Getting pulled over for DWI is a stressful situation, as a DWI conviction can have severe penalties. The aftermath of a DWI conviction can mean loss of employment or professional license and consequences an individual did not envision when first getting into the car. Understanding North Carolina DWI laws and penalties is essential to making informed decisions if you face this charge. What Is DWI in North Carolina? A DWI in North Carolina arises from operating a vehicle while “impaired” by alcohol or other substances. If you hear the term DUI in North Carolina, this has the same meaning. The st ..read more

For those looking to become U.S. citizens, passing the naturalization test is a key step in the immigration process. The test assesses an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history, government and English language proficiency. However, not everyone who takes the test successfully passes it. Understanding the implications of failing the naturalization test is helpful for individuals aspiring to become U.S. citizens. Failing the test When an applicant fails the naturalization test, it can result in a setback in the naturalization process. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provide an opportuni ..read more

According to the North Carolina Health News, the state had an increase of about 2,000 additional domestic violence cases in 2020. Anyone facing accusations of domestic violence knows how it can quickly change their life. This is especially true when the case involves an ex parte order. These orders can come about fast without notice and aim to provide protection when there is fear of harm. Ex parte order explained The granting of an ex parte order means that the court believes there is an immediate threat of harm that requires swift action to ensure the safety of the person making the accusati ..read more

Tax fraud is a serious offense that can have severe legal consequences. Engaging in practices to evade taxes violates the law and undermines the integrity of the tax system. Individuals found guilty of tax fraud may face imprisonment, hefty fines or both. The severity of these consequences depends on the extent of the fraud committed. Tax fraud encompasses a range of activities, from underreporting income and inflating deductions to hiding money in offshore accounts. Each violation comes with potential penalties that can escalate depending on the amount of unpaid taxes and the degree of decept ..read more

The journey to reuniting with your loved one through a fiancé visa can be a rollercoaster of emotions. You dream of building a life together in the United States, but this journey is not always smooth sailing. Information from U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services shows that the approval rate in recent years is as low as 63%. Many applicants encounter delays and denials that make the process challenging and uncertain. Knowing what to look out for is important for anyone applying for a fiancé visa. With the right information, you can create a successful application. You may experience delays ..read more

What is SCRAM? S SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor), created in the 1990s, has risen in the ranks of ways to detect the presence of alcohol for motor vehicle operators. Specifically, the monitor tests “invisible” sweat vapor secreted from the skin to determine the presence of alcohol. An alternative to ignition interlock devices, the devices are installed in cars where drivers cannot operate their motor vehicles unless they blow into a breathalyzer. How effective is SCRAM SCRAM cites a higher effectiveness rate due to the option of people having access to cars or trucks that lack ..read more

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, 14% of criminal incidents from 2019 to 2022 involved drugs. However, this does not mean they were all for drug possession, dealing or trafficking. They also may include possession of drug paraphernalia. Drug paraphernalia refers to various tools, equipment and materials used in the process of manufacturing, using or distributing controlled substances. In North Carolina, possessing or distributing drug paraphernalia is illegal and subject to strict laws and penalties. Definition of drug paraphernalia In North Carolina, drug parapherna ..read more

Public charge is a term used in immigration law to refer to an individual who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for financial support. It can affect your eligibility for a visa or green card. You might wonder about public charge determinations and their role in your immigration application. Which benefits factor into public charge determinations? The government considers certain means-tested public benefits when evaluating whether someone is likely to become a public charge. These may include cash assistance, Supplemental Security Income and long-term care. Who is subje ..read more

White-collar crimes are non-violent, financially motivated crimes. They often take place in the business world and usually involve deceit, concealment or violation of trust. Understanding the types of white-collar crime can help you protect yourself from this type of allegation. Fraudulent activities Fraud is one of the most prevalent white-collar crimes, encompassing a broad range of deceptive practices. Credit card fraud, insurance fraud and mortgage fraud all fall into this category. Fraudulent activities involve the use of false information to secure financial gains. It can result in signi ..read more

The U.S. Department of State reported that immigration officials granted 493,448 immigrant visas and 6.8 million nonimmigrant visas in 2022. Visiting or living in the United States on a visa comes with a set of rules and regulations that visa holders must follow. These rules define what they can and cannot do during their stay in the U.S. Violating the terms of a visa, whether intentionally or accidentally, can have serious consequences. Understanding these consequences is important for anyone who is in the United States on a visa, as it helps ensure they maintain their legal status and avoid ..read more