In most cases, the legal system handles children and adults differently. However, there are situations in which North Carolina law allows juveniles to face charges in adult court. If your child is in a situation where he or she is facing criminal charges, it can help...
Monroe Criminal Defense Blog
What is “the Castle Doctrine?”
While you likely never anticipate being in a situation that could potentially result in you facing criminal charges in North Carolina, you also recognize that scenarios exist where you feel compelled to use force against another. Such situations almost certainly...
Can you legally film a DWI stop?
If an officer suspects you may have a blood alcohol concentration over North Carolina’s 0.08% legal limit, he or she may stop your vehicle. You may also encounter a sobriety checkpoint, where officers temporarily detail all approaching motorists to check for possible...
Can I challenge breathalyzer results?
Many DWI cases hinge on breathalyzer results. In some instances, what the breathalyzer says may be the only hard evidence that the state has that an individual was operating a vehicle while intoxicated. It follows that if you can fight radar gun results in a case...
What are North Carolina’s interlock device laws?
If you are pulled over, charged and convicted of driving while intoxicated in North Carolina, the courts may require you to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Ignition interlock devices are designed to keep convicted offenders from committing...
What are standardized field sobriety tests?
If a North Carolina officer suspects you of driving under the influence, they may ask you to take certain tests. You have likely heard of blood or breath analysis tests. But have you heard of field sobriety tests? These tests may end up as the first brush you have...
A new job after a criminal conviction
After experiencing a criminal arrest and conviction, many people want to make a concerted effort to turn over a new leaf and get their lives on a better track. Finding a good job can be an important part of making this happen. However, many people fear that having a...
Can officers legally stop you for avoiding a DWI checkpoint?
To stop a motor vehicle, officers usually must at least have reasonable suspicion the driver is violating some law. That is not the case with sobriety checkpoints, however. Provided officers stop all or a random sample of vehicles, DWI checkpoints are usually legal in...
What to expect at the arraignment
If someone is facing a drug-related charge, one of the first steps after the arrest is the initial hearing, also known as the arraignment. Facing a court hearing can be intimidating, although this initial one is brief. This hearing includes some basics such as charges...
Does assault have to result in a physical injury?
The idea of an assault charge likely makes you think about physical injury. For many people, the definition of assault means you make physical contact with someone else at a minimum. You may wonder if assault must always include physical contact and harm. However,...