Being charged with a misdemeanor drug offense can be a scary situation. This podcast episode is here to help.
North Carolina Attorney Bill Powers has been defending misdemeanor drug offenses for 25 years. In this episode, Attorney Powers answers the questions that matter to you when you when you've been charged with a drug offense.
We're looking at the past charge, your past convictions, your past record in North Carolina and other states, and it's a whole other area of law that frankly I'm concerned about. I've seen and I know people's hearts are in the right place, but these DIY clinics where this is how you do it expunsions and it's something that I'm really, really careful about. The only way I can describe it to you, is if you were an estate planning type of person. You'd want to make sure that you weren't inadvertently triggering some huge tax consequences, or you have acute tip trust and you've done something to void it.
You've got to be real careful with expunsions. We give free consultations. So, we'll tell you whether we think we can help. I get nervous when I know it's an extraordinarily complex area of law fought with a lot of pitfalls, and problems, and conditions precedent, and if you mess it up there's really not a lot I can do to help you.
Robert Ingalls: Sure. A follow up question, we were talking about when someone was not convicted and they just wanted the fact that they'd ever been charged off their record. Is there a way for you to actually have a conviction to get that off your record?
Bill Powers: Yes. With a long ... it depends on the type of offense and the age. Those are generally speaking, and the permutations accommodations of options are so numerous, it's kind of hard. I like giving straight answers and this is one where I'm just like, "It depends."
Robert Ingalls: It seems to me like the short answer is if you have a conviction and if you have that question, contact an attorney. There may be a way.
Bill Powers: Right, and to kind of meet people where they are, it depends how old you are. Generally speaking, if you're under a certain age and it's a relatively minor offense, you've had no priors there are some available avenues, but it's limited and it could change.
Robert Ingalls: Perfect. I think we have covered a lot of ground today. Is there any last words on this?
Bill Powers: Talk to a lawyer. We're here to help. We're normal people. We're friendly people. Criminal defense lawyers are generally pretty approachable folk. We enjoy helping people in court. We help. We don't judge, meaning we're not there to give you a hard time about anything. I've seen just about everything. It's sort of like going in the doctor. Don't worry about the mole on your back, I've seen worse.
Robert Ingalls: And stop talking.
Bill Powers: Stop talking, like me.
Robert Ingalls: All right, Bill. Thanks a lot. See you next time.
Bill Powers: All right, brother. Thank you.
Announcer: You've been listening to Law Talk with Bill Powers. Your resource for answers to your most pressing legal questions on your time. Ready to discuss your matter now? Call 704-342-4357 for your free and totally confidential consultation. Law Talk with Bill Powers is an educational resource only. The information presented on this podcast does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting with an attorney. Every situation is unique. Therefore, you should always consult with a licensed attorney before making any legal decisions. Thanks for listening.
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