Author: Tiana Guzman

man in the self checkout line

Theft Charges in the Self-Checkout Lane vs Traditional Checkout

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The self-checkout lane has become one of the most popular ways for many people to buy things. It is convenient and often faster than waiting at a traditional checkout lane. You simply scan your own items, choose your payment method, pay, bag your things, and leave. However, many retailers are finding out that the self-checkout lane can also be a great place for shoplifters to walk out with things they didn’t buy. While many folks may think of shoplifting as a victimless crime, last year, retailers are estimated to have lost over $86 billion in retail theft. While not all of it can be attributed to shoplifting, the average shoplifting incident costs retailers about $460. 

But what happens when you make a mistake and forget to scan one of your items? While it seems like a minor mistake, walking out of a store with an item you didn’t pay for because you forgot to scan it can land you in some hot water, causing you to need to hire a criminal defense attorney.

The Accidental Shoplifter

There are two possibilities when you walk out of a store with something you didn’t buy because it wasn’t scanned. If you went to a traditional checkout line and the clerk forgot to ring up an item, that mistake is on the store. They are the ones responsible for training and supervising the person working the register, and you as the customer cannot be held liable for the mistake. But, if you used a self-checkout, then the issue will be more complicated.

Shoplifting Charges in North Carolina

There are two types of shoplifting charges in North Carolina, but only one really applies to this situation. The first is concealment of goods, which is when a person hides an item either in a bag or somewhere on their person. For example, a shopper might try to drop a lipstick into his or her handbag when no one is looking. That is not the situation here. The other is called larceny of goods. This is when a person leaves a store with an item that he or she did not pay for. This is a much more serious offense than concealment of goods, which is usually a Class 3 misdemeanor if a person is caught.

A person arrested for larceny of goods in North Carolina could face felony charges depending on the value of the items they took from the store. If the amount allegedly stolen is less than $1,000, the person will be facing a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is still more serious than the Class 2 misdemeanor for concealment. But if the value is over $1,000, or was something like a firearm or an explosive device, then the charges will probably be a Class H felony. In either case, if you failed to scan and got arrested, you are going to need to hire an experienced theft defense attorney.

What if your failure to scan was an accident?

If you walk out of a self-checkout line with an item you didn’t properly scan, leave the store, and are arrested, you will argue that you made a mistake. It could be that you tried to scan the item but the scanner malfunctioned. You could have forgotten to scan the item because you left it in your shopping cart. Many newer scanners have a feature that requires you to place all of your items in a bagging area before you complete your transaction. 

However, all of this will depend on the particular facts of your case. The prosecution will try to show an intent to steal based on your actions. Many scanners also have cameras that record your actions during the entire transaction. This will show whether you did anything suspicious, like placing an item into a shopping bag without scanning it first and putting it in a bagging area.

In any event, you are going to want to take extra care when using a self-checkout. Make sure that you scan every item in your shopping cart, and place everything you do scan into the bagging area. In addition, you should check your receipt before leaving the store to make sure you paid for everything you think you purchased. Getting arrested for shoplifting because you didn’t use the scanner properly can be a very costly mistake.

Contact The Hancock Law Firm Today

The Hancock Law Firm is one of the leading criminal defense firms in North Carolina. If you need representation because you are facing shoplifting charges, call our firm today so that our experienced criminal defense attorney can provide you with the representation you need to protect your rights.

criminal background checks

How Criminal Background Checks in Carteret County Can Be Used

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It is very common for employers to use criminal background checks before hiring employees. That is certainly the case here in Carteret County, North Carolina. However, unless you work in human resources or law enforcement or are a criminal defense attorney, you’ve probably never seen what a criminal background check looks like. As a result, you’re probably curious about the information a prospective employer may be finding out about you. In addition, both North Carolina and Federal law put restrictions on how and under what circumstances a criminal background check may be used. Let’s take a closer look at criminal background checks so you can get a better idea of the information employers are receiving about their job applicants.

What information is contained in a criminal background check?

