What starts as a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) hearing can quickly evolve into criminal charges. The North Carolina Court of Appeals recently addressed this reality in Simpson v. Silver, filing an opinion that clarifies how courts evaluate evidence in these cases. The decision, released November 5, 2024, provides guidance…
The recent North Carolina Court of Appeals decision in State v. Smith provides a useful opportunity to examine and clarify the elements of felony stalking under North Carolina law. While the opinion doesn’t break new legal ground, it illustrates how courts apply the NC stalking laws in practice. In this…
How a Recent Court Decision Clarifies Firearm Storage Law in North Carolina The North Carolina Court of Appeals reviewed a criminal conviction involving two counts of failure to store a firearm to protect a minor and one count of involuntary manslaughter. North Carolina v Cable arose after a tragic incident…
Television and movies are full of dramatic courtroom scenes, criminal charges, and legal twists, but real life is quite different. In this post, we’re going to clear up some common misunderstandings about the criminal justice system and how it works in North Carolina. We’ll explain why plea bargaining is often…
Understanding National Police Reform: A Brief Overview National police reform is a topic at the forefront of American consciousness, causing significant shifts in our legal landscape. There has been a public outcry regarding the need to address concerns about police misconduct, transparency, and accountability. This new epoch in law enforcement…
When is Bike Week this year? The Outer Banks Harley Davidson Bike Week is an annual gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the East Coast and beyond. Bike Week is scheduled for April 22nd through April 30th, 2023. Where is the Outer Banks Harley Bike Week held? The OBX…
If you have been accused of an act of domestic violence on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, it’s important to know your rights and what you need to do next. Domestic violence charges can carry serious penalties, including jail time and a criminal record. That’s why we think it’s…
If you’ve been accused of committing a crime in North Carolina, the way the charge (the legal process) is instituted and a court date is set can make a big difference. Generally speaking, a criminal summons is a document issued that orders a person to appear in court to answer…
If you are accused of fighting or engaging in a public affray in North Carolina, it is important to understand the potential consequences you may be facing. These charges can result in significant penalties, including jail time and fines. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the…
Character Evidence – Prior Bad Acts – NC Criminal Law Update In a recent (August 2, 2022) published opinion by the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the Court again addresses the admissibility of 404(b) Character Evidence. The State provided written notice of its intent to introduce evidence of prior conduct…