A Criminal Defense Deep Dive by Bill Powers, Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist (NBTA/NBLSC), Powers Law Firm, P.A. (Charlotte, NC) As a criminal defense attorney in North Carolina, I am asked to explain the legal difference between planning a crime and attempting a crime. If you or a loved one…
Articles Posted in Bill Powers Criminal Defense Attorney
Good Faith Exception to the Exclusionary Rule in North Carolina
The Supreme Court of North Carolina’s opinion in North Carolina v. Rogers (Oct. 17, 2025) deserves careful study by criminal defense and DUI defense lawyers. TL;DR Quick Take North Carolina v. Rogers reshapes how certain suppression motions may be litigated in North Carolina. The Supreme Court interpreted the 2011 “good faith” amendment…
State v. Chemuti: Obtaining Video Evidence in North Carolina
Accessing video evidence, body-cam, and dash-cam video in North Carolina potentially just became a lot harder to obtain. TL;DR Quick Take: North Carolina v. Chemuti limits how defendants can access police body-worn and dash-camera recordings. The Supreme Court held that Rule 45 subpoenas cannot compel production of law-enforcement video. Instead,…
North Carolina Felony Murder Rule
In North Carolina, if someone is killed during the commission or attempted commission of certain felonies involving a deadly weapon, the offense may be charged as first-degree murder under what is commonly called the “felony murder rule.” Under this doctrine, a homicide arising from the perpetration or attempted perpetration of…
College Life and the Law: A Charlotte Student’s Guide
As Charlotte’s vibrant campuses come to life with the energy of a new academic year, students are embracing the freedom and opportunities that college life brings. However, this exciting chapter also comes with new responsibilities and potential legal pitfalls that many students may not anticipate. This guide aims to shed…
Search Warrants in North Carolina: Understanding Your Rights and Protections
If you’re facing criminal charges in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, or nearby areas like Union and Gaston counties, understanding search warrants and your rights under the Fourth Amendment is important. Search warrants can play a key role in criminal investigations, but they must follow strict legal guidelines. Whether it’s a search…