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Criminal Law Updates

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Protected: Holiday Criminal Charges Durham NC | Cole Williams Law

Holiday criminal charges in Durham tend to concentrate around four categories, including impaired driving, assault linked to alcohol use, vehicle break-ins during shopping season, and drug possession connected to travel and gatherings. These are the cases that move through Durham County District Court every December, and they reflect the same…

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Defending Attempted Crime Charges in Durham NC

The November 2025 ruling by the North Carolina Court of Appeals in North Carolina v. Vaughn helps criminal defense lawyers address attempt cases. The decision provides a blueprint for challenging a prosecutor’s burden of proof by emphasizing that an attempt to commit a crime requires a mental state (mens rea)…

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Understanding Domestic Violence Charges: A Guide by a Durham Criminal Defense Lawyer

The NC criminal laws provide specific pathways for domestic violence charges in Durham County’s justice system. These cases can begin with allegations ranging from simple assault to serious felonies, each following distinct procedural requirements under North Carolina law. Stress in life, financial pressure, and increased alcohol consumption can lead to…

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One Leg Stand Test: Guide to DWI Sobriety Testing

The One Leg Stand test: What you need to know Imagine you’re driving home one evening when you see the flashing lights of a police car signaling you to pull over. If the officer suspects you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you might be asked to perform a…

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Ditch the Myths, Embrace Facts: A Guide to Criminal Defense

Dealing with DWI charges or some other misdemeanor or felony charge in Durham?  Wonder if you need a criminal defense lawyer? You’re not alone. And you’re not in some viral video.   The real world of criminal charges is a far cry from what you might see on YouTube and TikTok. …

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HOLIDAY DWI TIPS

As the holiday season unfolds in Durham, North Carolina, with its sparkling lights and festive gatherings, it brings with it a need for heightened awareness around driving while impaired (DWI). This time of year, filled with joy and celebration, can also be fraught with the risks associated with holiday drinking.…

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BIG CHANGES to the NC Bond Laws and Pretrial Release

The legal terrain of North Carolina is ever-evolving, particularly with regard to criminal charges. One of the latest shifts that has caught the eye of criminal defense lawyers in Durham NC involves the recent modifications to pretrial release protocols and how bond is set. That new criminal law in North…

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Defending DUI Charges in Durham NC: Understanding Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

If you have been arrested for DUI (impaired driving) in Durham NC, you may be wondering what your options are for defending yourself in court. One important aspect of DUI/DWI defense is understanding the use of standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs), which are commonly used by law enforcement officers to…

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Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for Underage Possession, Marijuana, and Paraphernalia Charges

As a criminal defense law firm in Durham, we have represented countless clients who have been charged with various drug and alcohol-related offenses, including underage possession of alcohol, marijuana “simple possession,” and illegal drug paraphernalia charges. Given the possible long-term consequences, it makes sense to hire an attorney if you’re…

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Violating a 50B Domestic Violence Protective Order

If you or someone you know has been charged with violating a 50B Domestic Violence Protective Order, it’s important to understand the possible consequences. Wilfully violating a DVPO – Domestic Violence Protective Order is a serious criminal charge in North Carolina. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and…

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