When someone is accused of a “cyber crime,” the specifics of their case can vary quite significantly. This is because there are many different types of criminal offenses involving the internet. Those accused of such crimes in North Carolina should understand the...
Criminal Law
When are police allowed to search your pockets and bag?
If a police officer arrests you, they can perform a full search of your pockets, personal items and car. But what if you are not under arrest? What if you are simply walking down the street or are stopped in a traffic stop? Can the police legally search you and seize...
Initiative aims to understand high rate of plea deals
The high majority of criminal cases (90% to 95%) conclude through the use of plea bargains. But why is that the case, and could there be issues with this type of system for the wrongly accused? This is the question that Duke University is aiming to answer in a new...
What are Giglio letters and how can they impact a criminal case?
The term “Giglio letter” is not well known in the general public. However, these letters can make a significant difference in a criminal case in North Carolina. A Giglio letter is a document written by a prosecutor when he or she finds out about a law enforcement...
Did an officer violate your rights during an arrest?
Police officers in North Carolina and across the country have a duty to protect and serve. During the course of those duties, they have rules and procedures that the law requires them to follow. If they do not follow these policies appropriately, they may violate your...
Could talking about a crime lead to criminal charges?
Can you face criminal charges even if you did not follow through with a crime? In some cases, the answer to that question is yes. For instance, if you made a plan with other individuals to commit a crime in the near future, you could face allegations of conspiracy if...
Debate continues on minimum sentences for porch theft
In South Carolina, lawmakers may make a statement about the critical nature of a crime by increasing its seriousness under the law. This is what legislators are proposing with a potential new “porch theft” law. The law would target the crime of stealing boxes...
Could a hate crime law be enacted in South Carolina?
In 47 states across the United States of America, hate crime laws are on the books. One of the remaining states without such a law is South Carolina. Hate crime legislation can impact criminal cases significantly, as the charges which could be faced by individuals may...
Task force reports criminal justice recommendations for N.C.
Criminal justice reform has been a hot topic across the country over the past several months. In North Carolina, one response to these calls for action was the creation of the North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice. Following several weeks of...
A Look at the Federal First Step Act
When charged with a drug related crime, it is vital to know about how current law will affect your possible sentencing. Since the 1980’s, the government has utilized mandatory minimum sentencing to ensure long prison stints for drug offenders. Mandatory minimums...
