Criminal Defense
Understanding Simple Possession of Marijuana in South Carolina
While states across the country have passed legislation to legalize marijuana, South Carolina has not. Marijuana is still a crime punishable by fines and potential jail time. The Legal Definition of Marijuana in South Carolina In South Carolina, marijuana has a lengthy legal definition. It is so much more than just the physical weed you…
Read MoreWhat happens if I receive a Failure to Appear?
In Charlotte, missing your court date, even by accident, can have serious consequences. Failing to show up for DWI, felony drug, or domestic violence charges can result in an Order for Arrest being issued. Failing to show up to your court date for a traffic citation can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.…
Read MoreEverything you need to know about expungement in North Carolina
Expungement is the process that seals or “erases” a conviction, charge, or arrest from public record. When an arrest or criminal conviction is expunged from a person’s record, they no longer have to disclose that information on an application for a job, apartment, or higher education. NC’s Second Chance Act: changes you need to know…
Read MoreProtesting in Charlotte: Your Rights & What to Do if You’re Arrested
As an American, you have the right to organize or join together with fellow citizens in protest and peaceful assembly. Though this First Amendment right is not absolute, the government cannot prohibit a public assembly at their own discretion. Time, place, and manner restrictions put in place by government institutions are permissible as long as…
Read MoreWho Qualifies for Compassionate Release or Home Confinement?
The onset of the pandemic in the United States in early 2020 has renewed concerns regarding prison population overcrowding throughout the country, as well as heightened health and safety concerns among those incarcerated and their families. Requests for early release, compassionate release, and conversion to home confinement have flooded the justice systems in most states…
Read MoreCommon Gun Questions in North Carolina
According to WBTV, the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a rise in gun and ammo sales not only in North Carolina but also across the country. People are panic-buying guns and ammo just as much as they are buying hand sanitizer and toilet paper. However, it is important to understand that owning a gun does not…
Read MoreThe Consequences of a Felony Conviction in North Carolina
A felony is a crime, typically involving violence, that is seen as more severe than a misdemeanor. In North Carolina, felonies are divided into 10 different classifications, which don’t all have hard set rules for punishments. Sentences for felonies can range from death or life imprisonment to fines, probation, or community service. Beyond sentencing, the impact…
Read MoreCriminal Summons vs. Warrants for Arrest in NC
Being served in NC can have a serious impact; in this post, we’re breaking down the difference of criminal summons vs warrants for arrest. North Carolina is a unique state which allows local judicial officials to issue citizen-initiated warrants. This means that a citizen can go down to a local Magistrate for example, explain to them…
Read MoreClients Ask: How Do I Remove a Dismissed Case From My Record in NC?
One question we often get from clients after getting their cases dismissed is, how will this affect my record? Will a background check reveal I was arrested? Will the charges show up when I go to rent property? The short answer is usually yes, the arrest and charges would still appear. The follow up question,…
Read MoreNorth Carolina Expungement Law & What It Means For You
This post was updated June 13, 2019. In 2017, Gov. Roy Cooper signed the North Carolina expungement law that made it easier for people to have their criminal record expunged if they have been convicted of and served time for nonviolent crimes and have proven they can stay out of trouble with the law. Criminal…
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