Being required to appear in court can be scary, but ignoring the situation only makes things worse. You should always appear in court as directed by your attorney and/or the judge. However, if you do miss your court date, there are a few steps you…
When a defendant is convicted of a crime, a judge typically has broad discretion regarding how to sentence the person. However, certain offenses in North Carolina result in mandatory minimum sentences. In those cases, the judge has no other option but to impose an extremely…
Three strikes laws significantly increase penalties for offenders with multiple convictions. These statutes are similar across states, but the details often differ regarding what qualifies as a strike and the potential consequences. Like many other states, North Carolina does have a similar three-strikes rule, but…
You see red and blue lights flash in your rearview mirror, and your heart starts beating faster. You know the police are pulling you over. Even if you didn’t do anything wrong, being anxious is normal. Help your fears subside by knowing your rights when…
Even accusations of theft or other forms of larceny are serious. They suggest that you’re dishonest, which is something that follows you, especially if you’re criminally charged, or worse yet – convicted. If you are arrested, it’s essential to know whether you face a misdemeanor…
You hear about them all the time on TV or in movies, but how much do you really know about your Miranda rights? Are they always required? And if the officer forgets to explain them, does that mean you automatically go free? In short –…