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Questions Answered by Bill Powers
1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: I got a DUI this week in North Carolina. Are 2 previous DUIs 26 and 31 years ago going to be held against me?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 21, 2018

GREAT QUESTION

Prior convictions of Driving While Impaired (DWI) or what would otherwise be deemed a prior conviction under the NC DWI laws MAY be considered by the Court in sentencing. Convictions entered more than seven (7) years from the current offense date may be deemed Aggravating...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: How long do police have to issue a criminal summons? Why would they not arrest me if I admitted guilt?

I met police for a voluntary interview about a stolen iPhone &credit cards. I worked in Walgreens &found them in the bathroom& used the card&sold the phone. I was honest with them&they verified my story with corresponding evidence. I told them where I sold the phone& that I... View More

Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 21, 2018

There are a LOT of different reasons, at least in North Carolina. It might be as simple as the normal process of gathering information (and evidence) as part of a criminal investigation.

It also could be due to a procedural process mandated by the prosecutor's office and local...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Looking to personally sue someone.

I would like to know if it is illegal to dna test a 6 month old baby without the mother’s written consent. Considering the person who tested the child is not on the birth certificate and has no legal guardianship to that child.

Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 21, 2018

That question, like most legal issues involving Family Law, requires more information and a careful consideration of law, past Orders of the Court, custody agreements, etc.

One would necessarily know:

Is there an existing Court Order or Child Placement protocol?

Is there...
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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: I was speeding and an officer turned around to come pull me over, Instead of pulling over I tried to get away...

I’m 17 years old and I made a huge mistake.

I tried to escape by entering a community and losing him, I did, but shortly after was pulled over, when he found me back on the main road I stopped immediately. He pulled me over, made my friend get in the drivers seat and drive down the road... View More

Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 21, 2018

You REALLY, REALLY need to retain legal counsel. Going it alone in court would be a tremendous mistake.

Check out the link below: How Important is Good Legal Advice:

https://www.carolinaattorneys.com/blog/how-important-is-good-legal-advice-2/

Making mistakes is part of...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: Do you have to go to residential rehab for a DUI?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 17, 2018

GREAT QUESTION

Residential rehabilitation may or may not be required as part of a DWI judgment in North Carolina. It can be recommended by an Assessing Agency and thereafter made part of the Court Order.

It MAY also be a way to avoid some, if not all, active jail time for Driving...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for North Carolina on
Q: Is it illegal for an 18 year old to send naked pics to a 19 year old?

Also what if one of the parties wanted revenge and threatened to post them, without consent. Can they get in trouble?

Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 17, 2018

This appears to be a duplicate inquiry. Generally, an important inquiry is to determine whether the pictures are of a MINOR.

Sexting is a term used to describe the sending or receiving of sexually explicit messages, including images and videos, through devices such as cell phones. In...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for North Carolina on
Q: if you get something expunged, does it still show on your record on a background check?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 17, 2018

GREAT QUESTION

The laws in North Carolina regarding expunction of dismissed charges has recently and substantially changed. Prior exceptions and limitations have been modified, allowing multiple expunctions for certain charges and extended time periods. There are still important...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: I threw away a fake foreign international passport someone did for me and the police found it. Would i be charged?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 17, 2018

If the police "found it," one would have to assume they're in the process of making inquiries. That may include a referral to the Federal Authorities.

Put simply, it's a BIG DEAL to have a fraudulent passport, international or otherwise. And yes, law enforcement on...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for North Carolina on
Q: If an ex bf and I are over 18 and he threatens to post naked pictures of me as revenge can I get in trouble for

Being 16 at the time I sent them?

Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 16, 2018

That is a VERY tricky area under the law. The inquiry is complicated because posting the materials could possibly trigger:

1. G.S. 14-190.5A

A person guilty of this offense:

(1) knowingly

(2) discloses an image of another person

(3) with the intent to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: What does a BOND MOTION 15A-951 charge mean?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 9, 2018

Not sure I understand the question. Chapter 15A-951 normally refers to a general Motions practice and how they're filed. One would necessarily want some more information re: who filed the motion and for what purpose.

See:...
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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: How does a first DUI affect auto insurance?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 9, 2018

GREAT QUESTION.

