offenses. This week’s column will give a brief rundown of state cocaine laws and will provide information about what you can do to help yourself if you face charges for a cocaine-related crime. What are the punishments for cocaine-related crimes in North Carolina? The short answer to this is, it depends. It depends on the crime of which...

Author: Chris Proffitt