If you’re facing a DWI charge in North Carolina, you may have heard about DUI assessments. These evaluations play an important role in the legal process and can positively impact the outcome of your case. That’s because DUI assessment is considered a statutory mitigating factor in North Carolina, which means…
In the realm of criminal law, few constitutional protections are as fundamental as those provided by the Fourth Amendment. These rights, which safeguard people against unreasonable searches and seizures, are continuously interpreted and refined through court decisions. A recent North Carolina Court of Appeals case, State v. Warren Douglas Jackson,…
The United States Supreme Court recently addressed the question of whether the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment is violated when a substitute analyst provides expert witness testimony about the results of forensic testing performed by a non-testifying analyst. The Court held that when an expert, in this instance a…
The San Diego Study, conducted in 1998, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of DUI charges in North Carolina and prosecution across the United States. Its findings on the accuracy of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) have influenced police training, informed courtroom strategies, and shaped public policy. However,…
“Just take Uber” – It‘s a phrase echoed across Charlotte’s vibrant nightlife scene, from Uptown bars to NoDa breweries. On the surface, it seems like a simple, foolproof solution to prevent driving under the influence (DUI). But as the Charlotte metro area rapidly expands towards 3 million residents, stretching from…
Revisions to N.C.G.S. § 20-179.3 represent a significant update to North Carolina’s Limited Driving Privilege laws, with potentially far-reaching implications. In this post, we’ll discuss eligibility for an Ignition Interlock Limited Driving Privilege for certain Level 2 offenders, reinstatement requirements involving expanded use of ignition interlock devices (IID), mandatory reporting…
When you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror and an officer signals you to pull over, your heart might skip a beat, especially if they suspect impairment and decide to conduct a sobriety test. Among the various methods employed by law enforcement to assess impairment, the walk and…
The alarming rise in hit-and-run incidents raises pressing questions for criminal defense lawyers about the psychology underlying why certain drivers fail to stop and render aid. From a fleeting moment of panic to a calculated decision to evade consequences, the decision to flee to elude criminal charges reflects a troubling…
A primary concern for many who face an arrest for DUI charges in North Carolina involves the ability to drive. Most people want to know, “What happens to your license after a DWI?” and “Can you get a work privilege or hardship license?” Facing a DWI charge in North Carolina…
The holiday season often sees a ramp-up in DUI enforcement, with the implementation of measures like Impaired Driving Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols. At the Powers Law Firm, we recognize the importance of staying informed about these developments and would be honored to help if you’ve been charged with impaired driving…