Laser pointers are a fun way to play with a cat, but did you know they can also be harmful? In fact, you could end up with a criminal charge if you do the wrong thing with one. The North Carolina General Assembly explains you might face a charge of criminal use of...
Criminal Defense
3 details to know if you are accused of embezzlement
If you are being accused of embezzlement, finding a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer is an essential initial step in your defense. Understanding the variables that affect your specific situation can help you make better decisions as you build your legal team. Here...
What happens if the police catch you driving with a revoked license?
Drivers in North Carolina can have their license revoked or suspended for a variety of reasons. Some drivers continue to drive after this happens. What happens if they get caught? Reasons the state may revoke or suspend your license There are many reasons the state...
What does probable cause mean?
As you drive along on the road, you may notice a police car put on its lights as the driver instructs you to pull over and stop to talk. After pulling you over, the officer must have hard facts in order to proceed with an arrest. Falsely or hastily placing someone...
How does a drug conviction affect your college financial aid?
If you are a college-aged student, you probably know how expensive pursuing higher education can be. Fortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Education, you can compete for roughly $120 billion in government-backed financial aid every year. Your college or...
Adult drug treatment court – an overview
For people struggling with drug dependency issues, traditional courts and criminal penalties often do not serve their needs or aid with avoiding recidivism. As an alternative, several counties throughout North Carolina offer adult drug treatment court programs....
How drug scheduling affects trafficking charges and penalties
A charge of drug trafficking does not necessarily involve the movement of drugs from one place to another. Rather, it is the possession of controlled substances in sufficient amounts to suggesting an intent to sell them. The United States Drug Enforcement...
Are you really ready to accept a prosecutor’s plea deal?
If you are facing criminal charges, there is a good chance a prosecutor may offer you a plea deal. After all, according to reporting from KSMU, roughly 95% of criminal prosecutions in the U.S. end with guilty pleas instead of judge or jury verdicts. Depending on the...
Can the prosecution back out of a plea deal?
If you face criminal charges, and if there is a strong likelihood that the prosecution will secure a conviction, a plea bargain may offer the most favorable outcome. If the prosecution offers a deal and you accept it, the courts will consider it legally binding, much...
What is simple affray?
In North Carolina, the law merges assault, which is the threat of bodily harm, and battery, which is unlawful bodily contact, into a single crime. The same law that defines and imposes penalties for assault and battery also covers a similar offense, simple affray....