The information contained in a criminal background check can be pretty broad. First, it will list any information on arrests and convictions in your home state, in this case, North Carolina. It will include felonies and misdemeanors, any pending charges, and the dispositions of these cases. This will be broken down further to show the counties where the charges originated. In addition, it will contain any information on federal criminal cases involving the applicant. This will also include felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, and records of arrest.

In some cases, a prospective employer may go further to conduct a nationwide search. This will include any convictions, arrests, dispositions, and pending charges against the applicant in all states, counties, and municipalities across America. This is the most comprehensive type of background check available.

A final area that will appear in most criminal background checks is whether the person is on any sex offender registry. This is the type of information that is needed for someone running a business that involves young children or other sensitive areas. Needless to say, the last thing someone running a daycare center wants is to inadvertently employ a person who is listed on a local or national sex offender registry.

What information will not appear in a criminal background check?

There are two specific areas that are specifically excluded from criminal background checks in North Carolina. The first is expunged criminal history. Under certain circumstances, a person is entitled to have some or all of their arrests, charges, and convictions deleted from the state or country records. The law surrounding this is often very specific and tied to either the nature of the alleged crime or the passage of time since the last conviction. While these records are still available to courts and prosecutors, they are not shared with individuals or businesses as part of a criminal background check.

The second area is juvenile records. In North Carolina, these records are sealed upon the person reaching the age of maturity. Just like expunged records, sealed juvenile records are not available to the public, and are only able to be accessed by the courts and prosecutors.

How can this information be used?

Some employers in North Carolina are actually required to perform criminal background checks before making a hiring decision. This includes jobs that involve mental health, disability, and substance abuse services. Conversely, if an applicant for a job has a sealed juvenile or expunged arrest or conviction, he or she is not required to disclose this when seeking a job. If a person is seeking a license for employment in North Carolina, the licensing board can only use the criminal record within certain criteria that looks at things like the seriousness of the crime, the length of time since it was committed, and any relationship between the crime and the license that is being applied for. Similar criteria apply to most jobs with North Carolina state agencies.

There are federal and state protections for job applicants who may have a criminal record. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides some protections for people with criminal records. Similarly, job applicants have rights under North Carolina and federal laws for misused criminal background checks, and ones that contain inaccurate information.

Call Hancock Law Firm If You Need Criminal Defense Assistance

A criminal conviction can be a lifelong burden. If you or a loved one is facing criminal prosecution or has been the victim of the misuse of criminal background checks, book an appointment with our experienced criminal defense attorney at the Hancock Law Firm to discuss how we can help you with your situation.

man signing restraining order

What Happens if You Violate a Restraining Order in North Carolina?

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If you have been accused of violating a restraining order, it’s important that you take such accusations very seriously. Doing so is a criminal offense and if found guilty, you could end up facing serious penalties, including jail time. Here’s what happens if you violate a restraining order in North Carolina. 

What Is a Restraining Order?

A restraining order, legally known as a domestic violence protection order (DVPO), may include several protections required of you, such as:

  • Ordering you to provide support for a spouse or minor children;
  • Prohibiting you from purchasing a firearm for a period of time;
  • Giving the victim possession of the household and shared personal property (and ordering your eviction);
  • Ordering you to complete an approved treatment program;
  • Ordering you to provide the victim (if they are your spouse) and your children with suitable housing; and/or

In addition to requiring you to do certain things, a protective order may also require you to refrain from certain conduct, such as:

  • Contacting the victim, whether directly or indirectly;
  • Harassing the victim by phone or email;
  • Harassing the victim by showing up at their home or place of work;
  • Following, threatening, or abusing the victim; 
  • Abusing a pet; and/or
  • Interfering with the victim in another manner.  

Ex Parte Emergency Order

Another type of restraining order is called an ex parte, commonly referred to as an emergency order. This order may be granted in instances in which there is an immediate threat of harm (and the process for receiving a standard DVPO would take too long). With an ex parte order, the court provides the victim(s) with protection prior to the approval of a standard DVPO.

