08 April

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What legal defenses to assault can you use besides self-defense?

Arguing self-defense is one of the most common legal defenses to an assault charge. However, there can be other valid reasons for a physical altercation with another person. Understanding these arguments can make a difference in the outcome of the case, especially when self-defense might not be applicable. Defense of others A person may have the right to attack another to protect someone else who appears to be in danger. Like self-defense, this assertion requires reasonable grounds to show that the defended person was at risk of harm. A defendant must also demonstrate that the applied force was necessary to prevent harm to...

12 October

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Can tax evasion lead to jail time?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in blog, White Collar Crimes

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, attempting to evade them can lead to severe repercussions. The tax authorities, like the Internal Revenue Service in the United States, have to investigate and prosecute tax evasion cases. 1. Civil penalties Tax evasion can result in substantial civil penalties. These may include fines, interest on unpaid taxes and additional penalties for fraud. The exact penalties vary depending on the severity of the evasion and the tax...

08 August

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Things That Mediation Can Help With In Divorce

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in blog, Divorce

Divorce can be a contentious process even at the best of times, but both sides typically just want a fair outcome. If it seems as though you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are stuck in a loop of back-and-forth arguing, mediation might be the solution that can move things forward amicably. There are several crucial topics that you must settle with your spouse as part of your North Carolina divorce. By knowing which of these items mediation can help with, you can chart the most stress-free path possible through the impending separation. Child custody The top priority for most parents going through a divorce...

18 May

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What are some signs of fatigued driving?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in blog, car accidents

Driving requires you to be alert. If you cannot tell what is going on around you, you could crash into another vehicle or a stationary obstacle that devastates your car. Not getting enough sleep could result in this outcome. People can occupy themselves with many tasks that tire them out before they get behind the wheel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes some indications that you are too tired to drive. Physical and mental signs Sometimes warning signs of fatigue are subtle. You could yawn or blink your eyes as you drive. Doing these actions frequently may show that you are...

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...

24 March

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Types of burns and treatments in a car accident

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in blog, car accidents

Thermal, chemical and electrical burns are possible results of car accidents. Each comes with varying degrees of severity and needs different medical attention. They are often painful and pose a high risk of infection. When recovering from a burn, knowing the basic details may help you handle the process and understand what goes into its cost and treatment. Causes of burns in a car accident Thermal burns often result from touching hot surfaces, which may mean hot debris in an accident or even prolonged contact after an airbag deployment. Chemical burns may occur if the vehicle leaks chemicals on exposed skin. Electrical burns happen if...

27 January

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What happens when someone does not have enough car insurance?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in blog, Car Insurance

All North Carolina drivers must carry a minimum level of car insurance to drive legally in the state. However, sometimes drivers do not have enough insurance. What happens if someone without enough insurance causes a car accident? North Carolina minimum insurance requirements If you register a vehicle in North Carolina, you must purchase continuous liability insurance from a company licensed to do business in the state. Your policy must satisfy the minimum requirements for liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: $30,000 per person bodily injury coverage $60,000 per accident bodily injury coverage $25,000 property damage coverage Drivers who fail to purchase adequate coverage face a $50 penalty for...

13 January

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Did the police overstep?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in blog, criminal defense

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 rights, and keeping that in mind can go a long way in exercising and asserting those rights. Do you have to answer questions? A roadside stop may lead the officers to believe you have committed a crime. As such, they may begin to ask you questions. Some of these are leading and depending on your frame of mind at the time....

01 December

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How can I recognize a drunk driver?

Posted by Chris Proffitt

in blog, car accidents

Drunk drivers are a plague on American roads. Everybody needs to do their part to make sure that we keep drunk drivers off the road as much as possible. You can help by recognizing intoxicated drivers on sight and reporting them. Drunk drivers tend to behave in specific ways when on the roads. While not all of the signs 100% guarantee that a driver is drunk, recognizing many of them means that the chance is high. According to MADD, you should recognize the signs and know what to do to report drunk drivers when you see them. The general signs Drunk drivers will...