Lately, it has become almost commonplace for law enforcement to search for suspects using “reverse search warrants.” What are they? Traditionally, search warrants were intended to keep the government from unreasonably searching people and their property. Only when a...
What are the penalties for DWI in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you can be charged with any of six misdemeanor levels of driving while intoxicated (DWI). In certain circumstances, however, DWI can also be charged as a felony. Here are the penalties for each charge: Level V misdemeanor Minimum jail sentence of 24...
Ticketed for a child not being properly restrained?
In North Carolina, every occupant of a vehicle who is under 16 years old needs to be buckled up and belted in. For older kids, that can mean in a seat belt that met federal safety standards when it was manufactured. For younger kids, parents should be using a child...
Painkiller addiction is a root cause for many common drug charges
For the average person in North Carolina dealing with a painkiller addiction, the problem most likely started with an illness, injury or surgery. Pain can impact someone's health and ability to recover, which is why pain management is such a critical area of modern...
If an officer wants to search my vehicle, can I say no?
It’s a common scene during a traffic stop. A law enforcement officer tells the driver, “You don’t mind if I take a quick look in your vehicle, do you?” It sounds more like a statement than a question. How are you supposed to respond? Many people don’t realize, not...
North Carolina ranks 7th in DUI fatalities and arrests
The Tar Heel State ranks in the top 10 in the nation in the combined rate of DUI fatalities and drunk-driving arrests. North Carolina saw 421 alcohol-related traffic deaths in 2018, which accounted for 29% of all highway fatalities. A study conducted by public records...