Category Archives: Misdemeanor

Assault With A Deadly Weapon Penalties in the North Carolina Courts

Criminal Defense, Felony Offenses, Misdemeanor, ,

Most assault cases are misdemeanors in North Carolina. Assault can be a serious charge by itself. Add in anything that can be considered a deadly weapon, and a misdemeanor charge escalates into a felony charge immediately, even if no one was hurt. The reasoning is that the involvement of a weapon greatly increases the chances that a victim will be seriously hurt or even killed.

There are multiple levels of “assault” in North Carolina, both misdemeanor and felony. If you’ve been arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, these are felony charges with serious consequences.

The Charge

There are three ways that someone can be charged with Assault With A Deadly Weapon in North Carolina:

  • Assault With A Deadly Weapon Penalties in the North Carolina CourtsWith the intent to kill, in which serious injury is inflicted, a Class C felony
  • With intent to kill but no serious injury is inflicted, Class E felony
  • Inflicting serious injury, a Class E felony

Intent to kill is established by the actions and words of the assailant that he or she clearly meant to kill the victim, even if they did not.

A “serious injury” is one that:

  • Permanent and serious disfigurement
  • Long-term/permanent pain
  • Long-term/permanent impairment
  • Loss of function of a body part or organ
  • Long-term hospitalization
  • Comatose condition or significant risk of death

One particularly important point is whether the alleged victim actually suffered injuries that could be considered serious. A defense attorney will seek to prove that the other party did not suffer major injuries or any injuries at all.

What Is A “Deadly Weapon?”

As you might imagine, guns, knives, blunt objects, and other items are considered deadly weapons, but the statute doesn’t have a strict definition. So everyday objects used in a deadly weapon case that results in someone’s death will fit that definition.

This means that picking up anything that’s handy and using it as a weapon will still be considered as a “deadly weapon,” even if it isn’t a firearm. If during an assault, for instance, a person picks up a cast-iron pan, a baseball bat, a fireplace poker, or a hand-sized object made of glass or marble to strike someone, the object becomes a deadly weapon. No matter what the object, its weight, size, and/or shape can cause serious injury or even death if used against someone the right way.

Sentencing And Penalties

A sentence will depend on the class with which the person was charged.

  • Class C felony for Intent To Kill with serious injury: between 44 and 231 months, or 3.6 years to 19.25 years.
  • Class E felony for inflicting serious injury or intent to kill without injury: between 15 and 88 months, or 1.25 years to 7.3 years. However, prior convictions can increase the sentence as high as 182 months or 15.2 years.

Additionally, there are fines, court costs, restitution to the victim, probation, and other miscellaneous penalties. You may also be sued in civil court for financial damages as a personal injury or other types of case.

Criminal Defense Attorney Dewey P. Brinkley In Raleigh

Assault with a deadly weapon is a serious crime that can include a long-term jail sentence. If you’ve been accused of this crime, it’s important to find someone to defend you in court who has your best interests in mind. Your future, your life, and your rights are on the line, so it’s important to begin working with a criminal defense attorney who will work for you.

Dewey P. Brinkley is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Raleigh, NC with a proven track record of defending clients against criminal charges. If you’ve been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, contact him immediately to begin building your defense.

Call Dewey P. Brinkley today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case at (919) 832-0307. You can also email us by using  our online contact form.

North Carolina’s “Second Chance Act”

Criminal Defense, Misdemeanor, ,

An old charge for disorderly conduct or other minor offense that’s dismissed can keep you from getting a job, into college, or the military. Even though it was dismissed, it keeps showing up in background checks for years. You explain it, but not everyone believes you.

It’s estimated that one in four residents of North Carolina has past criminal records that have long-term consequences. This includes arrests that ended in the dismissal of charges, “not guilty” verdicts, or was for nonviolent misdemeanor convictions. Even if dismissed, they show up in background checks for things like military enlistment, college educations, and employment. In many cases, having a “record” can prevent a person from pursuing a range of opportunities.

We’ve mentioned the topic of expungement in our blog last August. In fact, under some circumstances, it’s already available Since then, North Carolina has passed a new law that expands expungement in the state. The new law makes it easier to expunge if you have one of these low-level charges and other entries that give you a lasting criminal record.

Second Chance Act, SB 562

Passed unanimously by the NC General Assembly in June of 2020 and signed into law by Governor Ray Cooper, the Second Chance Act became effective on December 1, 2020. It’s also been nicknamed the “clean slate” bill.

