DART Center Tour, Program Overview, and Practical Takeaways
In October, we administered a class on DWI substantive law and procedure for District Court Judges and Magistrates. As part of that program, I took a group of judges to […]
Resources, Resources, Resources!
Last week, I posted a short blog discussing the new category of violent offenses as defined by G.S. 15A-531(9). The post includes a chart of qualifying offenses for those who […]
The End of the Concurrent Sentence Default
For many years, it has been the rule in North Carolina that when multiple sentences of imprisonment are imposed, they run concurrently by default. That has been required by statute […]
“Violent Offenses” under G.S. 15A-531(9)
December 1 is approaching, which means that many of the changes enacted by the General Assembly this session will be taking effect soon. Among the pending changes are those enacted […]
2025 Delinquency Law Changes
The 2025 legislative session resulted in a small number of changes to the laws that govern delinquency proceedings. They include extended terms of probation and post-release supervision in some cases, […]
Case Summaries: N.C. Court of Appeals (Nov. 19, 2025)
This post summarizes published criminal opinions released by the North Carolina Court of Appeals on November 19, 2025. In defendant’s trial for possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver […]
News Roundup
Earlier this week, the Times reported that the federal prosecution of former FBI director James Comey for making false statements to and obstruction of Congress may be in jeopardy after […]
State v. Wilson Clarifies When Batson Analysis Moves to Step Three
The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Article 1, Section 26 of the North Carolina Constitution prohibit the exercise of peremptory challenges to strike prospective jurors based on their race. […]
Fourth Circuit: Apartment Front Door Was Not Curtilage
In U.S. v. Johnson, 148 F.4th 287 (4th Cir. 2025) (summarized here), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit recently rejected a Fourth Amendment challenge to a canine […]
An Update on Law Enforcement Use of Drones
I recently participated in a WFAE radio show about law enforcement use of drones, along with a captain from the Winston-Salem Police Department and an advocate from the ACLU. I […]