If you are under investigation for a crime, law enforcement officers may show up on your property looking for evidence. During this encounter, they may demand to access your property. Before they can do so, however, they either need to have your permission or they...
In Criminal And Family Law Courts
Criminal Defense
Know your Miranda rights
If you’ve watched any true crime drama or movies, you’ve probably heard the police reading someone their rights. This usually starts off with relaying that the person has the right to remain silent. It continues with the right to have an attorney present. The rights...
2 mistakes to avoid when facing a criminal charge
Being arrested and charged with a crime can be traumatizing and stressful, to say the least. If you are accused of a crime, it is important to understand that your case begins the moment law enforcement begins investigating you for the crime in question. What you do...
2 reasons you may need to install an IID after a DWI offense
Drivers in North Carolina are subject to strict laws regarding chemical impairment. People should not get behind the wheel anytime they feel the impact of mind-altering substances like alcohol, prohibited drugs and prescription medication. They also have to ensure...
Social media and your criminal case: What to know
These days, the odds are high that when you want information about someone, you turn to social media before you look anywhere else. So do the police. For a while, the authorities had a reputation for being a bit behind the times – but that has changed. Roughly 70% of...
Can a judge reject the plea deal you make with prosecutors?
The majority of criminal cases don’t go to trial to be decided by a jury. They are usually settled with a plea deal between the defendant and prosecutors. Prosecutors typically want to save the time, resources and expense of taking a case to trial and risking a not...
Understanding when “probable cause” is required
You’ve probably heard the term “probable cause,” but didn’t give it much thought until you or a loved one was arrested and charged with a crime. The term is found in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and protects Americans from being searched, arrested,...
Don’t get a DWI on St. Patrick’s day
St. Patrick’s day is traditionally a big day of celebration in North Carolina. The celebrations begin early with many restaurants and pubs offering “kegs and eggs” for breakfast. The green beer will be flowing as parties continue late into the evening. No one wants...
Can the police lie to you to trick you into cooperating?
Police officers in movies and television shows behave in ways that real police officers cannot. They pull out their weapons with almost no provocation. They become physically violent when emotionally provoked. They also openly lie to those that they interrogate in the...
When is a DWI in North Carolina a felony charge?
People usually get arrested for driving while impaired (DWI) in one of two situations. The first is after a crash of some kind. A driver who has had too much to drink may blow through a stop sign and strike another vehicle. They could also wind up in a single-car...