North Carolina’s New "Second Chance Act" For Drug OffensesAnyone wishing to request an expungement must do so by filing a petition since it is not automatic. The new law allows for the expunction (also called “expungement”) for:

  • Some juvenile convictions, misdemeanors, or a Class H or I felony
  • Nonviolent misdemeanor and felony convictions
  • Acquittals and dismissed charges

You can be granted an expungement if:

  • You haven’t been convicted of any misdemeanors or felonies during the required five- to ten-year period
  • You have shown good moral character
  • You’ve not been granted a previous expunction for a misdemeanor or nonviolent felony
  • You have no:
    • Outstanding warrants
    • Obligations
    • Restitutions
    • Pending criminal cases

Exceptions

However, there are some exceptions under the Second Chance act, including:

  • Class A1 misdemeanors
  • Felonies that are Class A through G
  • Any offenses that include sexual assault
  • Any offenses that require sex offender registration
  • Specific sex-related and stalking offenses
  • Felony possession with intent to sell or deliver:
    • Heroin
    • Cocaine
    • Methamphetamines
  • Any offense that involves driving while impaired

Convictions such as these are not eligible for expunction.

In the future, new dismissed charges and acquittals will be automatically expunged from records as a matter of course, except for motor vehicle violations. This provision becomes effective on December 1, 2021.

For North Carolina Drug Offenses

Those with non-violent drug trafficking charges are also eligible to petition the court for dismissal of their previous record. This includes all lower-level criminal convictions, dismissed charges, and verdicts of “not guilty.”

But in North Carolina, drug trafficking comes with mandatory prison sentences, and a conviction makes it difficult to get out.

An additional new law, called the “First Step Act” allows a judge to deviate from standard long prison sentences and high fines if:

  • The individual has avoided any violent activity
  • Admits to having a drug problem
  • Is not a repeat offender

The idea is to help those with addiction seek out treatment, rather than languish in prison with long sentences. The judge will have to see certain findings and has the discretion to give a shorter sentence if these conditions are met.

Additionally, those convicted of drug trafficking prior to December 1, 2020, can request for a judge to retroactively ease their punishment.

How To Get A Second Chance

Because these expungements are not yet automatic, you’ll have to file the petition yourself with the help of a criminal defense attorney. The petition requests that the judge grant your expunction, and your record will be erased for that charge or incident.

While you can file the petition on your own, it’s best to discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney who will review your case and advise you on the best course of action.

Note that while expunged criminal records aren’t available to the public, expunctions can still be accessed by law enforcement and courts if there is a new offense or conviction.

Take Advantage Of The Second Chance Act

Old charges don’t disappear from our record, nor do dismissals and acquittals. You have to take action to make it happen. Let Dewey P. Brinkley help you get your Second Chance so you can move on from past Noth Carolina drug offenses.

Dewey P. Brinkley has defended thousands of clients against various criminal charges and helped many with the expunction of a long-ago minor criminal record.  Contact our Raleigh law office today at (919) 832-0307 or use our online contact form for a free consultation.

 

Can Social Media Posts Be Used As Evidence In Raleigh, NC Court Cases?

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Many users post to social media without considering that their words, pictures, or other content could have adverse consequences. Most people like to post pictures of food, their pets, children, or discuss other everyday things. But sometimes what you post can have serious repercussions.

If you are involved in a court case—whether criminal, family law (including divorce and child custody cases), worker’s compensation, or personal injury, for instance—anything posted on social media is available to anyone who finds it. Many people have lost their cases because of something found on their social media.

Divorce lawyers are particularly devious when it comes to finding evidence on social media that can win the case for their clients. In any court case, content posted on social media can and likely will be used as evidence by opposing counsel. Technology means that unless you can prove that your account was hacked, everything can be authenticated before the trial.

Criminal Postings

It seems ridiculous, but many people have been caught and arrested after posting pictures of themselves on social media and even confessing to a crime.

Can Social Media Posts Be Used As Evidence In Raleigh, NC Court Cases?

  • Mooresville NC— Jade Tyson Brannon, 44, was arrested in June of 2020 for posting threats of violence against law enforcement on social media.
  • Fayetteville, NC— Lacy Kornegay, 21, made social media posts with threats against an ethnic group and listed someone else’s address to lead a reader to someone else’s home.
  • San Diego, CA—bank employee Arlando Henderson, 29, is arrested by the FBI in December of 2019 after stealing over $88,000 from the bank’s vault. He posted multiple pictures of himself with stacks of cash on both Facebook and Instagram. He used some of the money to put a down payment on a new luxury vehicle, and committed loan fraud to pay the balance.

