North Carolina Criminal Law UpdatesWhen 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.