Having a criminal record in North Carolina has the potential to make many aspects of your life harder. Depending on what that record contains, it may make it difficult for you to find housing or lock down a job, among other possible negative effects. However, in some...
Criminal Law
How much does a North Carolina DWI raise your insurance?
A North Carolina conviction for Driving While Impaired leads to severe penalties, some of which may impact your ability to hold down a job, pursue higher education or otherwise move forward with your life. While some of the repercussions you face in the wake of a DWI...
Activist pushback criticizes North Carolina marijuana bill
As more states grapple with their stance on marijuana, there are results where certain restrictions incentivize different outcomes. This remains the same whether state legislators insist on restricting marijuana, opening it up for medical use or fully legalizing it...
How will a traffic ticket affect me?
Even the best drivers make mistakes. While non-moving violations have a minimal effect on your life, moving violations may come with big changes to both your driving record and insurance rates. Driving record The state of North Carolina has a fairly straightforward...
What can a plea bargain do?
When presented with a plea bargain, many people may feel tempted to take it right away without actually understanding what it entails. Do plea bargains have any negative effects? Are they right for everyone? What exactly can they do, anyway? Potential positives The...
Should you use your Miranda rights?
If you ever find yourself in a situation where the police arrest you and wish to interrogate you, they will read you your Miranda rights. It is important to understand what these rights are and whether or not you should rely on them. What are Miranda rights? According...
Do charges ever disappear from your record?
In North Carolina, charges do not disappear from your record after a certain amount of time. You have to actively petition to get charges removed from your criminal record. However, not all charges are eligible for expunction. The nature of your charges will determine...
The goal of the field sobriety tests and why you may not pass
The Standardized Field Sobriety Test series consists of three different tests that law enforcement officers may ask you to take if they suspect you of drunk driving. What is the ultimate goal of these tests and what may cause you to fail at least one of them? About...
Does an expungement wipe the slate clean?
A criminal record may impact you for years after you finish your sentence. Sometimes, it may bar you from getting certain jobs or even living in some rental communities. An option you may want to consider is asking the court for an expungement. This process can give...
When should you appeal a criminal conviction?
A criminal conviction is a big deal and an outcome that can permanently change your life's trajectory. Dealing with the ramifications of a conviction can feel particularly hopeless if you were unfairly charged. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you might...