Tax evasion is a serious crime that carries criminal charges and penalties. Evading taxes occurs when a person or entity deliberately avoids paying taxes that are owed. In North Carolina, tax evasion is a Class 1 felony with a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.  Title 26 of the United States Code contains most of the provisions of federal law regarding the collection and imposition of taxes. When an individual willfully attempts to evade or defeat a federal tax provided for in Title 26, he/she may be charged with the federal crime of tax evasion in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201.  ..read more

North Carolina Marijuana Laws Are you curious about the status of marijuana legalization in North Carolina? You’re not alone. As attitudes and laws regarding cannabis evolve across the country, many individuals are seeking clarity on where their state stands. While many states in the United States now allow medical or recreational use of cannabis, with several allowing both, this is not the case in North Carolina. There is a limited medical marijuana law, but that’s it when it comes to legally consuming cannabis in North Carolina. Legislators periodically introduce bills with updates on this i ..read more

The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. Both federal and state laws regulate the purchasing, selling, distribution, and possession of firearms. According to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, there are approximately 814,000 residents who have concealed handgun permits in North Carolina. The majority of gun owners are diligent in following the state’s weapon laws, but some are not. North Carolina is 17th in the states with the highest rates of gun crimes.  Gun charges can be either a misdemeanor or a felony in Wake County. A weapons charge is usuall ..read more

In the United States, citizens are protected from the government intruding on their privacy. People have rights that are safeguarded by criminal procedure law. However, our laws also intend to deter illegal activity. When you are subject to a search, police try to ensure they obtain all evidence against you.  It is not legal for police to search you, your home, or any of your property simply to find something. Prior to performing a search, they must have the legal right to conduct one. In this article, our Raleigh drug charge defense attorneys detail what constitutes a legal and an illega ..read more

When a police officer stops you while you are driving because of suspicion that you are impaired, s/he may ask you to perform Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs). Law enforcement uses FSTs to find signs of impairment, gauge your cognitive and physical functions, and establish a probable cause with which they can arrest you for DWI.  Understanding your rights when asked to perform a field sobriety test is important since procedures taken from the beginning of the stop through to an arrest can affect the sentencing if convicted. You should understand the field sobriety tests and what they entail if ..read more

In the U.S. the Constitution and amendments give citizens the right to bear arms. Despite this right, there are many federal and state laws that control gun ownership. If you don’t abide by these laws, you can face charges that carry serious penalties. Gun charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies. Specific circumstances surrounding the situation make the difference between the two.  Being charged with a gun crime is extremely serious and can carry extreme penalties. It is imperative that you seek legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney in order to protect your rights. Your Ra ..read more

If you are facing drug charges in Wake County,  you may feel helpless and overwhelmed. Being accused of and then convicted of a drug crime can result in consequences for the rest of your life. The first and most important thing for you to do is to find a drug defense attorney who can direct you through the complicated process of your specific defense. You need legal representation that will fight to defend your rights and freedom.  There are no guarantees with any lawyer, but looking for someone who can provide you with experience and knowledge in drug defense will give you confidenc ..read more

If you are charged with a crime by the United States Department of Justice, you may be facing a mandatory minimum sentence, especially if you were arrested on federal drug charges or federal gun charges. However, you may be eligible for the safety valve provision which can significantly reduce your sentence. To learn more about the safety valve provision, along with the strict guidelines for qualifying, Bill Finn, a Raleigh federal lawyer, is sharing what you need to know. Understanding Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Mandatory minimum sentences are set by Congress, rather than passed down by a ..read more

Free and open markets define the foundation of a thriving economy. Our economic system encourages competition among sellers in an open marketplace. Antitrust laws are written to regulate competition among businesses and violations are considered white collar crimes. If you own a company and think another company’s trade practices have injured you, you may be interested in this topic. In North Carolina, is violating an antitrust law a federal offense? Our criminal federal lawyers in Raleigh, NC are experienced in this area of the law. In this article, we will discuss antitrust laws and whether ..read more

If you are facing either a manslaughter or murder charge in North Carolina, your life is in serious jeopardy. The life you have known can be turned upside down depending on the charges and your defense. Life in prison or death by lethal injection are possibilities as the penalty for the alleged crime. You need the very best legal representation to fight back to either get the charges dismissed or at the very least reduced to a lesser offense with less severe penalties. You will only get one chance to defend yourself. You want to be sure it is done right. Be sure that you have the help of an ex ..read more