Criminal & Traffic Law

Will Bland, Sarah Heekin and Michael Woodard head up our criminal law and traffic section. They have the experience and training necessary to represent you in cases ranging from “minor” traffic tickets to the most serious of felonies.

Traffic Tickets and DMV hearings

• Speeding
• Reckless Driving
• Driving With a Revoked License (DWLR)
• No Operator’s License (NOL)
• No Insurance
• Expired Registration
• All other traffic matters

Before you pay off that speeding ticket you should consult with an attorney; you could end up with more than just higher insurance premiums. Many people do not know that merely paying off a speeding ticket can lead to your license being suspended, sometimes for as long as a year. Our attorneys can often get your ticket reduced so as to prevent a suspension and an increase in insurance premiums.

On many traffic tickets our attorneys can appear in court on your behalf and save you the time and aggravation of dealing with an unfamiliar and confusing court system. You do not have to face this situation alone.

Do you have an old traffic ticket that is unresolved? Our attorneys can help you resolve the old ticket and can often help you get your license back.

If you have been charged with DWLR our attorney’s will work with you to try to get your license back and zealously represent your interests in court. If convicted of DWLR you could be facing a hefty fine, further suspension of your license – even a permanent suspension! You could also go to jail.

If your license is suspended our attorneys can often request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles and even get your suspension time shortened or even eliminated.

DWI and other alcohol related offenses:

• Driving While Intoxicated
• Driving after consuming under 21 years of age
• Possession of alcoholic beverage in vehicle on highway

North Carolina has very strict and complex laws regarding DWI violations. If convicted of DWI a driver can face the following punishments: loss of license for one year, 72 hours of community service, drug and alcohol assessment/classes, up to $4,000 fine, court costs, up to 2 years in prison and an insurance rate increase of 300% a year for three years.

You need a lawyer who knows how to navigate to difficult and complex rules regarding DWI; a lawyer who is not afraid to make the State prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorney’s will fight to prevent a conviction and will help you keep your license or obtain a limited driving privilege.

Misdemeanor Charges:

• Drug possession
• Assault/Threats/Domestic Violence
• Larceny
• Misdemeanor Probation Violation
• All other misdemeanor charges

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor you need an attorney that will zealously represent you in front of the judge. Our attorney’s will negotiate on your behalf and are not afraid take your case to trial. If convicted you could face jail time, a fine, and probation. Misdemeanor convictions will stay on your record permanently. A misdemeanor conviction can also lead to loss of gun rights, loss of a job, and other unfavorable circumstances. Hire an attorney who will fight for you no matter how large or small the case may be.

Felony Charges:

• Homicide
• Felony Assaults
• Sexual Assaults
• Felony Larceny/Breaking and Entering/Burglary
• Felony Probation Violation
• All other felony charges

Felonies are the most serious crimes one can face. If you are charged with a felony you need an attorney who knows the system and will zealously represent you in court. Our attorneys will file motions on your behalf, investigate your case and argue on your behalf. The State is represented by skilled, zealous attorneys; so should you.

A felony conviction will follow you for the rest of your life. If conviction you could face serious jail time, a stiff fine and lengthy probation. Our attorneys will fight for your rights and your freedom.