Last year, the FBI admitted that it searched through social media to try and identify “potential flashpoints for violence.”

Even if your settings are “private,” it’s not uncommon for law enforcement to connect with someone on your friend’s list to obtain evidence. Witnesses can also provide evidence from a social media page.

But doesn’t this come under free speech? Yes, it does—and it’s placed online for the world to see. Therefore, law enforcement may not need a warrant to get it, since discussing anything on social media is no different than discussing it in any public place.

A Real-Life Case

On 9/10/2012, a grand jury indicted Antonio Delontay Ford of involuntary manslaughter and obstruction of justice in the death of Eugene Cameron. The matter went to trial on 7/23/2014, and he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

In State Of NC vs. Ford (No. COA15-75, filed in the appellate court, 2/16/2016), the defendant appealed a decision based on the unlawful introduction of some of his social media postings from his MySpace page. The page included pictures of his dog, a pit bull named “DMX,” which attacked and killed Cameron unprovoked.

Neighbors reported previous encounters with this dog, including three incidents of bites. The dog was known to be vicious, and it had been allowed to run through the neighborhood unsecured and unsupervised. The owner of the home where Cameron was found suggested to detectives that they speak with next-door neighbor Ford, a dog owner.

Detectives questioned Ford, he admitted that DMX was his. DNA analysis of both the victim and DMX showed that the dog was responsible for Cameron’s injuries that led to his death.

The night before the trial, a detective discovered Ford’s MySpace page. In addition to pictures and videos of the dog, the page contained a video captioned, “DMX tha Killer Pit.” A second video contained the caption, “After a Short Fight, he killed that mut.”  One picture bore the description, “undefeated.” Screenshots of several videos were submitted into evidence, and a rap song sung by the defendant was played for the jury. The song was posted on his Myspace page, and the lyrics denied that the dog was the cause of death.

In his appeal, Ford stated that the court erred in submitting his rap song about the dog, evidence from his online presence, and committed an error in admitting opinion testimony. He attempted to stop the admission of his rap song as evidence but was denied. The jury heard the rap song in its entirety, including racial epithets and other profanities. Ford contended that the content offended the jury, which caused them to overlook the “holes in the State’s case.” Conversely, the prosecution showed that not only did Ford know that DMX was a dangerous and vicious animal, but he was also proud of it. Ford’s social media supported this assertion.

The court disagreed with Ford’s appeal:

“Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes, section 8C-1, Rule 402, “[a]ll relevant evidence is admissible, except as otherwise provided by the Constitution of the United States, by the Constitution of North Carolina, by Act of Congress, by Act of the General Assembly or by these rules. Evidence which is not relevant is not admissible.” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8C-1, Rule 402 (2013)

Your Criminal Defense Counsel In Raleigh

If you’ve been charged with a crime—any crime—the first thing to do is stay off social media, and avoid posting anything until you speak with a criminal defense attorney.

Even as a misdemeanor, any type of conviction can have long-ranging consequences that impact your life, including a permanent criminal record.

If you’ve been arrested and are facing any kind of criminal charges, call the law offices of Dewey P. Brinkley today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case at (919) 832-0307. You can also email us using our online contact form.

How Are Crimes Categorized In North Carolina?

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Crimes in North Carolina have two general categories: felonies and misdemeanors. They are divided further into sub-categories based on the seriousness of the crime.

Each division has its own sentencing guidelines, which are ordered at the judge’s discretion. Some crimes may be given the state’s minimum sentencing, while others may be given at the maximum sentencing. The judge can add to or subtract from the specified sentence as well as specify what type of sentence the defendant will serve.

Misdemeanors

From simple affray to possession of very small amounts of marijuana, a misdemeanor is a “minor” crime that frequently requires a court appearance in front of a jury. It may or may not include jail time. Punishments are either active, intermediate, or community, and are up to the judge to decide.

How Are Crimes Categorized In North Carolina?These misdemeanor categories are:

  • Class 3, the least serious of offenses, such as shoplifting. This can include a sentence of 1 to 20 days of active, intermediate, or community punishment
  • Class 2, the next serious offense, such as carrying a firearm without a permit. This can include a sentence of 1 to 60 days of active, intermediate, or community punishment
  • Class 1, such as prostitution. This can include a sentence of 1 to 120 days of active, intermediate, or community punishment
  • Class A1, the highest level of misdemeanor, such as assault that inflicts serious injury. This can include a sentence of 1 to 150 days of active, intermediate, or community punishment

It’s important to note that although a misdemeanor is a “minor crime,” a conviction, even without jail time, can leave you with a criminal record and all that goes with it.