For a more complete answer, check out: https://www.carolinaattorneys.com/how-much-does-a-dui-cost-over-10-years.html

It’s pretty safe to assume that if you’re CONVICTED of driving while impaired, your rates are going to skyrocket. But there is more to it than...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: Can a bar or nightclub serving alcohol report over the mic the locations of all license checks occurring in the area?
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jul 8, 2018

Yes. The bar or nightclub is likely protected by the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution.

BUT, that doesn't mean there couldn't be some other "comeuppance."

If the ABC permitted business provides that information, knowing it is over-serving its...
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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for North Carolina on
Q: I’m 15 and just tapped the back of another car in a parking lot? We left a note but what should we do when thy call?

Is my insurance going to go way up?

Bill Powers
PREMIUM
Bill Powers
answered on Jun 29, 2018

GREAT QUESTION

Given your age, probably best to have your parent/guardian handle the issue.

A LOT depends on the damage(s), if any.

There are special considerations for provisional licensees. Your parent/guardian may wish to also speak with an attorney.

Bill...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for North Carolina on
Q: i need to hire a criminal defense lawyer for my sister, who resides in costa rica. how can i obtain a power of atty?

my sisters name is being used illegally in Charlotte, North Carolina. we need help in dismissing the case, and demand strict proof of such accusations. i need help to clear her name and countersue for pain and suffering, along with the damages this has caused my sister and our entire family.

Bill Powers
PREMIUM
Bill Powers
answered on Jun 29, 2018

GREAT QUESTION

Unfortunately, Power of Attorney does not authorize someone to stand in their shoes, at least as it comes to defending criminal charges.

Bill Powers

Charlotte Criminal Defense Lawyer

CarolinaAttorneys.com

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: I got charged with a misdemeanor of larceny against Walmart
Bill Powers
PREMIUM
Bill Powers
answered on Jun 22, 2018

Retain legal counsel. Crimes of theft or "dishonesty" carry long-term consequences. It can make it hard, if not impossible, to find and keep a good job.

My former law partner Chris McCartan is in Cabarrus County. He's an excellent lawyer and super nice guy.

Bill...
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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for North Carolina on
Q: why would a lawyer want 1,600 up front instead of taking it out of a settlement from an accident?

the lawyer filed a demand letter to the insurance company and now he is wanting to charge $1,600 just to sue the other party that caused the accident in the first place

Bill Powers
PREMIUM
Bill Powers
answered on Jun 21, 2018

Probably best to ask the lawyer. There are times when a pure contingency fee doesn't make sense.

One would have to think the lawyer gave the reasons / reasoning.

Talk to your lawyer.

bill

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: I had a dwi in 2009, was told to this date I still have to install an interlock. Is there a loophole, no other charges.
Bill Powers
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Bill Powers
answered on Jun 14, 2018

GREAT QUESTION!

If that's part of a "conditional restoration," DMV isn't going to budge on that. There is no loophole.

See: https://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/statutes/statutelookup.pl?statute=20-19

(e1) Notwithstanding subsection (e) of this...
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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for North Carolina on
Q: What are the consequences of refusing a breath test?
Bill Powers
PREMIUM
Bill Powers
answered on Jun 14, 2018

GREAT QUESTION. The long-term consequences for a "Willful Refusal" can be substantial under the NC DWI laws.

Refusing breath or blood tests as part of a DWI investigation may result in the loss or suspension of your license, without any form of "hardship" or...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Sexual Harassment for North Carolina on
Q: Will I get in trouble because I lied ?

Will I get in trouble because I lied ?

When I was 16 I was dating a guy that was a few years older than me , my parents found out about the relationship and went to cops about it . I Lied and said I was talking to him before I was 16 and that wasn’t the truth, he ended up going to jail. I... View More

Bill Powers
PREMIUM
Bill Powers
answered on Jun 14, 2018

First, I must say it took guts to write this inquiry. We all make mistakes, especially when we're young, not fully understanding the consequences or how our actions can terribly hurt others.

Second, given the nature and type of the inquiry, one would have to assume we're...
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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for North Carolina on
Q: I was wondering if I could get a improper equipment if my child car seat wasn’t hooked properly in the car.?
Bill Powers
PREMIUM
Bill Powers
answered on Jun 6, 2018

Now that is a REALLY good question. You get a gold star for "stumping the lawyer," or at least this lawyer.

Normally an improper equipment relates to SPEEDING charges, as the "improper equipment" is referenced (tangentially) in that statute, see subsection "o"...
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