The state government is doubling down on its fight against controlled substances by intensifying the punishment for drug distribution. With the new bill, you could be looking at jail time if you are facing a drug-related charge. The renewed push for a more severe punishment is a response to the growing problem of drug overdose in the state. In 2021, overdose fatalities grew by 22 percent, with the illegal manufacture of fentanyl being a primary driver of the growth. How the state is aiming to reduce drug distribution The North Carolina General Assembly announced a new bill that incre ..read more

Drunk driving charges are serious events in a person’s life because they can have long-term effects, especially if the person is convicted. A conviction means dealing with fines, license suspension and other consequences. The following are the three most common circumstances under which individuals are charged with impaired driving in the U.S. Sobriety checkpoints and DUI charges Sobriety checkpoints, also known as DUI checkpoints, are a common method that law enforcement uses to catch drivers under the influence. At these checkpoints, officers stop vehicles based on a predetermined pattern, s ..read more

When you face charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in North Carolina, a conviction can lead to two types of penalties. The first is criminal penalties, which include jail time and fines. The second type is administrative penalties, such as a requirement to install an ignition interlock device in your car and the loss of your driving privileges. If a court suspends your driving privileges for a DWI offense, it could either impose a suspension or a revocation. What’s the difference between the two, and which one will you face on conviction? License suspensions Also known as a “civil licen ..read more

Mortgage fraud is a serious offense with significant consequences. It involves making any false statement, misrepresenting facts or leaving out vital information during the mortgage lending process when buying a house. Some people might not be aware that providing inaccurate information during the mortgage process can constitute fraud. However, if an individual takes these actions with the intent to deceive or defraud, they are committing a crime. Understanding the nuances of this crime can help you avoid potential pitfalls or equip you with defenses if charged. Scope of the crime Residential ..read more

A sex crime allegation is a serious and complex issue. A conviction bears grave consequences for the accused, which can affect different aspects of your life. But what if someone accused you of something you did not do?   Before you make any rash decisions, try to stay calm and remember your right to legal counsel. An attorney can help you assess the situation and strategize on how to defend yourself against sexual assault and other related offenses. Below are additional tips for what to do and what not to do in this upsetting situation.  Things you should not do after a sex crime ac ..read more

A criminal record can be a significant barrier to life’s opportunities. But in North Carolina, some individuals may have the chance to leave their past behind through expungement. Expungement is the legal process of removing a criminal charge or conviction from a person’s record. Not anyone is eligible for expungement. This blog will explain which persons can have their criminal records expunged, and the conditions for their eligibility. Understanding eligibility The eligibility for expungement varies depending on the type of criminal offense the person wants to set aside. The individual’s age ..read more

Not all crimes involve violence or direct victims. Some are more subtle and involve violating basic laws, such as paying taxes. All residents of the state must pay income tax by law. Attempting to evade taxes is a white-collar crime, and North Carolina has a robust system to identify and prosecute these violations. State legal framework on tax offenses Per state law, the following tax evasion actions are criminal offenses: Willful attempt to evade or defeat tax: People can commit this offense in various ways, such as underreporting income from side jobs, overstating charitable contributions an ..read more

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in North Carolina. However, the state takes an even stricter stance when the driver is under the legal drinking age of 21. North Carolina imposes severe penalties on young drivers who violate DWI laws in the hope that the penalties deter underage drinking and driving. Underage drinking is also prohibited in the state, so drivers under 21 caught drunk behind the wheel could face separate charges for that offense. Zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving According to state law, it’s illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a vehicle wi ..read more

In North Carolina, cocaine charges are governed by stringent laws and convictions generally result in severe penalties. These charges vary based on several factors, including the amount of cocaine, the purpose of one’s possession and an individual’s prior criminal history. Cocaine is classified as a controlled substance in North Carolina. From simple possession to more severe offenses like trafficking, the repercussions of related charges can be significant, impacting an individual’s personal and professional life. Cocaine possession and its penalties in North Carolina Possession of cocaine in ..read more

By relying on generous donations and pledges for support, charitable and religious organizations are built on trust and goodwill. However, these organizations are also vulnerable to financial exploitation. Just because a group is a nonprofit where trust is key doesn’t mean there aren’t any people within who’ll try to misappropriate funds for their own. North Carolina has laws against embezzling funds from charitable and religious organizations. When does this law apply, and what are the penalties? Misappropriation, failure to account for funds Per state law, a treasurer or other financial offi ..read more