Before a traffic stop, police officers need to have a lawful reason to stop a vehicle. An officer cannot conduct stops at random, for instance, administering breath tests to see if they can find an impaired driver by mere chance. The officer needs a valid reason to...
More Than 60 Years Of Combined Family Law Experience
criminal defense
Semitruck “no zones” are deadly
When it comes to sharing the road with large semitrucks, safety is paramount. These massive vehicles weigh up to 80,000 pounds and require skilled driver handling. It’s crucial for other drivers on the road to understand how to navigate around semitrucks safely. One...
What is a criminal record expunction in North Carolina?
One of the biggest challenges that people have to overcome after being convicted of criminal charges is the record maintained by the state. Parties ranging from landlords and educational institutions to current or prospective employers may perform background checks...
Can you assert your right to remain silent by just not talking?
Even if you know very little else about the American criminal justice system, you probably know that you have Fourth Amendment protections against self-incrimination, including the right to remain silent when questioned by the authorities – without having that held...
Accounting professionals are at risk of wire fraud charges
Many people think of accountancy as a boring profession. They think back to high school math class and shudder. However, accounting professionals perform a broad range of services for companies that can make every day exciting and interesting. One day, you may need to...
Can the police search your vehicle during a traffic stop?
When a police officer pulls you over, you may groan in frustration. You will likely spend 10 or 20 minutes on the side of the road even if all they do is write you a ticket. Getting pulled over might mean that you are late to work or to an important appointment. The...
Is an affirmative defense the best response to state evidence?
It has become standard practice for prosecutors to charge people with the most serious possible offenses they can given the circumstances. Many people feel like they have no choice but to plead guilty when the state accuses them of an offense and seems to have...
Does your teen drink?
When parents are asked if their teenage child drinks alcohol, most of them quickly say that they certainly do not. They may cite the legal side of things, noting that it is illegal, or they may talk about personal or religious reasons for refraining from drinking. But...
Why graffiti can have serious consequences in North Carolina
You may think that your teen's graffiti is simply an artistic expression. If they're bored, there are worse things they could be doing, right? The problem is that if their graffiti is on property that doesn't belong to you or on property they don't have the owner's...
If police don’t have a warrant, do you have to open the door?
If the police show up at your house with a warrant to search it, they will likely knock on the door, inform you of the warrant and tell you to open up. You are legally obligated to do so since they got the warrant from a judge, and police can, in many cases, force...