21 June

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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 Carolina, an arrest is only the third step in a criminal conviction. Only the court can convict a person. Only the court decides if a person is guilty of committing a crime. Individuals arrested for criminal behavior have the legal right to defend themselves against such accusations. How does a criminal conviction happen? In a criminal...

21 June

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Money mule scam: Don’t share your bank account

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in Criminal Law

Living these days can be extra expensive, and it does not help that very few jobs are available. People are searching the internet for side hustles or easy employment to get by. But that is precisely how these scammers target people into becoming unwitting money mules. What is an unwitting money mule? Criminals who acquire money illegally need a way to launder or hide where it came from. Criminals use a money mule to move the money on their behalf into another account, whether the mule’s or someone else’s. The criminal mastermind often pays the mule a small sum for the job. However,...

01 May

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Red flags you may have a hidden brain injury after a car accident

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in personal injury

Vehicular accidents have the potential to be deeply traumatic events, causing both emotional and physical wounds. In the confused aftermath of such an incident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. One of the most important but often neglected steps you need to take is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine and see no visible signs of harm, you may have an internal injury, such as a hidden brain injury. What are physical indicators to look out for? Traumatic brain injuries result from impacts to the head, which are not uncommon in wrecks. While they can penetrate...

17 April

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What elevates an attack to aggravated assault?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in assault and battery, blog

An accusation of assault can be scary because the nature of the charges and the extent of the penalties can vary widely and become severe. A defendant could face hundreds of dollars in fines and years in prison. North Carolina courts distinguish simple from aggravated assault by considering the possible outcome of an altercation and who the participants are. The type of attack A simple assault involves unlawfully touching or threatening someone with bodily harm. In such instances, the person under a supposed attack must believe the accused can immediately carry out the threat. An attack on someone with the intent to kill...

17 April

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Understanding protective orders

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in assault and battery, blog

If a law enforcement officer serves you an ex parte order, this means that someone filed a complaint of domestic violence against you. This order will include a date for a hearing in which you can defend your case. A judge will hear from both you and the plaintiff at the hearing. After hearing both sides, the judge determines whether or not to grant a Domestic Violence Protection Order. What occurs at the hearing According to the North Carolina Judicial Branch, both the plaintiff and defendant are welcome at the hearing, although if the plaintiff does not show, the judge will usually dismiss...

11 April

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How North Carolina charges criminal offenses

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense

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 liberty to adjust the final sentence. By having your charges downgraded, you can avoid a serious penalty and reduce the impact on your criminal record. The charges you could face Violations do not receive the same criminal penalties as misdemeanors or felonies, and these typically occur with minor traffic incidents. A fine is often the only consequence of these infractions. More serious incidents become misdemeanors,...

15 March

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Can using someone’s prescription medications get me in trouble?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in Drug Charges

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 your cognitive abilities. However, this can lead to serious consequences, both legally and health-wise. It is essential to understand the risks and legal implications of taking someone else’s prescription medications. In the United States, possessing or distributing prescription drugs without a valid prescription is illegal. Doing so can result in criminal charges, fines and even imprisonment. Moreover, taking prescription drugs...

13 March

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Medical marijuana bill possibly on its way to the NC House

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense

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 the holdouts, but that may change over the next few voting cycles. Treatment for those in need Provisions in a bill that the North Carolina Senate recently passed, according to Marijuana Moment, include patient allowance for debilitating medical conditions. These medical conditions include cancer, Parkinson’s or HIV/AIDS. Advocates are confident that the bill can make it through the...

24 February

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How can you cope emotionally after a car accident?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in personal injury

After getting into a car accident, you may suffer physically from any injuries you incur. You may also have a difficult time feeling like your life will return to normal within a limited amount of time, and this can result in emotional trauma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.1 million emergency room visits related to car accidents occurred in 2020, and many of those injured also experienced emotional difficulty following a collision. After a car accident, it is important that you take steps to heal physically as well as emotionally. Talk about the accident It may be difficult to...

10 February

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How should you talk about a DWI in a job interview?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in criminal defense

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 of Public Safety, a Level V DWI carries a fine of up to $200 and a minimum jail sentence of 24 hours. If you are trying to get a job with a DWI on your record, the following strategies can help you navigate the interview process. Rely on honesty Depending on the situation, a potential employer may ask you to...

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