Carolina Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyer UpdatesQUICK ANSWER: In North Carolina, marijuana possession remains illegal under NCGS § 90-94, regardless of changing attitudes in other states. Charlotte courtrooms now explicitly ban marijuana odor with posted signs. While the smell itself isn’t a crime, appearing in court smelling like marijuana can damage your credibility, affect sentencing decisions, and signal disrespect to judges, potentially worsening case outcomes before you say a word.
Articles Tagged with charlotte criminal defense
What Is the Voluntary Intoxication Defense in North Carolina?
The Voluntary Intoxication defense in North Carolina criminal law is not an excuse for unlawful conduct but an evidentiary doctrine that can negate the specific intent 
required for certain crimes. It is one of the most demanding defenses to raise, requiring a high threshold of proof.
Key Principles of the Voluntary Intoxication Defense
The defense operates as a rule of mental incapacity tied to the proof of mens rea (guilty mind), specifically in relation to specific intent crimes.
Knock and Talk or Search by Another Name?
If a “knock and talk” crosses the constitutional line, can what officers saw or learned still justify 
a search warrant?
TL;DR Quick Take: North Carolina v. Norman tests the limits of North Carolina’s knock and talk doctrine and asks whether a search warrant can survive when officers use observations gathered during a questionable encounter on private property.
The decision turns on three interrelated questions:
DRE Testimony in North Carolina: Felony Death by Vehicle and Murder Trials
DRE testimony has become a fixture in North Carolina’s most serious impaired driving cases, including felony death by vehicle and 
second-degree murder charges.
The Court of Appeals’ July 2025 opinion in North Carolina v. Moore provides essential guidance for lawyers, judges, and anyone facing charges based on drug impairment evidence. Understanding how DRE testimony is used, challenged, and scrutinized at trial can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal, and may shape plea negotiations and appellate strategy.
When legal charges involve both scientific analysis and complex courtroom questions, DRE testimony can have a significant impact on the outcome. At Powers Law Firm, clients facing felony death by vehicle, felony serious injury by vehicle, misdemeanor death by vehicle, and impaired driving charges trust our experience with serious criminal charges in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Union, Gaston, Lincoln, Rowan, and Stanly Counties. We review select cases across North Carolina. If your case hinges on technical or scientific evidence involving DRE testimony or allegations of drug impairment, please can TEXT or call 704-342-4357 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Sexual Discrimination During Jury Selection
This case is a reminder: if you’re raising a claim of sexual discrimination in jury selection, the challenge must be made clearly and at the right time—or it may be lost forever. The decision also highlights how hard it is to get relief on these issues after conviction.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this post:
What happens if I am charged with embezzlement?
TAKE THESE CHARGES SERIOUSLY – They can have LONG TERM consequences!
- What happens if I am charged with embezzlement?
- What are my options?
Can I be held in jail waiting for charges
What is an Indictment? What is a True Bill in North Carolina? Can I be held in jail waiting for charges ?
The short answer is no. If there aren’t charges pending, you can’t be held – Bill Powers
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Politely Advise Police You Wish to Say Nothing
Eliminating Court of Appeals Seats in North Carolina
The Court of Appeals needs and deserves more human resources to do its important work in a timely fashion, not less. Important changes in the judicial system demand careful review – Bill Powers, President NCAJ
Reduction of Court of Appeals judges should only occur after a request by the Chief Justice and the Administrative Office of the Courts based on solid empirical data – Bill Powers
Eliminating Court of Appeals Seats in North Carolina
Underage Possession Alcohol North Carolina
Is it a big deal to be charged with underage possession? Well, that depends on what you think is a “big deal?” – Attorney Bill Powers
While underage possession of alcohol charges may not have resulted in an arrest, they can be rather embarrassing in the future, especially if you are applying for a job or even graduate school.
Employers generally prefer not to see anything on a Criminal History or Record; but, how someone responds when they made a mistake can actually make a difference.
How To Deal With Underage Alcohol Possession Charges
Illegal Consumption in North Carolina, Legal Options. Minor with Alcohol, How Does Court Work? How To Deal With Underage Alcohol Possession Charges
Here’s the quick answer: Talk to a Lawyer. Ask some questions. At Powers Law Firm PA, we offer free, confidential consultations. It doesn’t cost you a penny – Bill Powers
