It is not unusual for tensions to rise during a court hearing. However, attorneys and other members of the court are expected to keep their cool. That was not the case in a recent trial in New Martinsville, West Virginia when U.S. Circuit Judge David Hummel allegedly brandished a handgun during proceedings and set it down on the bench, pointing right at attorney Lauren Varnado, who represents energy company EQT. According to West Virginia Record, Hummel was overseeing a hearing on March 12 in a suit regarding royalty payments to landowners when he allegedly pulled out the handgun and pointed i ..read more

Divorce can be challenging under the best circumstances, but if you’re dealing with a vindictive spouse during a divorce, you may encounter some pretty dirty divorce tricks. An already fraught situation can become immeasurably worse. Here are some sneaky divorce tactics to look out for if you are going through a divorce in North Carolina. For help from a compassionate family lawyer, reach out to Kurtz & Blum today for a confidential consultation about your case. Dirty Trick #1 – Using an Order of Protection Inappropriately If a vindictive spouse wants the other to leave their home or gain ..read more

If you are going through a divorce and believe that your soon-to-be ex has been cheating on you, you may be tempted to spy on them to get evidence of their affair. Today’s technology makes it easier than ever to do so. Still, federal and state privacy laws are in place to prevent and punish behavior that rises to the level of cyberstalking. Here, the legal team with Kurtz & Blum explains how you can avoid breaking the law while protecting your privacy. Spying on Your Spouse in a North Carolina Divorce North Carolina allows for no-fault divorces, which means that you are not required to pro ..read more

Millions of people across the United States use Amazon’s Ring video doorbell or Ring security camera to see who’s at the door before answering. However, as these devices become more popular, right-to-privacy concerns are giving consumers pause. Recent CNN news reports indicate that Amazon has shared Ring footage or data with police without users’ consent nearly a dozen times this year alone. As Amazon’s partnerships with local law enforcement agencies continue to grow, so will consumer concerns about Ring data privacy. If you have a Ring doorbell or are thinking about getting one, continue rea ..read more

In North Carolina, it is a felony offense to make, distribute, or possess child pornography. This is referred to as sexual exploitation of a minor in North Carolina. Even if you believed that the individual featured was of age, that would not prevent you from being charged with a felony if you are found to be in possession of child pornography or to have made and shared it with others. You won’t be able to claim that you mistook their age as a defense in a court of law.  If you were charged with sexual exploitation of a minor in North Carolina, contact Kurtz & Blum, PLLC to discuss yo ..read more

Benjamin Franklin had the idea for Daylight Saving Time (DST) as a way to make the most of daylight hours. However, safety experts argue that there is a link between car accidents and Daylight Saving Time and that the practice disrupts human circadian rhythms. Below, the Central Florida car accident lawyers at Holliday Karatinos Law Firm discuss the connection between car accidents and daylight saving and offer DST safety tips.   When Is Daylight Saving Time in 2022?   Daylight Saving Time in 2022 begins on March 13 at 2:00 AM.    How Daylight Saving Time Can Negatively Imp ..read more

So, you went to a club or bar and you found yourself in a fight. Before you know it, you’re charged with “simple affray,” something you’ve never heard of. What is simple affray, you wonder.  Simple affray is a type of assault and battery crime in North Carolina. This crime can land you behind bars and cost you fines. It can also give you a criminal record and create a perception that you are a violent person – a characterization that can follow you for years to come. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Kurtz & Blum, PLLC can help defend against these charges and protect your ..read more

Holidays may be a good time to let loose and celebrate, but get behind the wheel having had one drink too many and you could end up in jail. The North Carolina Transportation Department and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program reported that approximately 1,800 arrests from driving while impaired (DWI) were made under the Operation Firecracker anti-drunk driving campaign in the week before and after the 2013 Fourth of July celebrations. Seven counties that assembled special DWI task forces took credit for 455 arrests, opening opportunities for other counties to seek state funding for such meas ..read more