An ex parte DVPO may require that you:

  • Stay away from your children;
  • Leave your residence;
  • Surrender any firearms, ammunition, and/or gun permits; and/or
  • Surrender possession of your motor vehicle. 

Penalties for Violating a Protective Order in North Carolina

If you are believed to have violated a protective order, you can be arrested immediately. The penalties you will face will be dependent upon what part of the order you are accused of violating:

  • Knowingly violating a protective order but not committing another crime is a Class A1 misdemeanor, which can result in up to 150 days in prison. 
  • If you have prior convictions for violating a DVPO, you may be found guilty of a Class H felony, which can result in up to 39 months in prison, court fees, probation, and attorneys fees. 
  • If you possess, receive, or purchase a firearm, ammunition, or related permits, you can be found guilty of a Class H felony. 
  • If you fail to stay away from a place or person (as required by the order) while in the possession of a deadly weapon, you can be found guilty of a Class H felony. 

Defending Yourself

Just because you have been charged with violating a restraining order, it doesn’t mean that you are guilty. You have the right to defend yourself against such accusations. Defenses may include the following:

 

  • You did not knowingly violate the order;
  • The order expired and was not renewed;
  • The victim falsely accused you of violating the order; and/or
  • You did not receive notice of the order. 

With such serious consequences at stake, it’s in your best interest to consult with a qualified North Carolina criminal defense attorney. 

Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Helps Those in North Carolina who Have Been Accused of Violating a Restraining Order

If you have been accused of violating a restraining order, it can be a scary time. However, it’s important to understand that you still have rights. Your best bet for defending yourself is with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney who understands what you are up against and will fight on your behalf. 

At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you fight this charge. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

man holding beer and car keys

DWI Offense Levels in North Carolina

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Drunk driving is never acceptable under any circumstances. In North Carolina, the categorization of offenses related to drunk driving differs based on various factors such as prior convictions and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time. Here are the DWI offense levels in North Carolina. 

Driving While Impaired (DWI)

In North Carolina, a person can be charged with DWI if they are found to have operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The state has a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for drivers aged 21 or older and 0.04% for commercial drivers. DWI in North Carolina is considered a misdemeanor offense. 

There are certain grossly aggravating factors, which could increase the severity of the crime. Such factors include:

  • Driving with a revoked/suspended license for an alcohol-related offense;
  • A prior DWI conviction within the past seven years;
  • Causing serious injury to another person while impaired;
  • Driving with someone under the age of 18;
  • Driving with someone with the mental development of someone under the age of 18; or
  • Driving with someone with a physical disability that prevents them from exiting the vehicle on their own.

Aggravated Level One DWI 

If someone is found with 3 or more of the above grossly aggravating factors, this can result in a charge of Aggravated Level One DWI, which is considered a felony in North Carolina and is the most severe DWI offense. Someone convicted of this crime faces 1-3 years of confinement and a fine of up to $10,000. The purpose of Aggravated Level One DWI was to target individuals who repeatedly drive while impaired. 

Level One DWI

As with Aggravated Level One DWI, Level One DWI is a felony offense. It occurs when two grossly aggravating factors (or one related to age or disability) apply to your case. It is punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and 30 days to 24 months in jail. 

Level Two DWI

Level Two DWI is a misdemeanor offense that’s applicable when the defendant has one grossly aggravating factor (not related to age or disability) present. It is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and a jail sentence of one week to one year. 

If there are no grossly aggravating factors, the DWI would be considered level 3, 4, or 5. The judge or jury will weigh aggravating and mitigating factors.

Aggravating factors include things such as:

  • Gross impairment of defendant’s faculties while driving or a BAC of 0.15% or more;
  • Especially reckless or dangerous driving;
  • Negligent driving that led to a reportable accident;
  • Driving on a suspended or revoked license;
  • Two or more prior convictions of a traffic violation for which at least three points were assigned;
  • Speeding of at least 30 miles per hour over the speed limit;
  • Passing a stopped school bus;
  • And More!

