North Carolina Criminal Law Updates
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 on what testimony courts will consider and what evidence they require.
A DVPO hearing might seem like a simple court appearance, but the testimony given during these civil proceedings can impact criminal cases that follow. The words spoken, evidence presented, and objections raised – or not raised – shape both immediate outcomes and future proceedings. From Danny Glover Jr.’s office in the Outer Banks to courthouses across North Carolina, attorneys watch these decisions closely because they explain the NC laws and serve as an example for future cases.