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In our last two blog posts, we discussed a Reuters Legal analysis which revealed Internet access and social media sites are leading a growing number of jurors to engage in misconduct during criminal trials. North Carolina criminal defense attorneys are hopeful this problem can be addressed swiftly, as juror misconduct can deprive defendants of a fair…

In our last blog post, we discussed the disturbing trend of jurors in criminal trials engaging in Internet-related misconduct. Some jurors are choosing to disobey the rules of the courtroom by performing independent research and blogging, tweeting and posting comments on the trial. This is especially troubling to North Carolina criminal defense attorneys, as these activities…

Has the explosion of social media and our culture’s obsession with constant connection begun to negatively impact our juries in criminal trials? A Reuters Legal analysis released earlier this month says yes. As Facebooking, blogging and tweeting have become daily necessities for many, jurors are increasingly engaging in Internet-related misconduct. Many, including North Carolina criminal…

The National Transportation Board (NTSB) has announced its intention to focus on reducing the number of what they call hard-core drunk drivers, or drivers who have multiple arrests for driving under the influence or who drive with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 percent or higher. Although the NTSB has created an 11-point program aimed…

A Monroe man pleaded guilty to charges of driving while impaired and second degree murder, stemming from a car accident that ended in the death of a Marshville man in October. The 29-year-old suspect, who has prior drunk driving convictions, entered his guilty plea on Monday. Before the crash on October 24, police had tried to…

Those who are subjects of domestic violence protection orders would be advised against trespassing at a domestic violence shelter if the person protected under the order is in the shelter. A new domestic violence law took effect earlier this month, providing that any such person who trespasses will be subject to felony charges. According to the…

“Fake pot” products have been experiencing a surge in popularity among young people. These products produce effects similar to those of marijuana and, up until now, were legal to purchase. Now the possession or sale of these products could result in drug charges. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has used its emergency powers to ban…

Those looking to enjoy an evening out on the town were instead treated to an elaborate sting operation this weekend. Police arrested 15 people during a drug bust at a Thomasville nightclub last Friday night and into Saturday morning. The defendants are accused of 380 drug charges for their alleged participation in the sale and exchange…

In our last blog post, we looked at a case decided by the North Carolina Supreme Court that involved an appeal of a satellite-based monitoring program for sex offenders. A dissenting judge provided some valuable insight as to why monitoring sex offenders is counterintuitive. Today, we will discuss exactly how the monitoring is conducted and…

In our last blog post, we discussed the use of satellite-based monitoring of sex offenders. The practice, which allows sex offenders to be tracked through GPS ankle bracelets, has come under fire for its flawed approach. Not only is monitoring intrusive, but it also does not prevent further sex offenses from being committed. Today, we will continue…