Mitigating factors include things such as:

  • Slight impairment solely from alcohol and a BAC not exceeding 0.09%;
  • Safe and lawful driving at the time of the offense (but for the defendant’s faculties being impaired;
  • A safe driving record;
  • Impaired caused primarily by a lawfully prescribed drug for an existing medical condition, with the amount of the drug taken being within the prescribed dosage;
  • And more!

Level Three DWI

If the aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating factors, the DWI is considered a level three, which is a misdemeanor. Level Three DWI is punishable by up to $1,000 and 72 hours to 6 months in jail. 

Level Four DWI

If mitigating factors and aggravating factors balance each other out, it’s considered a level four DWI, which is a misdemeanor. Level Four DWI is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 48 hours to 120 days in jail.

Level Five DWI

If there were no aggravating or mitigating factors, or if the mitigating factors outweigh aggravating factors, it’s considered a level five, which is a misdemeanor. A Level Five DWI is punishable by a fine of up to $200 and 24 hours to 60 days in jail. Level Five is the most common for first-time DWI offenders who had no aggravating factors. 

Driving After Consuming Under 21 

Since the legal age for consuming alcohol in North Carolina is 21, the state has a firm zero-tolerance policy for those under the age of 21 who drive after consuming any amount of alcohol and consider this offense a misdemeanor. 

While the aforementioned offenses provide a good guide for what to expect in North Carolina, the specific charges and penalties can vary for each case, depending on the specific facts, circumstances, and aggravating factors. If someone is convicted of a drunk driving offense, they may face a variety of penalties, such as fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, community service, and imprisonment. With so much at stake it’s important to speak with a qualified North Carolina DWI defense attorney. 

Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Helps Those in North Carolina Who Have Been Accused of DWI

If you have been arrested for DWI, you may have options. You have the right to defend yourself. Your best bet of doing so successfully is with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney who understands what you are up against and will fight on your behalf. However, time is of the essence, which is why it’s best to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. 

At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you to fight this charge. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

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man breaking into someone's home

Mitigating Factors for Larceny in NC

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North Carolina defines theft, or “larceny,” as the wrongful taking and carrying away of another person’s property without their consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property.  There are many different types of larceny, including:

  • Receiving stolen goods – the act of knowingly buying or receiving a property that is stolen. 
  • Obtaining property by false pretenses – the theft of property by deceit or fraud. 
  • Shoplifting – the theft of goods or services from a store.
  • Embezzlement – the theft of property or money by someone who was entrusted with it. This most commonly occurs with employees of a business.  

Types of Larceny

There are two types of larceny under North Carolina state law: 1) misdemeanor larceny; and 2) felony larceny. Larceny is considered a misdemeanor when the property that has been taken has a value of less than $1,000. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor and can result in a punishment of up to 120 days in jail. Alternatively, felony larceny involves the taking of property that is valued at more than $1,000. Felony larceny is considered a Class H felony and is punishable by up to 25 months in prison. 

It should be noted that the specific penalties associated with theft in North Carolina will depend upon the particular facts and circumstances of the case. 

Mitigating Factors

Even in cases in which the theft of property is not contested, there may still be mitigating factors when it comes to the penalty. Common questions surrounding mitigation:

  • How old the defendant is and what their mental capacity is (e.g., a minor child who lacks decision-making abilities, who picked something up may be a mitigating factor).
  • Whether the defendant intended to steal the property (e.g., the defendant put their coat down and accidentally picked up someone else’s may be a mitigating factor).
  • Whether the defendant has a prior criminal record (if no, may be a mitigating factor)
  • Whether the value of the property was relatively low (e.g., stealing a toothbrush vs. stealing a diamond).
  • Whether the defendant was threatened or coerced into committing the theft.
  • Whether the defendant tried to return the stolen property or offered to pay for it (restitution).

Since the facts and circumstances of each case of theft vary, any of these mitigating factors could possibly result in a reduced sentence.

