23 December

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Proving addiction may help reduce drug trafficking penalties

North Carolina’s prosecutors may aggressively charge an individual with multiple drug-related offenses. The allegations may include charges such as unlawful distribution and trafficking. The court, however, may decide that there is not enough evidence to sentence a defendant on every charge. The First Step Act, which went into effect during 2020, permits the Tar Heel State’s judges to deviate from mandatory minimum sentencing requirements. As noted by U.S. News and World Report, an addicted first-time nonviolent offender may request a less severe sentence for a drug-trafficking conviction. Substance abuse treatment programs may help reduce repeat offenses Studies revealed that 85% of incarcerated individuals...

21 December

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Be wary of drunk drivers over the next few weeks

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in personal injury

During the holiday season, there’s plenty of Christmas cheer — and much of that comes in a cup. Mulled wine, hard cider, coffee with a little Kahlua or Bailey’s Irish Creme thrown in is in the offerings wherever you may go. All that extra “holiday spirit” adds up to one thing: an increase in drunk driving accidents. What else drives the rise in drunk drivers during the holiday season? It isn’t just the fact that alcohol has traditionally been a part of holiday celebrations that leads to an increase in drunk drivers. Experts say that there are several different factors that come into play: People who...

07 December

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Facing possible assault charges? Here’s how to help yourself

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in assault and battery

You’re not a violent person, and you never expected to end up in a physical altercation with your roommate, neighbor or some stranger at a bar — but it happened. Now, the police are involved and you’re worried you may end up facing charges (even if the other guy started things). Four things you can do to help yourself after a fight The thought of being arrested and charged with assault can make people panic, so take a deep breath and remember these tips: Do not talk to the police. You have an absolute right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right. Don’t be fooled...

30 November

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How do you make a claim against someone else’s car insurance?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Recently, you were in an auto accident while navigating North Carolina’s roads. The police report determined the other driver bears fault for the accident, but you do not know how to file a claim on another’s car insurance. Forbes offers information you may find useful. Learn how to make a third-party claim and receive the compensation you need to repair your vehicle and cover your resulting medical bills. Making a third-party claim For your scenario, you want to make a third-party claim. The other driver acts as the first party, the insurance company becomes the second and you are the third party. While...

23 November

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How DNA kits can destroy your privacy

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense

At-home DNA kits from brands like 23andMe and Ancestry are very popular holiday gifts. They may also be destroying whatever semblance of privacy Americans may have left. It’s not the DNA kits themselves that are a problem — it’s the databases being used to store the information. While most people view these commercial DNA tests as either a novelty that can help them explore their family’s history, others use them to find long-lost (or hitherto unknown) relatives. To that end, many companies have created forums for people to upload their test results and look for genetic connections among others. Genetic investigations are getting more...

20 November

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What are some immediate signs of a spinal cord injury?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in personal injury

Car accidents and slip-and-fall injuries caused by the fault of another may result in serious spinal damage. The Mayo Clinic reports that most people who suffer these injuries are in their late teens to early 30s; however, you may experience one at any age. If you experience a car accident, fall or a violent act that injures your spine, understanding the immediate effects may help you understand what kind of medical treatment you may need in the future. Loss of sensation After an accident, you may experience numbness almost anywhere in your body, depending on which bones in the spine experience trauma. Loss...

16 November

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How a DUI can hurt your education and career

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense, DWI/DUI

You might choose to party and drink socially to have fun and let go of the stresses of your academic studies or job. However, driving after such drinking is never worth the serious consequences. At minimum you face license suspension, hefty fines, jail time and even loss of your education and career opportunities. Impact on employment When applying for jobs, your employer might ask if you have a misdemeanor or felony conviction or run a background check. For instance, if you intend to work as a licensed professional such as a pharmacist, doctor, attorney or nurse, a DUI on your record may prevent you from...

11 November

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What are the symptoms of internal bleeding?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in personal injury

Internal bleeding occurs due to damage to blood vessels inside your body. This often happens because of a traumatic accident. Internal bleeding can be hard to recognize at first. However, it can cause dangerous complications if not treated right away. Internal bleeding can occur in any part of the body, including the abdomen, head and joints. According to Healthline, the symptoms of internal bleeding can vary based on where it occurs. Abdomen There are several large blood vessels in the abdomen that, if damaged, can cause serious internal bleeding. Common symptoms of bleeding in the abdomen include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The...

09 November

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How do you deal with a wrong-way driver?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Wrong-way drivers sometimes get played for laughs in television and movies. However, they are no laughing matter when you actually see someone driving the wrong way down the highway. What causes drivers to end up on the wrong side of the highway? Sometimes a driver simply gets confused, mistaking an off-ramp for an on-ramp because they’re tired, unfamiliar with the area, inexperienced or suffering from some form of mental disability, like dementia. Most of the time, however, wrong-way drivers are impaired due to drugs or alcohol. That’s the reason that most wrong-way accidents happen on the weekend and in the evenings, when...

02 November

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What if I’m in a collision with an uninsured driver?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in car accidents

Anytime you are involved in a serious auto accident is frightening and frustrating. In the moments after the crash, you’re worried about your injuries and if any of your passengers have injuries. Then, you think about how much damage your car sustained and how long it may take to recover from your injuries. If you find out after the crash that the driver who hit you is uninsured, you face even more uncertainty. Who will cover the costs of replacing or repairing your car? Will you even receive compensation for your injury costs? What to do when in a crash with an...

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