Prior Misdemeanor Convictions

These groupings are only for first offenses. The state also classifies conviction levels as follows:

  • Level I: no prior convictions
  • Level II: one to four prior convictions
  • Level III: five or more prior convictions

The court takes these levels into consideration when determining the sentence.

Felonies

These are more serious crimes and are given much harsher penalties and sentences. From the highest to lowest, these are North Carolina’s classifications for felonies:

  • Class A—death penalty or life with or without parole (for the most serious, such as murder)
  • Class B1—144 months to life without parole
  • Class B2—94 to 393 months
  • Class C—44 to 182 months
  • Class D—38 to 160 months
  • Class E—15 to 63 months
  • Class F—10 to 41 months
  • Class G—8 to 31 months
  • Class H—4 to 25 months
  • Class I—3 to 12 months

These classifications are only for an individual’s first offense.

Prior Felony Convictions

Similar to prior misdemeanor convictions, North Carolina takes prior convictions into consideration.

North Carolina’s state statute assigns points to each prior conviction:

  • Class A felony conviction: 10 points per conviction
  • Class BI felony conviction: 9 points per conviction
  • Class B2, C, or D felony conviction: 6 points per conviction
  • Class E, F, or G felony conviction: 4 points per conviction
  • Class H or I felony conviction: 2 points per conviction
  • Previous misdemeanor conviction: 1 point per conviction

Points are added and a level is assigned based on the total number of points:

  • Level I—0 to 1 point
  • Level II—2 to 5 points
  • Level III—6 to 9 points
  • Level IV—10 to 13 points
  • Level V—14 to 17 points
  • Level VI—18 or more points

The court then uses this number to determine the dispositional range for sentencing, as well as any aggravating or mitigating factors.

Fines

In addition to prison time, a judge can impose a fine, depending on the crime and the severity. For instance, someone who is sentenced only to community service can be also subject to paying a fine (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1340.23 (2019))

Your Criminal Defense Counsel In Raleigh

Even as a misdemeanor, any type of conviction can have long-ranging consequences that impact your life, including a criminal record. Don’t ignore any criminal charges, no matter how minor. They can cost you considerably later on, and impact your life for years to come.

If you’ve been arrested and are facing any kind of criminal charges, call the law offices of Dewey P. Brinkley today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case at (919) 832-0307. You can also email us by using our online contact form.

Criminal Defense For Rioting Charges During Protests

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The freedom of expression is a uniquely American civil right, one which has become a hallmark of the US. Since the spring, demonstrations have become commonplace in many major US cities to protest a number of wrongs committed against citizens.  But if the demonstration turns to rioting like we saw in Charlottesville, arrests can be made and you may wonder what could be the defense for rioting.

In recent months, many protests intended to be peaceful have not stayed that way, with many turning into violent riots. As a result, residents, cities, and police departments are on edge during upcoming public events.

You may be considering whether you should join a protest, or stay far from it. That’s your choice, since you may not know what you’ll be walking into when you get there. Understand that if you decide to join a protest, you could face the possibility of being arrested if it dissolves into a riot situation.

Why Are Protestors Arrested?

Criminal Defense For Rioting Charges During ProtestsMost protestors are arrested for minor infractions such as failure to disperse or resisting a public officer. That was the case in Charlotte when over 100 people were arrested after protests. Disorderly conduct, a catch-all term for various types of behavior, is another frequent charge used for groups of people who become agitated.

Protests are frequently attracted individuals who have every intention of turning the event into a violent melee. Overwhelmed police may decide to arrest everyone they can and let the courts sort everything out. Innocent marchers who were not even involved with rioters are arrested as a matter of course and must fight for themselves in the court system.

Trespassing And Looting

Entering someone’s property without their consent or permission at any time is considered trespassing. You are not an invitee and have no reason to be on the property, you’re considered a trespasser. North Carolina General Statutes § 14 288.6 directly addresses both of these charges and includes:

“Entering without legal justification when the usual security of property is not effective due to the occurrence or aftermath of riot, insurrection, invasion, storm, fire, explosion, flood, collapse, or other disaster or calamity is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor of trespass during an emergency.”

