Although some cultures use the substance as an anesthetic, cocaine is more infamous for its use as an illegal party drug in the United States. Cocaine induces an intense feeling of euphoria but can be addiction-forming. It also raises the risk of stroke, heart attack...
criminal defense
How aggravating and mitigating circumstances can affect your DWI case
A criminal charge for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can lead to penalties such as jail time, fines and even the suspension of your driver’s license. But did you know that certain factors surrounding your case can affect the severity of these penalties? When facing a...
Understanding shoplifting laws in North Carolina
While shoplifting is a common form of theft, North Carolina treats the offense with considerable seriousness. Apart from the fines and jail time, a shoplifting charge can have a severe, lasting impact on a person’s life, regardless of the value of the goods stolen....
North Carolina’s drug laws and how they handle marijuana possession
Half of all U.S. states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, also known as cannabis. But where does North Carolina stand on this matter? The state still considers cannabis as a dangerous controlled substance, so possession of marijuana is a crime....
Should you consider restorative justice for manslaughter charges?
Facing manslaughter charges is extremely daunting because it means being accused of causing someone's death. It involves the loss of a human life, which carries a heavy emotional and moral burden. Defendants often grapple with feelings of guilt, remorse and sorrow,...
Can tax evasion lead to jail time?
Tax evasion is a serious offense that involves individuals or businesses intentionally underreporting their income, inflating deductions, hiding money offshore or engaging in other deceptive practices to reduce their tax liability. While nobody enjoys paying taxes,...
Can drug addiction be used as a legal defense?
Nobody ever plans to be a drug addict. Still, it does happen and can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Drug addiction can cause some people to engage in criminal activities they may not have committed otherwise. Knowing this, can a person be held entirely...
Can a police officer stop and search you?
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...
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...