June 18, 2025

Understanding Miranda Rights | When Police Must Read Them And When They Don’t

One of the most common misconceptions in criminal cases is the belief that charges will automatically be dismissed if police fail to read Miranda rights. That belief, often shaped by television and popular culture, rarely reflects how Miranda operates under North Carolina criminal law.

Miranda rights are an important constitutional protection, but they apply only in specific circumstances. Understanding when Miranda warnings are required, and when they are not, can materially affect how a criminal case unfolds.

If you’ve been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle in Mooresville or felony death by vehicle in the Charlotte metro region, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced North Carolina criminal defense lawyer. The criminal defense legal team at Powers Law Firm understands the intricacies of vehicular homicide cases and may be available to serve as legal counsel and guide you through your legal options. Call or TEXT 704-342-4357 to schedule a confidential consultation.

April 3, 2020

FALSE ACCUSATIONS – Defenses to allegedly committing a crime

by Carolina Attorneys

Being accused of wrongdoing and allegedly committing a crime when you’re innocent is disturbing at best.

Your good name and reputation in the community are at stake.

Even if found not guilty or the criminal charges are ultimately thrown out or dismissed, false allegations can affect your freedom, your future, and how you’re treated by friends and neighbors.

September 3, 2019

Campus Police

by Carolina Attorneys

Criminal Charges in College – Campus Police

While sitting at Gate C3 at the Nashville airport yesterday, I received back-to-back panicked calls from mothers of, let’s say, University of Anytown students.

I was returning home to Charlotte after touring a prospective college with my teen-aged daughter.

October 17, 2018

How Can I Get My Charges Dropped?

by Carolina Attorneys

How Can I Get My Charges Dropped?

If you’re facing a criminal offense, whether felony or misdemeanor charges, it’s understandable you might be anxious. The consequences of a conviction can be long-lasting and severe, making it hard to find and keep a good job. That’s especially true for larceny, crimes of “theft or dishonesty” and drug charges.

As such, it makes sense to try to avoid a conviction if at all possible. Charlotte criminal defense lawyers do more than review discovery, take cases to trial, or argue motions. Indeed, a substantial part of our job is to consider options to avoid litigation and a criminal conviction by negotiating with the State (the District Attorney assigned to the matter).

May 7, 2016

Do I Need a Lawyer for Protective Order Violation

by Carolina Attorneys

What are the Consequences Violating a Court Order? Do I Need a Lawyer for Protective Order Violation?

Answering the Question “Do I Need a Lawyer for Protective Order Violation” one would be wise to also consider:

Does It Matter if Order is Under NCGS Chapter 50?

February 16, 2016

Protected: When Do They Need a Search Warrant?

by Carolina Attorneys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM8CAW8lopI

Attorney Bill Powers discusses: When Do They Need a Search Warrant in North Carolina?

Do I Have Rights?

February 2, 2015

Will My Attorney Meet Me In Jail?

by Carolina Attorneys

When someone you love is arrested and taken to the Mecklenburg County Detention Center (Jail), one of the first questions families ask is simple and urgent, “Will a lawyer go see them in jail?”

The answer is yes, attorneys routinely visit clients at the jail. Defense counsel are authorized to meet with incarcerated clients during attorney visitation hours upon presentation of valid credentials. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department does not require defense attorneys to reserve visits through the public scheduling systems used for social visitation. Lawyers regularly appear in person to consult with detained clients without advance scheduling when jail operations and court timing allow.

But the fuller explanation is more nuanced. Whether a lawyer actually can meet with a new client in jail before a first court appearance depends far more on time and logistics than permission and the process of going to the Mecklenburg County Jail Intake facility to visit your loved one.

January 29, 2015

Limiting Contact With Media

by Carolina Attorneys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPwG60Vw-7M

Should I Give A Statement on TV? Should I Talk To Reporters? Attorney Bill Powers explains some of the considerations of why Limiting Contact With Media may be important.

Transcript for Hearing Impaired: