Law News

  1. Methods of Reducing a Criminal Sentence in North Carolina

    Being convicted of a crime, either a misdemeanor or a felony, and facing a sentence is extremely stressful. Once convicted, the sentencing occurs where the court decides what it thinks is an appropriate consequence for the defendant’s crime. In most cases, the court’s decision is the final decision. However, there are legal methods of reducing […]

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  2. Attorney-Client Privilege in North Carolina: Explained

    At Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh Attorneys at Law, your Raleigh criminal lawyer, we strictly abide by the rules that define the attorney-client relationship so that our legal representation is thorough. This article provides information about the privilege we commit to with our clients in an effort to give the very best counsel possible.

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  3. What to Do at a Raleigh DWI Checkpoint

    Police officers often set up DWI roadblocks this time of year, as Labor Day Weekend is considered a high drinking-and-driving holiday. If you have encountered, or anticipate encountering, a DWI checkpoint in North Carolina, you may be curious about your rights at sobriety roadblocks.

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  4. Federal Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    When you commit a felony on federal property or in more than one state, that felony becomes a federal crime. Being that a felony is a crime of the highest level, there are severe penalties that can be pursued both on the state and federal level for a federal felony. If you have been convicted […]

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  5. DUI: The Difference Between North Carolina State Law and Federal Law

    Were you aware that where you get charged with a DUI, also referred to as Driving While Impaired (DWI) makes a big difference in how your case is handled? If you are charged with a DUI while on federally-owned property, the potential penalties you might be subject to are somewhat different than otherwise when arrested […]

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  6. Wake County’s New Digital Case Management Software System

    Going to court for any reason–whether it is a misdemeanor, traffic violation, or a crime–is a stressful situation. You may be on edge about what the outcome may be and you want things to be as smooth as possible. For the court system to operate more efficiently, Wake County has invested in a new software […]

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  7. Are Fireworks Legal in North Carolina? (2023)

    For millions of Americans, July Fourth means cookouts, pool parties, parades, and of course fireworks. However, North Carolina has many strict laws which regulate fireworks use. So, many Tarheels cross the state line to South Carolina, where the laws are not as restrictive. In fact, almost all fireworks are legal in the Palmetto State.

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  8. Understanding North Carolina DWI Levels

    NC DWI Levels According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every day in the United States about 32 people die in vehicle crashes involving alcohol, which equates to one person every 45 minutes. In 2020 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired traffic deaths–an increase of 14% from 2019.  North Carolina has some of the […]

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  9. When Can Children Be Tried as Adults in NC?

    Most parents dread late night or early morning phone calls which inform them that their son or daughter has been arrested. The nightmare is much worse if the child is in custody for a felony or another serious crime. Typically, children go through North Carolina’s juvenile justice system. But that’s not always the case.

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  10. Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Charges

    Federal Charge FAQ’s If you find yourself being charged with a federal crime, you may have a lot of questions. Why is something considered a federal crime? Can a crime be charged both as a state and federal crime? Federal cases are often more complex with more severe penalties and, as such, can be more […]

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