Speeding is a common traffic violation that can result in fines, points on your driver’s license, and increased insurance rates. In most cases, speeding is a traffic infraction. But there are circumstances when speeding is charged as a misdemeanor.  If you were charged with speeding as an infraction or a misdemeanor, Stowe Law Firm, PLLC, can fight the ticket and help you avoid irreparable damage like losing your driving privileges, increased insurance rates, and enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses.  Is a Speeding Ticket Considered a Crime? Most speeding violations are traffic ..read more

In a North Carolina DWI case, the most important piece of evidence is often the driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Police obtain a driver’s BAC by testing the suspect’s breath, blood, or urine for the presence of alcohol.   Like every other state in the nation, North Carolina has an implied consent law, which states that anyone stopped on suspicion of Driving While Impaired (DWI) must submit to chemical testing of their breath, blood, or urine.  On more than one occasion, DWI defendants have argued that the test of their breath, blood, or urine was an illegal search and ..read more

With thousands of miles of open waters and more than 300,000 registered vessels, boating is a favorite pastime in North Carolina. People use North Carolina waterways every year for fishing, water skiing, sailing, and other recreational activities.  Many people enjoy a beer, wine, or a mixed drink during a day on the water. But it is important to remember to do so safely. While drinking on a boat is not illegal, operating a boat if you are under the influence of an intoxicating substance or if your blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit is.  Can You Drink and Drive on a ..read more

Public affray is a misdemeanor assault and battery crime that occurs when two people engage in a fight in a public place, causing terror to the public. A conviction for public affray can have serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.  What is the Crime of Simple Affray? North Carolina defines the crime of public affray as a fight between two or more people that causes alarm or terror to others and is often charged when a fight breaks out.  To make out a case the prosecutor must prove: The defendant engaged in a fight with another ..read more

A Domestic Violence Protective Order, also known as a DVPO or a 50B Order, is a court order that tells a defendant or the person against who the order is issued what they cannot do. If the court is satisfied that an act of domestic violence has occurred, it will issue an order of protection to prevent the defendant from committing future acts of domestic violence.  Common terms of a DVPO include: No direct or indirect contact with the victim or their family; Not to assault, threaten, or harass the alleged victim or their family; Not visiting the victim’s workplace, school, or other place ..read more

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. The Fourth Amendment protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. In most cases, the government must obtain a warrant to search or seize your property. Before a judge issues a warrant, the government must prove they have probable cause ..read more

Understanding the Defense of Involuntary Intoxication in North Carolina Blame it on the goose Got you feelin loose Blame it on the ‘Tron Got you in the zone Blame it on the vodka Blame it on the Henny Blame it on the blue tab Got you feelin dizzy ~T-Pain   According to the lyrics of T-Pain’s hit Blame It on the Alcohol, alcohol can cause people to do things that they may later regret. But will this defense hold up in court?    Intoxication as a Legal Defense Intoxication can be used as a legal defense in criminal cases when the defendant did not understand the nature of the ..read more

North Carolina prosecutors take drug charges seriously. If you are convicted of a drug crime, you face hefty fines, prison time, and other penalties that could have a long-term effect on your life. To defend yourself against drug crime charges in North Carolina, you need an experienced drug charges lawyer who will thoroughly investigate the case against you, challenge the evidence, and defend you in court.  The Stowe Law Firm, PLLC, defends people against state and federal drug charges. Ryan Stowe is a North Carolina lawyer who knows how to get possession charges dropped. To put his exper ..read more

Embezzlement is a theft that occurs when a person uses a position of trust or duty to take money or property. Embezzlement charges can be a state or a federal crime, and the consequences of an embezzlement conviction can be severe. If you are under investigation or have been charged with embezzlement, you need experienced and knowledgeable legal representation. North Carolina criminal defense attorney Ryan Stowe defends people accused of embezzlement in state and federal court. He will carefully analyze your situation and mount an aggressive legal defense.    What Is Embezzlemen ..read more

Disorderly conduct, also known as disturbing the peace, is a common criminal charge in North Carolina. The crime encompasses any behavior that intentionally disturbs the peace. Disorderly conduct is commonly charged in conjunction with allegations of public intoxication.  What Is Disorderly Conduct The crime of disorderly conduct is set forth in North Carolina Code § 14-288.4 and is defined as a public disturbance that is intentionally caused by a person who does any of the following: Engages in fighting or other violent conduct, or in conduct that creates the threat of imminent fighting ..read more