Raleigh Criminal Lawyers

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.

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.

Will my case be continued?

April 10, 2020 | Fanney Law Office, PLLC

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.