Criminal Law Updates

DWI Checkpoints in NC

Published on: January 3, 2021 | By Cole Williams Law

On the last day of 2020, the Court of Appeals again reminded DWI lawyers in North Carolina, prosecutors, and DRUNK DRIVING ROADBLOCKS IN DURHAM NC judges of the importance of technical compliance with statutory and constitutional protections relative to DWI Checkpoints in NC.

North Carolina v. Deshandra Cobb or “State v. Cobb” (No. COA19681) is penned by Judge Brook of the appellate court and contains a dissent by recently appointed Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, the Honorable Donna Stroud.

Therein the Court discusses both the “roadblock” statute as set forth in N.C.G.S. 20-16.3A as well as constitutional protections under the 4^th Amendment.

Evidence of Prior Bad Acts – Character

Published on: December 13, 2020 | By Cole Williams Law

The Rules of Evidence in North Carolina regarding character, and how they’re applied to criminal charges in EVIDENCE OF BAD CHARACTER Durham, are more than theoretical.

They affect the admissibility of evidence, what information is presented by the State to prove criminal allegations, and can very much affect whether the disposition results in a verdict of guilty or not guilty.

There is a reason Evidence is a required course for most law students. It’s a daily part of litigation for DWI charges, felonies, misdemeanors, and personal injury accident cases alike – Cole Williams, Durham Lawyer

Will my case be continued?

Published on: April 15, 2020 | By Cole Williams Law

The Durham County Courthouse is open for certain types of business before the Court. CONTINUANCES IN DURHAM NC

While public access is extremely restricted, some legal matters must be heard due to Constitutional and statutory requirements.

Even under the Coronavirus lockdown rules that are in place, mandatory hearings may include things like bond hearings for in-custody defendants, Domestic Violence Protective Orders pursuant to Chapter 50B of the North Carolina General Statutes, and other mandatory first-appearance related matters.

Can I get my DWI charges dismissed?

Published on: February 11, 2020 | By Cole Williams Law

DWI charges in Durham are serious stuff. Can I get my DUI charges dismissed?

If you’ve been arrested and charged with “drunk driving,” it’s important to start your legal defense as soon as possible.

That may include obtaining copies of the Charging Officer Affidavit, any arrest notes, police reports, dash-camera footage, and body-cam recordings.

Warrant for Arrest

Published on: January 8, 2020 | By Cole Williams Law

If you have an outstanding Warrant for Arrest, we strongly recommend you immediately retain a Should I turn myself in? Durham criminal lawyer.

We’ll explain how the court system works and what you should do to prepare. We also have some suggestions that can help speed up the process.

Each judicial district has unique protocols and local practices. And each case, like each person facing criminal charges, is rather unique.

Is Domestic Violence in Durham a Federal Offense?

Published on: October 31, 2019 | By Cole Williams Law

“Stop making such a fuss. It’s not like it’s a federal offense.” You may have heard that in the past, understanding it relates to making a bigger deal of something than it deserves. But after a recent report by WSOCTV in Charlotte, it’s now reasonable to ask, “Is domestic violence in Durham a Federal offense?”

That’s true because Andrew Murray, the US Attorney in the Western District of North Carolina, has purportedly expressed interest in reviewing domestic violence cases relative to violations of the United States Code (U.S.C.)

Will that be the case in Durham County too, which is considered the “middle district” of the United States federal court system in North Carolina?

DMV Restoration Hearing

Published on: October 12, 2019 | By Cole Williams Law

The value of a valid NC driver’s license isn’t always fully appreciated until it is DWI RESTORATION HEARING revoked or suspended.

Unfortunately, sometimes it takes several convictions of “drunk driving” before people realize the long-term consequences of not having a license.

Trying to maintain employment and provide for yourself and your family can be near impossible without the ability to legally drive.