North Carolina Criminal Law UpdatesIt’s hard to ignore all the media reports about the Corona Virus and COVID-19.
This time of year criminal lawyers in Raleigh are used to dealing with seasonal flu outbreaks.
Frankly, juggling schedules and calendars is just part of the job. If clients have questions about whether to come to court, we recommend they call the office – John Fanney, Raleigh Defense Attorney
Many criminal charges and certain traffic tickets may mandate court appearances by the accused.
When possible, our team of defense lawyers and support staff work to limit personal appearances, proceeding by way of something we call a Waiver of Appearance.
Having said that, it would be a mistake to assume you may waive your appearance and/or not attend court in every instance.
If you have questions about how court works in Wake County, we strongly recommend you speak with legal counsel.
In part, that is because each case is different.
What may have been appropriate for a friend or family member may not be applicable to your legal matter.
What happens if I miss court?
Ordinarily, if you miss an appointed court date in Raleigh, depending on the type of legal issue, the Clerk of Court in Wake County may enter a Failure to Appear or “FTA.”
If your legal matter involves an Infraction or some other minor traffic ticket, failure to comply with the outstanding FTA may ultimately result in a letter from NC DMV and suspension of the North Carolina driver’s license.
Other matters, especially felony charges, misdemeanor allegations, and DWI charges in Raleigh, may result in an Order for Arrest or “OFA.”
I think it’s fair to say that missing court for a DWI in Raleigh isn’t a good idea. Of course, that’s true for a lot of other felony and misemeanor charges in Raleigh – John Fanney, Criminal Defense Lawyers
That is not to say there aren’t legal options available.
With advance time and some planning, there are instances when we may be able to consult with the Office of the District Attorney in Wake County, in consultation with the presiding judge, to continue a matter off the docket.
Can I get my case continued?
Waiting until the last minute to address a scheduling issue or conflict makes the possibility of a continuance more difficult.
The more advance notice we have the better.
Getting your case continued is something that is generally addressed on a case-by-case basis, the more time we have and documentation in hand, the better – John Fanney, Raleigh DWI Lawyer
We very much understand no one necessarily plans on getting sick.
That’s especially true for the COVID-19 virus.
With our busy schedules, things can slip up on us all.
If you missed court, have a Failure to Appear, an Order for Arrest, or Warrant for Arrest, we recommend you immediately retain legal counsel.
Call us. We help people with criminal charges in Raleigh and may be able to help resolve any outstanding issues regarding court appearances and continuances.
Administrative Calendars for Wake County Criminal Court
We hope the COVID-19 outbreak in North Carolina does not adversely affect you or your family.
And while we are ordinarily optimistic criminal defense lawyers, the reality of what we now collectively face cannot be ignored.
It is entirely possible large segments of the population may be subject to a voluntary quarantine.
With that comes the likelihood that some people facing criminal charges in Raleigh may not be able to attend court.
In fact, it’s also possible the courts and the Wake County courthouse will be closed for extended periods of time.
If court in Raleigh is officially closed, don’t fret.
The Clerk of Court will reassign court dates and appearances.
If you cannot come to court, we believe it makes sense to have your criminal lawyer talk to the Assistant District Attorney (ADA), in consultation with the judge, to seek a continuance.
A good way to kill the COVID virus: Wash your hands 
According to legal medical experts, one of the best ways to avoid catching both the flu bug and the Coronavirus is simple: Wash your hands with warm, soapy water.
Take your time. Really lather up.
Apparently the COVID-19 virus doesn’t like hot water.
One trick to make sure you wash long enough is to sing your alphabet three times.
Dry your hands first. Don’t touch the water faucet nobs, the paper towel dispenser, or the bathroom door.
That’ll reinfect your hands.
Also, try not to touch your face.
Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis came up with the idea in 1846.
Had medical professionals followed his advice regarding decontaminating themselves, a lot less people would have died during the Civil War and prior to the antibiotic era.
Lawyers who handle criminal charges in Raleigh – Fanney Law Firm
If you face criminal allegations in Wake County, our team of criminal lawyers is available for consultation.
Don’t wait. Call today.
Consultations with our law firm are free of charge. If you’re sick and don’t know whether you should go to court, give us a ring – John Fanny, Raleigh Lawyer
Call John Fanney NOW: 919-617-7009
Here’s are some more legal topics that may interest you:
- Can I get my DWI charges thrown out?
- Assault on Female charges in Raleigh NC
- Should I hire a lawyer for a NC DMV hearing?
- Should I give a statement to the police?
- NC DHHS COVID Virus information and updates