The San Diego Study, conducted in 1998, stands as a cornerstone in the evaluation and validation of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) for detecting drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) at or above 0.08 grams per deciliter. As we delve deeper into this influential research, we move beyond the foundational…
In the realm of DUI law enforcement and prosecution, few tools have garnered as much attention and controversy as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). These tests, designed to help law enforcement officers assess a driver’s level of impairment, have become a cornerstone of DUI investigations across the United States. 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…
As Charlotte’s vibrant campuses come to life with the energy of a new academic year, students are embracing the freedom and opportunities that college life brings. However, this exciting chapter also comes with new responsibilities and potential legal pitfalls that many students may not anticipate. This guide aims to shed…
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…
As the summer heats up and we’re celebrating the 4th of July, many North Carolinians aren’t all that sure about the rules surrounding fireworks. Unfortunately, sometimes not knowing the NC fireworks laws ends up with otherwise law-abiding citizens getting charged with a misdemeanor and all that entails. Whether you’re planning…
Have you ever worried about your North Carolina driver’s license falling into the wrong hands? The risk of identity theft and fraud is a growing concern in today’s digital age. Fortunately, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) is taking proactive steps to safeguard your information and peace…
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…
What are the direct consequences of a guilty plea? In State of North Carolina v. Luis Fernando Saldana, the Court of Appeals of North Carolina examines the appeal of Luis Fernando Saldana against the trial court’s order denying his motion to withdraw a guilty plea entered in 2005. This case…