The line between social media and criminal cases has thinned to the point where social media posts are now easily admissible evidence in courtrooms. People leave self-incriminating posts all over the internet on Twitter/X, Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, TikTok, and more. Consequently, if you are charged with a crime in North Carolina, prosecutors can comb through your social media profiles to find those incriminating posts. As a result, it is imperative that you are cautious about what you post online, especially when you are involved in a criminal case. More importantly, you should have a dedic ..read more

Even cautious drivers can make a life-changing mistake behind the wheel. However, reckless driving charges are among the most serious traffic offenses you could face in North Carolina. Reckless driving charges don’t have to derail your life. Call Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys today for a free consultation. When Can You Be Charged with Reckless Driving? North Carolina Statute § 20‑140 states reckless driving involves: Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public vehicular area carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety o ..read more

In every state, driving while impaired (DWI) while under the influence of alcohol is illegal. This means if you’re 21 years or older and you’re driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least .08 percent, you’ve violated a North Carolina law. If you’re under 21 years old, you’ll face charges for a DWI for driving with any amount of alcohol in your system. Consult an experienced Charlotte DWI attorney for whatever action you take regarding your DWI. The legal process can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the penalties associated with driving while impaired. At Randa ..read more

The crimes of assault and battery are often associated with each other, but they are technically two different offenses with important distinctions. If you or a loved one are accused of either offense, speaking to an assault lawyer at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys is the best way to understand the charges and how to handle them. We can help fight any accusations of assault or battery you face in the Charlotte area. For a free and confidential consultation, contact us today at (980) 223-3159. In North Carolina, you commit an assault offense when you attempt ..read more

Your impression of the criminal justice system might be based on movies and TV shows. While these programs get many things right, you need to know what to actually expect if you’re arrested for the first time. The following is a simplified version of the basic steps of the adult criminal justice process: Offense – Crime is committed. Investigation – Continues throughout the process. Arrest – Defendant is charged. Bond is set after the arrest and can be reviewed at any court hearing. First Appearance – Bond is reviewed. Defendant advised of rights. Probable Cause Hearin ..read more

Even if you were not directly responsible for taking someone else’s property, you can be charged with a crime for receiving or possessing stolen goods. In some cases, receiving stolen property or goods can be a felony. If convicted, you could face incarceration and the impact of a felony charge on your record. Many people don’t realize how serious receiving stolen property is until they’ve been charged. Learn more about the charges against you, potential penalties, and how a theft defense lawyer can help. Understanding Receiving Stolen Property Charges in North Carolina Receiving stolen proper ..read more

North Carolina and federal law govern how and where you can purchase, own, and store firearms. But your gun rights are not as ironclad as you think. It is easier than you think to make a mistake and jeopardize or lose your firearm rights. Awareness of common issues and understanding the fundamentals of your gun laws is crucial so you don’t break any rules or put yourself at risk. Common Firearms Mistakes to Avoid Even if you consider yourself a responsible gun owner, one mistake could cause trouble and lead to criminal charges. Here are some of the most common gun mistakes. 1. Failing to Notif ..read more

IMPORTANT: OUR EXPUNGEMENT LAWYERS CURRENTLY ONLY HANDLE EXPUNGEMENTS IN CHARLOTTE AND MECKLENBURG COUNTY. You can erase an arrest, criminal charge, and conviction from public record by filing for and being granted an expungement. Every state has different rules for what the courts will and won’t automatically seal from the public. In North Carolina, whatever the court expunges becomes private. As a result, you don’t have to disclose it when you apply for a job, apartment, or a university. Expungement is a valuable legal tool to fight the stigma of a criminal record. In June 2020, North Caroli ..read more

On August 24, 2023, the United States Sentencing Commission approved the retroactive application of two significant provisions of the Sentencing Guidelines. The recent changes expanded eligibility for sentencing reductions in many cases. The new guidelines could apply to your situation. You or a loved one could be waiting for sentencing. You might have already been sentenced. Here’s what you need to know about these changes and how to take advantage of them. What Are the Biggest Changes? The full text of the proposed amendments spans hundreds of pages. The most significant changes about senten ..read more

Many assume their online search history is protected, but this is not always true. Law enforcement officials may be able to access your search history, which could lead to criminal charges and a conviction with severe penalties. Fortunately, when you have an aggressive criminal defense attorney working for you, you can protect your future and avoid the fallout of a guilty verdict. Here is more about what to expect if the police attempt to access your online search history in North Carolina When Can Police Access Your Online Activity? Generally, police can search your online history if they hav ..read more