It is important to note that each case is unique, and the presence or absence of these mitigating factors may not always result in a reduced sentence, but how you present your case and these factors can make a big difference. That’s where an attorney can help. 

Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Helps Those in North Carolina Who Have Been Charged with Larceny

If you or a loved one has been charged with larceny, it can be a scary time. However, it’s essential to understand that you have rights. Your best bet for avoiding or mitigating punishment is with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney who understands what you are up against and will fight on your behalf. 

At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you fight this charge. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

shoplifter

What to Do If Your Child Has Been Arrested for Shoplifting

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Parenting isn’t easy and sometimes children make poor decisions that are out of our control. One call you never want to receive is from the police informing you that your child has been arrested for shoplifting. When receiving such a call it’s easy to feel panic, feeling that your child’s future is ruined. However, it’s important that you try to remain calm and take the necessary steps to protect your child’s best interest, working towards the best possible outcome. 

In North Carolina, the crime of shoplifting occurs when someone takes property without the owner’s consent with the intent to permanently deprive them of their property. The state considers it a type of larceny, or theft. 

Types of Shoplifting

There are a few different types of shoplifting that your child may be charged with depending upon the specific circumstances of each case:

  • If your child was caught with the goods while still in the store, they can be charged with concealment. 
  • If your child was caught with the goods after leaving the store, they can be arrested for larceny. Once someone leaves the store with the goods, it is considered to be a more serious crime. 
  • If the value of the merchandise that your child steals is under $1,000, their shoplifting will be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  • If the value of the merchandise your child steals is over $1,000, their shoplifting will be charged as a Class H felony. 

Juvenile v. Adult

If your child is under the age of 18, they will most likely be charged as a juvenile. This means that their case will be decided in juvenile court. Even if your child has committed shoplifting, which is considered a criminal offense as an adult, they would not be charged with a crime. Rather, their behavior would be considered delinquent and instead of a trial they would go through court proceedings known as an adjudication hearing. 

After your child has been arrested, they are still entitled to their rights. Such rights include:

  • The right not to be questioned by the police without an attorney present
  • The right to have a parent with them while being interrogated. 
  • Only being searched if the police have probable cause.
  • The right to remain silent. This is extremely important so that they do not say anything that can later be used against them. 
  • The right to know which crimes they are being accused of. 
  • The right to an attorney for their juvenile court proceedings. This also includes a public defender should they not be able to afford an attorney. 

Possible Penalties

Since children are young and their brains aren’t yet fully developed, the goal of the juvenile court system is to rehabilitate them and their behavior. It’s not to punish them. If your child is found guilty of shoplifting, there are different penalties that they may face. These include:

  • Being released to their parents – If this is your child’s first time committing a crime, the judge may choose just to give them a firm warning about their behavior. 
  • Having to pay a fine – You may have to pay a fine on behalf of your child by a set date. 
  • Counseling – Your child may be ordered to attend counseling. 
  • Community Service – Your child may be ordered to perform a certain number of hours of community service.
  • Restitution – Your child may be ordered to pay restitution to the owner of the property they stole for its value.
  • Probation – Your child may be placed on probation. This is more common if they were charged with shoplifting as a felony. 

Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Helps Those in North Carolina Whose Child Has Been Arrested 

If your child has been arrested it can be a scary time. However, it’s essential to understand that your child still has rights. Your best bet for helping your child is with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney who understands what you are up against and will fight on your behalf. 

At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help your child fight this charge. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

man on probation with security tag

What Happens if You Violate Your Probation in North Carolina?

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When you are convicted of a crime, one punishment that you may receive is probation. Sometimes probation occurs after you have completed your jail sentence, and sometimes it occurs instead of a jail sentence. When you are on probation you must follow certain conditions. If you willfully fail to do so, you can face serious consequences. 

The punishment that you will receive for violating your probation is dependent upon several factors, such as the nature of the initial crime that you committed, the terms of your probation, your criminal record, and the severity of the violation you have committed. Punishment for violating your probation can include a fine, stricter terms or extended duration of your probation, or even a jail sentence. 

