When you are pulled over by a police officer, there’s a good chance they’re going ask for your driver’s license and registration. 
While that may be standard operating procedure for many police officers in Raleigh, are you required to comply?
Are you required to provide identification?
If you are suspected of a crime, the police likely will want to question you.
A police officer may try to get you to talk by telling you that it is in your best interest to cooperate and “answer some questions to clear things up.”
If you have been charged with assault, we think it’s a good idea to seek legal counsel right away. 
Assault is a serious crime that can carry substantial penalties and long-term consequences.
But what is considered assault in North Carolina?
If you have assault charges in Raleigh, the allegations may involve simple assault or assault on a female or even assault with deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Each of those types of criminal 
matters are comprised of “essential elements.”
In order to prove someone guilty, the prosecutor must present evidence indicating the accused, the Defendant charged with criminal wrongdoing, is guilty of the underlying crime of criminal assault.
While that may seem straightforward enough, if not obvious, the criminal laws as established by the General Assembly do not specifically define what is an assault in the State of North Carolina.
For whatever reason, people nowadays seem to think not having a prior record entitles them to an automatic dismissal. While there may be 
options available to avoid a conviction if you have a clean record, you should not assume your charges will be dismissed as a matter of course.
That also applies to being a nice person or politeness during the process. Dismissals are by no means automatic. A dismissal of charges certainly is not guaranteed.
If you face criminal charges in Raleigh, whether the accusations involve a felony or misdemeanor, we think it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced lawyer. Going into court alone, hoping for the best possible scenario, a dismissal, can carry consequences.
The incidences of road rage and allegations of shooting into occupied vehicles have increased substantially in Raleigh and 
throughout North Carolina.
Discharging a firearm or “barreled weapon,” as is described in North Carolina General Statute Chapter 14-34.1, is a felony criminal charge. That NC Criminal Law is interpreted by Courts in NC to be broadly interpreted.
The law against shooting into buildings and vehicles, when they are “occupied,” includes several different types of conveyances, buildings, structures, equipment, devices, and enclosures.
Everyone seems to have a passing familiarity with the attorney-client privilege and the secret nature of communications between 
someone facing allegations of criminal charges and their defense lawyer.
That protection of confidentiality encourages the defendant, the person accused of a crime, to be honest with their lawyer. Honesty with legal counsel helps avoid surprises and affords a path towards reliable legal advice in any given circumstance.
There is no question under the NC criminal laws that what you confide to your criminal lawyer is confidential and privileged information. It’s an important aspect to the defense of criminal charges, whether it’s for a felony or a misdemeanor – John Fanney, Raleigh Criminal Defense Attorney
Warrants to Search either persons or property, consistent with the 4th Amendment, must be predicated on Probable Cause.
Some limited authority exists for law enforcement to temporarily detain occupants of the premises to be searched subject to the warrant.
Such detainment must be limited to the area where an occupant may pose a real threat to the efficient and safe execution of the search warrant.
The laws regarding self-defense can be intricate, requiring careful consideration of the use of force, the amount of force, 
and reasonableness.
A defendant determined to have been the aggressor in an affray or fight may regain the right of self-defense (right to use force, including deadly force) when placed in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.
In that event, the legal inquiry would look into whether the aggressor had the reasonable opportunity to retreat.
Attorneys in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina are deemed “essential personnel.”
Indeed, criminal defense lawyers as 
officers of the court are essential to the administration of justice and day-to-day operations.
The Wake County Courthouse remains open for certain types of pressing legal matters, including things like bond hearings, Chapter 50B Protective Orders, and what might otherwise be deemed “emergency-type” hearings for criminal charges.
North Carolina Criminal Law Updates