Manning Law Blog
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney in Raleigh: Credentials, Questions, and Red Flags
07/29/2026 -Choosing a criminal defense attorney is a decision most people make once, under pressure, with no experience to draw on. The stakes justify slowing down for a day: the lawyer you hire determines how your evidence gets tested, how your case gets negotiated, and how you get advised at every fork. This guide lays out… Read more »
North Carolina Felony Classes A-I: Sentencing Ranges and Examples
-North Carolina divides felonies into ten classes: A, B1, B2, and then C through I, with Class A the most serious and Class I the least. Under the state’s structured sentencing law, the felony class and the defendant’s prior record level together determine the sentencing range, so the same class can produce probation for one… Read more »
NC Misdemeanor Classes: A1, 1, 2 & 3 Penalties
07/28/2026 -North Carolina Misdemeanor Classes Explained: A1, 1, 2, and 3 Penalties and Examples North Carolina sorts misdemeanors into four classes. Class A1 is the most serious, followed by Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, the least serious. The class caps the maximum punishment, but the sentence a specific person actually faces also depends on… Read more »
How Much Does a DWI Cost in North Carolina?
-How Much Does a DWI Cost in North Carolina? Fines, Fees, Insurance, and Legal Costs A North Carolina DWI costs far more than the fine on the judgment. Between court fines, court costs, assessment and treatment fees, license fees, insurance surcharges, and legal fees, a typical first-offense conviction runs well into the thousands of dollars,… Read more »
Criminal Evidence & Legal Issues
10/23/2024 -The role of evidence in criminal law is fundamental to achieving justice. Whether prosecuting or defending, the gathering, presentation, and interpretation of evidence determine the outcome of a case. Evidence can either substantiate guilt or prove innocence, and its proper handling is essential for upholding the rule of law. Let’s explore various aspects of criminal… Read more »
Understanding Arrests, Cash Bonds, and Pretrial Release
09/06/2024 -When a person is arrested, the subsequent steps and legal processes can be complex and sometimes confusing. This guide provides an in-depth look at the procedures following an arrest, focusing on the crucial aspects of pretrial release, including the conditions for release, the handling of cash bonds, and the return of these bonds. Immediate Judicial… Read more »
Cannabis-Related Stops – A Legal Perspective
05/31/2024 -In a recent ruling by the North Carolina Court of Appeals in the case of State v. George, decided on March 5, 2024, a critical analysis was provided on how the mere sight and odor of cannabis can constitute reasonable suspicion, allowing law enforcement to extend a traffic stop to further investigate potential drug offenses…. Read more »
North Carolina’s New Stance on Drug Trafficking Fines
04/18/2024 -In an effort to combat the escalating crisis of drug overdoses and trafficking, North Carolina is making a bold move. Starting December 1, 2023, the state will implement significantly higher fines for trafficking certain dangerous drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil. This decision marks a crucial point in North Carolina’s fight against drug-related offenses, aiming… Read more »
Navigating the Path After Dismissal: Expunging Dismissed Criminal Charges in North Carolina
02/29/2024 -Introduction Facing criminal charges is a daunting experience, but what happens when the state voluntarily dismisses those charges? While it’s a relief to have the immediate threat lifted, the lingering presence of prior charges on your record can have lasting consequences. In North Carolina, there are avenues to explore for getting those charges expunged so… Read more »
North Carolina’s Progressive Step in Criminal Justice Reform: The New Law Expanding Expungement Eligibility
02/01/2024 -North Carolina has recently made a significant stride in criminal justice reform by revising its expunction eligibility criteria. This development is particularly important for individuals who have been convicted of felony breaking and entering. Let’s delve into the details and implications of this legislative change. Understanding the Revised Expunction Eligibility Under the new law, codified… Read more »