Property owners generally have a duty of care to keep their premises safe for all who enter. But if you are injured on someone else’s property while trespassing, you may not be able to collect damages under premises liability law. The property owner’s responsibility is only to avoid willfully harming someone who is trespassing. Injuries you sustain while trespassing means you are on your own for medical bills and other expenses.

As we’ve seen in many cities, looting and other physical damage have destroyed businesses around the country. The same statute addresses looting:

“Any person who commits the crime of trespass during an emergency and, without legal justification, obtains or exerts control over, damages, ransacks, or destroys the property of another is guilty of the felony of looting and shall be punished as a Class H felon.”

Defense for Rioting Charges

Even if you are innocent of the charges made against you, or your arrest is unlawful, you can still be charged separately with resisting arrest.

There are circumstances where you may need to trespass during a riot or other emergency, including protecting the life of another individual or property. (Having the owner’s consent means you are not trespassing.) Recovering personal property on someone’s premises is not considered trespassing, either, such as property moved elsewhere by a hurricane. But you will be required to prove that your trespass was not intended to be criminal and that there was an imminent emergency.

Looting, on the other hand, will require a stronger burden of proof by the prosecutor. Defenses include lack of intent to commit looting, or if you were the subject of mistaken identity. You may also be able to use the defenses that the police failed to follow proper due process, or that they committed an unlawful search and seizure. Your criminal defense attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of your arrest and the circumstances surrounding it before your court date to determine exactly what occurred to assemble your defense.

Arrested After A Protest And Need Help? Call Dewey P. Brinkley

Exercising your right to free speech shouldn’t come with an arrest. If you are arrested for rioting, disorderly conduct, or other criminal charges during a demonstration, get legal counsel immediately and defend yourself against the charges. You want to ensure you get the proper defense against rioting charges or other related charges.

Dewey P. Brinkley is a former Wake County prosecutor who will prepare a strong defense and make sure you receive a fair trial under the law. . He has considerable experience defending those arrested for disorderly conduct and other charges and works for the best possible outcome. Contact our Raleigh law office today at (919) 832-0307 for a free consultation or use our online contact form.

Can You Be Sued For Breaking and Entering in North Carolina?

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Breaking and entering cases are generally considered to be a criminal act  for which you can be arrested. But if you do damage to someone’s property in the process of breaking and entering, can you can also be sued in civil court?

Civil Vs. Criminal

Can You Be Sued For Breaking and Entering in North Carolina?Criminal charges are either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the intent. If someone just breaks into a home, it’s usually a misdemeanor.

Add larceny (theft) or another crime, such as the intent to terrorize someone, breaking into a house of worship, or breaking into a motor vehicle, and the charges become a felony. In either case, these criminal charges can trigger an arrest.

If an arrested individual causes a significant amount of damages, an affected person can choose to file a civil lawsuit to recover money for damages committed during the criminal activity.

Civil Damages

An individual who is the recipient of a breaking and entering attempt will frequently suffer damages as a result of the crime, such as:

  • Damage to a home, apartment or other dwellings
  • Damage to a vehicle, such as broken glass, broken doors, etc.
  • Property damage inside of the home or business, such as furniture, fixtures, plumbing, structural fixtures (such as damage to walls) or other private property

Much like a personal injury case, the plaintiff can also sue for compensatory damages for the costs of repair and/or replacement, as well as legal costs, medical costs, loss of wages, and other associated expenses. Punitive damages are also a possibility, as well as things like pain and suffering.

Statute Of Limitations

Someone who has suffered damages from an individual breaking and entering has three years from the date of the break-in to file a lawsuit for monetary compensation. North Carolina General Statutes section 1-52 details the conditions, including 5: For criminal conversation, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not hereafter enumerated.

A civil suit for these damages is separate from a criminal case, tried in a different court. Even if an individual is incarcerated for breaking and entering, he or she can still be sued in civil court and served with a summons. The rules are the same for timeliness and jurisdiction whether or not the person is in prison, and it does not stop the civil process.

However, a person who intends to sue someone who committed breaking and entering should consult with an attorney before proceeding, especially if the damages are significant.

Defend Yourself Against Breaking & Entering

Being charged with breaking and entering doesn’t always follow with a conviction. With the right criminal defense, you could see your charges reduced, or even dropped.

Dewey P. Brinkley is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Raleigh, NC. Before working as a defense attorney, he was a Wake County Assistant District Attorney. He understands the criminal justice system and can represent you for a wide range of criminal charges.

