Author Archives: Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP
Can DWI Charges in Raleigh NC Affect my Driving Privileges before I am Convicted?
Certainly, individuals convicted on charges of driving while impaired (DWI) can face a significant loss of driving privileges. However, even people who have not yet had their day in court, in Raleigh or elsewhere in North Carolina, can face the prospect of a suspended license. Individuals can lose their driving privileges simply by refusing to […]
Can I Set Up an Estate Plan that Completely Avoids Probate?
Fully protecting your heirs from the probate process may be possible, but it is seldom a realistic goal when setting up your estate plan. A better goal might be to set up your estate so the most important assets go to your heirs without probate issues that can diminish their value. Regardless of the size […]
What Legal Options are Available to Settle Disputes in Raleigh?
From time to time, everyone has a disagreement with other individuals. When disputes involve one party causing some form of damage to another party, the harmed individuals can attempt to settle the dispute on their own. However, in many cases, they can obtain better results by turning to Raleigh attorneys for resolution through some form […]
Can Individuals Convicted for Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana in North Carolina go to Prison?
Imprisonment for marijuana possession in North Carolina is possible, depending on the exact type of substance and the quantity involved. However, with an experienced Raleigh drug crimes defense lawyer representing them throughout the criminal process, most offenders are likely to stay out of prison. Possession of one-half ounce or less of marijuana represents a Class […]
What Type of Sentence Can a Convicted Drug Offender Expect in North Carolina?
North Carolina law has a complex sentencing system for the conviction of both felony and misdemeanor crimes. Thus, it is not generally possible to accurately predict the classification of the charges or the penalties without knowing specifics about the type of crime, the specific drug and the quantity involved and the criminal history of the […]
Can an Alleged North Carolina Domestic Violence Victim Take Back False Charges?
All too often, someone charges domestic violence in retaliation for a painful break-up. Or a divorcing spouse files charges in an attempt to strengthen his or her custody case. However, once police hear the accusation, the alleged victim cannot stop the criminal process simply by taking back the original charges. Individuals arrested because of false […]
Does North Carolina Family Law Pertain Only to Ending Family Relationships?
Family law is actually more about repairing and establishing family relationships than about ending them. While individuals often turn to a Raleigh family law attorney to help resolve highly contentious situations, lawyers typically view their roles in terms of unification rather than separation. North Carolina General Statutes contain 13 separate chapters concerning family law. While […]
Are North Carolina Laws Changing to Provide Grandparents’ Visitation Rights after Divorce?
Divorce should not sever the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. However, heated custody battles can cause this relationship to suffer. While the courts can currently intervene in certain situations, new legislation pertaining to grandparents’ rights in North Carolina was introduced in March 2011. If passed, it will provide greater rights to grandparents in the […]
I Have a Very Small Apartment Building in Raleigh. Do I Need a Lawyer?
In a perfect world, all tenants pay their rent in full and on time, while respecting their apartments in the same way they would their own homes. However, in the real world, virtually any type of dispute with your tenants can lead to litigation governed by a host of North Carolina landlord tenant laws. You […]
How do I Choose Between a Contested and an Uncontested North Carolina Divorce?
In general, an uncontested divorce affords both parties greater control over the terms of their settlement, is less expensive and involves less stress than a contentious courtroom divorce. However, some divorces virtually require judicial intervention. An experienced Raleigh divorce attorney can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of divorce, based on […]