A motion for appropriate relief (or “MAR”) is a motion to correct a purported error in the legal proceedings, and asks the court for relief such as vacating a conviction or ordering a new trial. MAR’s are created by North Carolina Statute § 15A-1420 and allow a...
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Why Should I Hire an Attorney For My Criminal Case?
Any time a person can be sentenced to active jail time, they have a right to have an attorney. The line has been heard countless times on tv shows, “You have the right to an attorney. If you can’t afford one, one will be appointed to you.” Who does an appointed...
Domestic Violence Amid COVID-19
Over the past six weeks there has been an increase in domestic violence. Potential clients have frequently said, “The courts are closed. What I can do?”. The answer is just the same as it was before COVID-19 started to shut everything down; press criminal charges,...
I have a possession of marijuana charge, what can happen to me?
In North Carolina, the severity of the charge(s) you face depends on the amount of marijuana you possess and whether or not the State believes you intended to sell or distribute the marijuana. Statistically, the vast majority of possession charges in North Carolina...
Importance of Honesty with Your Attorney
Honesty is the best policy. That saying has been around for as long as I can remember, and probably long before that. However, the reality is, when it comes to a relationship with you and your attorney, this is absolutely the truth and it does not matter what time...
What does legally separated mean and how can a separation agreement be helpful to me?
Divorce is not as simple as moving out and filing at the local courthouse. Many states have established a “waiting period”, because the courts believe that it is important to protect the sanctity of marriage. North Carolina requires couples to be separated for a...
Alienation of Affection
North Carolina is one of six states that still has a law on the books called alienation of affection. A claim can be made against any third-party that makes statements with the malicious intent to dissolve a healthy marriage and the marriage was in fact destroyed....
Bank Accounts and Divorce
Money is one of the messiest issues that exist when it come divorce. When it comes to the bank, the answer is simple though. Whomever is listed on the account may access, spend, withdrawal, or do whatever they want with some or all of the money in the account. By...