Call the law offices of Dewey P. Brinkley today for a free initial consultation to discuss your criminal defense case at (919) 832-0307. You can also use our online contact form.

 

 

Charged With Resisting Arrest During Protests In Raleigh?

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Free speech is still an American right. Expressions of free speech are protected by the First Amendment, and gatherings of these types have increased in numbers since the death of George Floyd in May. While many demonstrators were peacefully protesting, others were not, leading to violence and destruction in Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Charlotte, and other cities around the Tar Heel State.

Police nationwide have arrested both peaceful protesters right alongside looters and violent mobs to prevent more vandalism and harm to residents. What do you do if you were in one of these protests and found yourself arrested?

The Right To Protest

Help When Charged With Resisting Arrest During Protests In RaleighProtesting comes under the First Amendment and “free speech.” This means that you have the right to express an opinion in public, anytime, anywhere, with some limitations. (Not all speech is “protected” by the First Amendment, such as inciting riots or “fighting words.”) Protests and demonstrations on private property, such as a place of business or employment, are not as protected.

However, protests that evolve into more than civil disobedience and involve illegal activity such as rioting, burning, looting, and other conduct that can cause injury or property damage can lead to arrest and other police intervention.

Large-scale demonstrations generally require permits to accommodate the additional police presence for the protection of attendees.

Resisting Arrest

North Carolina General Statutes, Article 30, Section § 14-223 states that:

“If any person shall willfully and unlawfully resist, delay or obstruct a public officer in discharging or attempting to discharge a duty of his office, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.”

In addition to resisting arrest when you’re told, it also means interfering with any police officer who is doing his or her job. This includes the act of interfering when an officer is arresting someone else. Additional causes include using abusive language towards law enforcement, giving false information such as name and address, refusing to accept a citation, and preventing an officer from doing his or her job, such as interfering with another arrest.

Not complying with a police request can also be considered “resisting arrest,” based on the officer’s judgment. Therefore, it’s important at such a public event to allow the police to do their job, and comply with their requests.

If you’re charged with a different offense, such as disorderly conduct, actively resisting arrest can bring a second charge, even if the first one for disorderly conduct is eventually dropped. If you’re innocent of the original charge, resisting arrest is a separate charge for which you will be tried.

Should you be part of an arrest during a protest that turns dangerous or violent, you have the right to the criminal defense attorney of your choice. A defense attorney can help you through the court process and work to have the charges reduced or even dropped.

Need Help With Resisting Arrest Charges? Contact Raleigh’s Criminal Defense Attorney

Dewey P. Brinkley is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Raleigh, NC. Before working as a defense attorney, he was a Wake County Assistant District Attorney. He understands the criminal justice system and has experience with resisting arrest as both misdemeanor and felony charges.

If you have been charged with resisting arrest, call the law offices of Dewey P. Brinkley today for a free initial consultation to discuss your criminal defense case at (919) 832-0307. You can also use our online contact form.

Having Your Criminal Record Expunged In Raleigh.

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A long-ago arrest and charge may be preventing you from getting employment, from obtaining housing (or evicted from public housing), and even student aid. Although most employers may go back seven years, there is no law prohibiting anyone from doing a complete criminal background check going back many more years.

Many people believe that after a certain point, a dismissal or a charge that didn’t lead to a conviction will simply “fall off” your record. This may be true of items on a credit record, but a criminal record is an entirely different matter. Unless you specifically petition the court to have something expuncted (also called “expunged”), that charge, arrest, or minor conviction will stay on your record forever.

It is possible to have a previous North Carolina criminal record expuncted. If you are successful, you can answer the question of a criminal record with a confident “no.”

What Is Expunction?

Having Your Criminal Record Expunged In Raleigh.It’s the process by which you request that the court eradicate a past charge, arrest, and in some cases, convictions. The request is made to a judge in the court where the arrest occurred, who reviews your records and makes the determination. If approved, the criminal record is destroyed by court order.

Note that this isn’t the same thing as a pardon, which is an order signed by the governor. An expunction is signed by a judge.

The UNC School of Government has a web-based tool called C-CAT that offers information on criminal convictions, and an additional site that includes information on expunction. They are for information only and do not offer legal advice.

What Charges Can Be Eliminated

Not all charges can be expuncted, and there are waiting periods for some convictions. Generally, you can request an expunction for:

  • A first-time conviction of a nonviolent offense
  • A first-time conviction of certain offenses committed before age 18/22
  • A charge that was dismissed or ruled as not guilty

It’s estimated that around 25% of North Carolina residents have some kind of criminal record, and many are eligible to take advantage of expunction. Even though the strict criteria limits the number of eligible cases, very few eligible people actually avail themselves to the expanded opportunities for expunction. It’s worth it to discuss the possibility with a Raleigh criminal defense attorney who understands the rules and laws around expunction.

Under North Carolina state law, (§15A-145.5(a)(8a)). DWI convictions are specifically excluded from expunction (as well as felony convictions that include violence.) DWI convictions can no longer be expuncted, no matter how old they are. Violent crimes as well as other more serious crimes are also ineligible for expunction.

The complete statute for North Carolina §15A-145 regarding expunction is available here.

Reduced Waiting Periods

The recent changes in the law mean that:

  • For a nonviolent misdemeanor, the waiting period is now five years
  • For a nonviolent felony, the waiting period is now ten years
  • Dismissals can be expuncted immediately since there is no time or number limit on them. Any number of dismissals can be expuncted. However, the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation is currently experiencing a backlog of cases since the law was passed.
  • These dismissals can be expuncted as long as the individual has not been convicted of a felony.

Some types of charges have filing fees involved, so check with the clerk of court prior to filing.

While it may be possible to request to have a criminal record expunged on your own, consult with an attorney who understands the process and can discuss your case and your chances of a successful outcome.

Ready To Let Go Of A Previous Charge?

Don’t let a previous arrest, charge or conviction stop you from living your life. Find out if you are eligible for expunction so you can finally be free of the past.

Dewey P. Brinkley has defended thousands of clients against various criminal charges and helped many with the expunction of a long-ago minor criminal record.  Contact our Raleigh law office today at (919) 832-0307 (or use our online contact form) for a free consultation.

Technology-Facilitated Cyberstalking Charges In Raleigh, NC

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Our increasingly technical society has changed the way we do nearly everything. From banking to grocery shopping and even working, technology is a big part of everyday life—especially now, with Zoom conferences and online collaboration platforms like Slack and Asana. As we learn how to use each new app and tool and find ways to live and work better, others have discovered ways to misuse technology to their ill intent.

Cyberstalking Defined

Technology-facilitated stalking, commonly known as “cyberstalking,” is the act of stalking another individual with the addition of technology, including:

  • Smartphones and other mobile devices
  • GPS devices (for following individuals while driving)
  • Phone calls
  • Social media messages
  • Emails
  • Hacking into a victim’s online account, whether email, financial, or other accounts

Technology-Facilitated Stalking Defense Attorney In Raleigh, NCCyberstalking can also be from different individuals known to the victim, such as neighbors, friends of friends, relatives, or coworkers, or may even be strangers. Whatever the case, an individual who is a target of cyberstalking finds themselves experiencing a persisting and strategic campaign of different types of online abuse intended to harass, threaten, and humiliate an individual to control and intimidate a victim. Other forms of abuse include financial abuse and an attempt to isolate the victim from supportive family and friends.

A cyberstalker can be anyone from a casual acquaintance to someone well known, or someone you’ve never met. Many cases of stalking and cyberstalking are from former spouses, domestic partners, or significant others, like the recent case of Dr. Aime Hardwick in California. While Dr. Hardwick had previously obtained a restraining order against ex-boyfriend Gareth Pursehouse, it had expired just two weeks before her death. Pursehouse had repeatedly stalked Dr. Hardwick for over ten years, followed her around in public as well as online. Repeated attempts to stop his endless stalking and harassment failed.

North Carolina Laws On Cyberstalking

North Carolina considers stalking to be when an individual willfully harasses another on more than two occasions without any legal reason, and:

  • Causes the individual to fear for themselves, a family member, or another person they are close to (such as a spouse or partner)
  • Or causes extreme fear in a person for bodily injury, death, or persistent and recurrent harassment

North Carolina General Statute 14-196.3 states:

  • The use of email or other electronic communications (including social media) is deployed to threaten a person, a relative (spouse, children, etc.) to extort property and/or money
  • Using email or other electronic media to threaten, abuse, or otherwise harass an individual, even when there is no conversation
  • Emailing an individual or a family member with false statements regarding criminal or indecent conduct, injury, illness, disfigurement, or death with the intent to terrify, threaten, or otherwise abuse.
  • Knowingly placing an electronic tracking device under a victim’s control (such as on a car or in a woman’s purse) to monitor their locations (exceptions for law enforcement, fleet vehicles, and other legitimate purposes.) This can include an individual who intentionally allows a cyberstalker to use his or her device to harass another person, such as a smartphone or tablet.

