Criminal Defense

A Wake County Defense Attorney’s Holiday Guide: Lessons From the Courtroom

November 5, 2024 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

The holidays transform Wake County. Downtown Raleigh’s streets fill with celebrating crowds. Shopping centers from Crabtree Valley Mall to North Hills buzz with activity. Neighborhoods light up with family gatherings.

Through a criminal defense attorney’s eyes, this festive season reveals patterns worth understanding – patterns that can help you avoid becoming another holiday case file.

If you or a loved one face DUI charges or other criminal legal matter in Wake County, give the Fanney Law Firm a call now. We provide a confidential consultation: 919-617-7009

Criminal Lawyer Terms in North Carolina: A Guide in Plain Language

October 30, 2024 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

When you face criminal charges in Wake County, whether it’s for a DUI, a domestic violence assault, or even a drug charge, you step into a world of sometimes complicated legal terms. From the Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh to conversations with your criminal lawyer, you’ll likely hear words and phrases that might be new to you.

It’s OK to be a bit overwhelmed. That’s normal, and that’s also why having a lawyer on your side makes sense.

The criminal justice system uses specific language – words that often have exact legal meanings. These meanings can matter when they describe what’s happening in your case. You might hear certain terms from judges, lawyers, or court staff. You might also see them in court papers. And you might need to use them yourself when talking to your criminal lawyer.

Memory and Justice: The Intricacies of Mental Competence

December 20, 2023 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

Diving into the legal complexities of mental competence, our latest blog post examines the intriguing case of State v. Bethea.

This North Carolina Court of Appeals decision scrutinizes the challenging intersection of criminal law and cognitive impairment.

Highlighting a defendant’s struggle with memory loss due to a traumatic brain injury, we dissect how such factors influence the determination of legal competence to stand trial.

BIG CHANGES to Bond and Pretrial Release from Jail

September 4, 2023 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

The legal landscape in North Carolina is continually evolving, and one of the recent adjustments that has garnered considerable attention from lawyers in Raleigh NC are the changes to pretrial release from jail and the related bond procedures.

These amendments to the procedure for determining terms and conditions for pretrial release, particularly as they affect those charged with DWI (Driving While Impaired) offenses, are significant.

It’s called the “Pretrial Integrity Act” and with it comes substantial changes to how a bond is set and who may set terms and conditions of release from jail for certain criminal charges in North Carolina.

The Indispensable Role of an Assault Attorney in Your Case

July 13, 2023 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

In the intricate landscape of criminal law, particularly in assault charges, the role of an assault attorney in your case should not be underestimated. We provide sound legal advice, conscientious representation, and strategic planning that are imperative to establishing a defense strategy. Defense counsel help protect your rights and guide you through the complexities of your case.

The Legal Labyrinth: Navigating Assault Charges

Assault cases, by their very nature, tend to be relatively complex and necessitate careful analysis and understanding of the underlying allegations and fact patterns. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will explore the nuances surrounding the alleged assault allegations and carefully consider what took place and what circumstances led to charges being brought. At Fanney Law Office, we want to help you understand your charges and legal options.

Driver’s License and Registration Please

January 25, 2023 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

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?

Take the Fifth

September 16, 2022 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

Should I talk to the police?

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.”

Do I need a lawyer for Assault Charges in Raleigh?

June 6, 2022 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

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?

Raleigh Assault Charges: What is an “Assault?”

November 2, 2021 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

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.

I have a clean record

September 25, 2021 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

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.