June 6, 2026

Judge Rejects Plea Bargain | What Happens in North Carolina?

A plea bargain in North Carolina Superior Court is more than an understanding between lawyers. While a negotiated resolution, the terms and conditions of the plea arrangement are subject to judicial approval.

When a judge rejects a plea deal, the case changes substantially in the courtroom, in real time. A defendant who came to court prepared to resolve the case now faces a different procedural posture and related (potential) long-term consequences of a rejected plea.

The State’s sentencing recommendation no longer controls the path forward. As such, defense lawyers tend to respond immediately, on the record, before the defendant’s transcript answers, factual-basis assent, or sentencing admissions create confusion about what remains usable after the arrangement fails.

July 23, 2025

Can the alleged victim drop the charges?

by Carolina Attorneys

One of the most common questions criminal defense lawyers hear is, “Why am I still being charged if the alleged victim wants to drop the charges?”

It’s a fair question. If the person who called the police doesn’t want to go forward, why would the court system care? In North Carolina criminal court, the decision to prosecute does not belong to the victim.

Whether you’ve been charged with assault on a female, communicating threats, damage to property, affray, or a violation of a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO), the State, not the complaining witness, decides whether the case moves forward or to drop charges.

December 17, 2018

NO BOND in Domestic Violence charges

by Carolina Attorneys

Communicating threats, assault, stalking, and other felony charges in North Carolina, if categorized as domestic violence, are clearly serious. If arrested, the terms and conditions of release may result in no way to immediately bond out, at least for a couple of days.

That’s because, under the NC Criminal Laws, crimes of domestic violence require pre-trial release and bail be determined by a district court judge. Unlike many other legal matters, including many if not most felony charges, a magistrate is not authorized to set bond or otherwise address the conditions of release for DV cases.

Even with no prior record, you may find youself in jail for a period of time until a judge is available. That’s tough. The statute is written such that, unless the particular jursidiction can fast-track DV court appearances, people sit in jail with no way to get out for a substantial period of time- Bill Powers, Criminal Defense Lawyer Charlotte NC

October 18, 2018

Can I Get My Charges Dismissed?

by Carolina Attorneys

What is a Conditional Discharge in North Carolina?

In some ways, a conditional discharge is a lot like deferred prosecution. In fact, many of the same terms and conditions for deferred, such as probation, may apply to a conditional discharge (and eventual charges dismissed).

The primary difference is that the defendant enters a guilty plea as part of conditional discharge, but the court does not enter final judgment.

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).

October 10, 2018

Criminal Defense Lawyer Charlotte NC

by Carolina Attorneys

If you were arrested and face criminal charges for felony or misdemeanor offenses, we’re here to help. Bill Powers is an NBTA Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense with 25+ years experience helping people.

This may be a difficult time for you or a loved one. We understand how overwhelming it can seem. That’s one reason it helps to have a defense lawyer standing by your side in court. We’re here to protect your best interests – Bill Powers, Criminal Defense Lawyer Charlotte NC

Another reason to seek legal advice is to explain what has become an increasingly complicated legal system. Good decisions are often centered on possessing the facts of the case, which necessitates hard work, preparation, and an attention to Constitutional Rights.