According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, white-collar crimes are nonviolent but not victimless, such as mortgage fraud and healthcare fraud. These crimes are often accompanied by harsh penalties that can be very challenging to deal with. Your life, your financial security, and your reputation can all be irreparably damaged if you are convicted. In…
North Carolina law allows certain adult criminal records to be expunged or sealed. While many people think sealing and expungement are different, in North Carolina, they are one and the same. The term “sealing” in reference to criminal records is not formally recognized within the North Carolina legal system. However, the act of expungement, also…
Anyone facing criminal charges undoubtedly finds themselves in a very overwhelming situation. That’s why it’s important to understand whether a case is being handled at the state or federal level. North Carolina has both state laws and is subject to federal law. Charges at each level will carry out different procedures and will result in…
When federal agents arrive at your door, it’s natural to ask whether they have a warrant. That question is more than just a TV drama cliché. It goes to the heart of your constitutional rights. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches, but there are exceptions that allow federal authorities to act without a…
Receiving a federal subpoena can be jarring. Whether it arrives by mail, in person, or through your employer, your first thought is often, “What now?” It’s important to understand that this document is more than just a formal request. It’s a legal command. If you live or work in North Carolina and have received a…
Receiving a subpoena to testify before a federal grand jury can be intimidating and stressful, and with good reason. The federal grand jury process is serious, and what you say under oath can have significant consequences. If you’ve been called to testify before a federal grand jury in North Carolina, it’s important to understand your…
The sanctity of one’s home is a cornerstone of American privacy rights. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution safeguards individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, generally mandating that law enforcement secure a warrant before entering a person’s home. However, there are specific circumstances under North Carolina law where police may legally conduct a warrantless…
Every employer is legally responsible for payroll tax withholding. Under both federal and state law, employers must withhold specific amounts from their employees’ paychecks, such as income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, and remit those funds to the appropriate government agencies. When employers intentionally fail to follow these requirements, they may commit payroll tax withholding…
Under North Carolina General Statute § 90-95(h), drug trafficking charges are based solely on the weight of the drug involved. You don’t have to be caught selling, packaging, or distributing narcotics, possessing, transporting, or manufacturing more than a set amount is enough to trigger a trafficking offense. These charges come with mandatory minimum prison sentences and…
When most people think of juries, they tend to picture a courtroom drama with lawyers presenting evidence to a panel of citizens who decide whether someone is guilty or innocent. However, there’s another type of jury you may not be as familiar with—the grand jury. It plays a critical role in the federal criminal justice…
