Imagine walking down the street, minding your own business, when suddenly a police officer stops you and searches you. It is a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, which protect you from unreasonable search and seizure. An officer may only search you, your home...
criminal defense
When does a DWI become a felony?
In North Carolina, you can get a driving while impaired (DWI) charge if you operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or certain controlled substances, such as drugs. Although DWI generally falls under misdemeanor criminal offenses, certain factors can...
An arrest is not a conviction
A law enforcement officer can arrest an individual if they have reason to believe that person committed an offense. The officer arrests a suspect. The suspect is not yet a criminal. It is an allegation of wrongful conduct that may not necessarily have merit. In North...
How North Carolina charges criminal offenses
North Carolina divides charges into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The charges also fall into a sub-category of these divisions depending on the crime committed. The state established sentencing guidelines for these divisions, though a judge has the...
Can using someone’s prescription medications get me in trouble?
As a college student, you may feel pressure to excel academically while balancing other responsibilities such as work or extracurricular activities. With so much on your plate, you may be tempted to take shortcuts, such as using prescription medications to enhance...
Medical marijuana bill possibly on its way to the NC House
Each state has to face the question of whether or not it maintains the decades-long restriction on marijuana. Many states have made the shift to medical marijuana. Some have fully legalized adult use and possession up to a certain amount. North Carolina remains one of...
How should you talk about a DWI in a job interview?
If you get arrested for drinking and driving, you may worry about how this offense will affect your life. Getting convicted for a DWI can carry serious consequences for your finances, reputation and your career. For example, according to the North Carolina Department...
Did the police overstep?
When the police pull you over, you may become nervous and unwittingly give them information that helps them build a case against you. When investigating any crime, officers must follow protocol and procedures, but they sometimes overstep. The law protects your civil...
Can you face DWI charges for driving a golf cart drunk?
If you are an avid golfer, you undoubtedly love living and playing in North Carolina. Getting a tee time on a busy course can be exceedingly difficult in the summer, however. Fortunately, most of the state's golf courses are open year-round, except during inclement...
When is drug possession a felony offense?
Facing a drug possession charge comes with the implication of serious penalties and a criminal record that may follow you for life if convicted. If the accusations against you escalate to the level of a felony offense, the potential consequences become even more...