What is My Right to a Speedy Trial? You have probably heard that defendants have the right to a speedy trial, but you may be unsure what it means. The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to a speedy trial. This means that a person who is charged with a federal crime must go to trial no later than 70 days after indictment.  The law ensures that you are treated fairly and are not held too long before you get a trial. How Do I Invoke My Right to a Speedy Trial ..read more

What are Violent Crimes in North Carolina? Being charged with a crime can be frightening, but if you are charged with a violent crime, it can make the situation even more difficult. Violent crimes are generally more serious than other crimes, and if convicted, the sentences are usually severe. It is essential to defend your criminal charges with help from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. It is helpful to understand which crimes are considered violent in North Carolina. Violent Crimes in North Carolina ..read more

Consequences of DUI in North Carolina Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious charge and one that can have a negative impact on your future if you are convicted. In North Carolina, drivers aged 21 and over cannot drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or while they are impaired by drugs. Punishments for DUI convictions are generally based on the severity of the situation and whether the driver has had previous offenses. Sentences can include fines, incarceration, probation, and a requirement to attend drug or alcohol classes. You may also face a period of suspension ..read more

Do I Need an Attorney for a First DWI Charge? In North Carolina, the legal limit for a driver age 21 or older is 0.08% BAC. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more is considered impaired. If you are stopped by police and the officer thinks you might have been drinking, they will ask you to do some field sobriety tests and may ask you to take a breath test. You could face DWI charges. Driving while impaired, DWI is a serious charge and one that will negatively impact your life if you are found guilty. You will want to consult with an experienced DWI attorney as soon as poss ..read more

Can I Appeal a Criminal Conviction in North Carolina? A state criminal conviction may seem like the worst thing that could have happened, but there may be something you can do about it. A criminal conviction does not necessarily mean that your fight to defend yourself is over. In some cases, you may be able to appeal a criminal conviction in North Carolina. It is helpful to know that there are different rules that may apply to appealing a case in federal court. Reasons to Appeal a State Conviction ..read more

Marijuana Possession Charges in North Carolina Marijuana use is becoming more accepted across the country. Some states have decriminalized marijuana in some circumstances. Marijuana is a controlled substance, and possession is still a federal crime and a crime in the state of North Carolina. Generally, simple possession of a small amount of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor. If found guilty of a larger amount of marijuana, you may be charged with a felony. If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, you may face penalties that include fines, probation, jail time, and more. A crimin ..read more

What is the Pretrial Integrity Act? After you are arrested, you will go before a judge. When you are in court, you will learn the charges against you, and the judge will typically set bond. Bond means that the defendant will be allowed to stay out of jail but must appear in court for their upcoming case or will forfeit the bail they provided. There are also often some conditions for remaining out of jail. Recently, the Pretrial Integrity Act went into effect, which changes how bond is set for some types of criminal charges. Pretrial Integrity Act ..read more

Habitual Felons in North Carolina Felonies are usually serious charges that can result in severe penalties if convicted. The penalties are designed to deter people from committing crimes in the future. Sometimes, a convicted felon commits another crime. Most states have laws in place that require stiffer penalties when someone has previously been convicted of a felony. These laws are often called “three-strike” laws and pertain to people who have two prior felony convictions. These people are known as habitual felons. What is a Habitual Felon ..read more

What Should I Do After an Arrest? If you were arrested for a crime, you may be worried and afraid, especially if this is your first arrest. The legal system can seem daunting, and you may feel completely alone and terrified. You do not want to do anything that could damage your case and cause you further harm. Yet, you want to try to help your case and hopefully get yourself out of hot water. If you have been arrested or detained, you will want to seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you through the process and protect your rights. Listen to Law Enforcement ..read more

How Can I Successfully Defend Against Assault Charges in North Carolina? Assault is a common crime that may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Assault generally means attempting to physically harm another person, and it may be charged even if you did not touch the other person in some cases. Assault is also called simple assault and is generally a less serious crime than assault and battery. If you are charged with simple assault, you will want to take steps to provide the best defense possible. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will assist yo ..read more