Social media can include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms. North Carolina law does not require that the victim believe the threatening statements, or that the “reasonable person” would believe them.

Technology-related stalking, or cyberstalking, is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A conviction can bring 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

If You Are Charged With Cyberstalking

Much will depend on the circumstances and facts surrounding the arrest. Should you find yourself charged with cyberstalking, there may be defenses available, even if you are technically “guilty.” The charges may be reduced to something less serious. A conviction will leave you with a criminal record and the consequences that come with it.

For a free consultation regarding your stalking or cyberstalking charges with the lawyers at the Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley, call our Raleigh law office immediately at 919-832-0307 to make an appointment. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and will begin building a strong and effective defense for you.

How Misdemeanor Charges Can Have A Major Impact On Your Life

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Many people don’t think much of it if they find themselves charged with a misdemeanor crime. You may believe that a misdemeanor is on the same level as a parking ticket, but it isn’t. If you’ve been arrested for a misdemeanor, your life can still be severely impacted. Although it isn’t as serious as a felony, a misdemeanor is still a crime, and you should take it seriously.

Defining The Misdemeanor

How Misdemeanor Charges Can Have A Major Impact On Your LifeNorth Carolina divides misdemeanors into four categories: A1, 1, 2, and 3. These will depend on the seriousness of the offense you’re charged with, and can rage from simple marijuana possession to things like larceny (theft) and property damage.

  • Category 3 incurs a maximum fine of $200 and up to 20 days jail time
  • Category 2 incurs a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 60 days jail time
  • Category 1 incurs a “discretionary” fine and up to 120 days jail time
  • Category A1 incurs a “discretionary” fine and up to 150 days jail time

Can you afford to go to jail for 1 to 20 days? Chances are your employer will terminate you, and you’ll have a much more difficult time finding another job after a conviction.

Of course, the outcome of your case will depend on a number of different factors, including your criminal record or lack thereof, the facts of the case, and any agreements you and your defense attorney reach with the district attorney’s office. Some charges, such as minor traffic infractions, will incur no jail time.

How A Misdemeanor Can Cause Problems Later

Conviction of a misdemeanor still means that you have a criminal conviction, and you when asked, you will have to disclose your criminal record, whether it’s a single conviction or more than one.

Misdemeanor charges stay on your record, and nearly always show up on a background check. No matter how old they are, an employer will eventually find out about it once they request it. This means that a criminal conviction will show up on background checks related to:

  • Job applications
  • License applications
  • Housing applications (such as apartment complexes and other rental properties)
  • Mortgage loan applications
  • Student financial aid applications

A misdemeanor may prevent you from applying for and being hired for certain types of jobs, and restrict where you can live.

There may be occasions where an old county-level conviction may not show up in another county, or on a state level. But you should never assume that it won’t show up on a background check, especially for an employer.

Even for the most minor infractions such as simple affray, you should retain defense counsel against a misdemeanor charge. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you will have a criminal record, no different than if you’d committed a more serious or violent felony. Like a felony, the misdemeanor will follow you around for the rest of your life.

Expungement

Criminal convictions in North Carolina of any kind do not automatically disappear from your record, no matter how old they are.

Texas, California and several other states have a “seven-year rule,” meaning that any records that are more than 7 years old will not show up in a background check. However, North Carolina has no such rule, but you can request to have an old record cleared with an expungement.

If you were arrested and/or convicted of a misdemeanor many years ago and have not had any other charges since then, it is possible to have your case expunged, or removed, from your record. Even if you were arrested and charged but found not guilty, a record still exists of this action.

Once you apply for an expungement and the court grants it, you will no longer have a criminal record, and you can legally answer the question about your criminal record with a confident “no.”

The rules surrounding expungement are complex. That’s important to discuss a possible expungement of your misdemeanor case with a criminal defense attorney so you can start the process and get on with your life.

Let Dewey P. Brinkley Defend You Against A Misdemeanor

Dewey P. Brinkley is a former Wake County Assistant District Attorney who understands the law and the Raleigh court system. If you’re charged with a misdemeanor like simple assault or disorderly conduct, no matter how minor, he can defend you in criminal court and work for the best possible outcome. Call Mr. Brinkley today at 919-832-0307 or use our contact page to schedule your free consultation.