In North Carolina, there are two types of probation: supervised and unsupervised. 

Supervised Probation

When someone is placed on supervised probation, they are exactly as the name implies: supervised by someone. The court assigns a probation officer who will regularly check in with you and monitor your behavior to ensure that you are in compliance with the specific conditions of your probation. Since you are supervised by a probation officer, you must receive permission from the court in order to travel outside of the state. Additionally, you will be subject to warrantless searches and seizures in order to check for drugs and contraband. As part of your probation, you may be required to perform community service and you will be responsible for any fees related to your probation. 

Unsupervised Probation

Again, just as it sounds, unsupervised probation means that the court will not assign you a probation officer. Rather, the judge will require that you pay any court fees and restitution. Even without supervision, you must adhere to the conditions of your probation. Unsupervised probation often includes community service.  

Common Probation Violations

The terms of every person’s probation are going to be different since they are based on the aforementioned individual factors. However, there are some common ways in which people tend to violate their probation. These include:

  • Committing another crime (being convicted; not just being charged)
  • Visiting places or people that you have been ordered to avoid
  • Not remaining employed
  • Failing to complete court-ordered community service
  • Missing appointments with your probation officer
  • Missing court hearings
  • Failing to pay restitution
  • Failing to pay fees related to your probation 
  • Absconding (you have disappeared or made it very difficult to find you)

Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Helps Those in North Carolina Who Have Been Accused of Violating their Probation

If you have been arrested for violating your probation, you may have options. You have the right to defend yourself. Your best bet of doing so successfully is with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney who understands what you are up against and will fight on your behalf. However, time is of the essence, which is why it’s best to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. 

At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you to fight this charge. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

lady of justice

Who Is Considered a ‘Habitual Offender’ in North Carolina?

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When you commit a crime, you should be held accountable for it. But when you commit another crime, the penalties may become more serious. This is the premise for habitual offender laws, also known as “three-strike” laws. These laws impose more penalties on those who are convicted of committing multiple crimes.

In North Carolina, someone is considered a habitual offender if they have been convicted of three felony crimes. The severity of the penalties is dependent upon the nature of each crime (violent versus non-violent) and gets more serious with every conviction. 

Under North Carolina’s “habitual felon law,” anyone “who has been convicted of or pled guilty to three felony offenses in any federal court or state court in the United States or a combination thereof is declared to be a habitual felony and may be charged as a status offender…”

 What Is a Felony Offense Under the Statute?

For the purposes of its habitual felon law, North Carolina defines a felony offense as:

  1. An offense that is a felony under the laws of this State.
  2. An offense that is a felony under the laws of another state or sovereign that is substantially similar to an offense that is a felony in North Carolina, and to which a plea of guilty was entered, or a conviction was returned regardless of the sentence actually imposed.
  3. An offense that is a crime under the laws of another state or sovereign that does not classify any crimes as felonies if all of the following apply:
  4. The offense is substantially similar to an offense that is a felony in North Carolina.
  5. The offense may be punishable by imprisonment for more than a year in state prison.
  6. A plea of guilty was entered or a conviction was returned regardless of the sentence actually imposed.
  7. An offense that is a felony under federal law. Provided, however, that federal offenses relating to the manufacture, possession, sale, and kindred offenses involving intoxicating liquors shall not be considered felonies for the purposes of this Article.

Sentencing

If someone is sentenced under the habitual felon law, he or she will receive a sentence much higher in class than the original felony for which they were convicted. However, the class of their sentence will not be any higher than a Class C felony, which carries a punishment of up to 231 months in prison. 

The exception for this is anyone who has been convicted of multiple felonies prior to their 18th birthday. Any of the felonies committed prior are treated as a single felony for purposes of North Carolina’s habitual felon law. 

Habitual offender laws apply differently in every situation, which can make matters complicated. 

Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Helps Those in North Carolina Who Have Been Convicted of Multiple Felonies

If you have been convicted of multiple felonies and are facing punishment under the habitual offender law, you may have options. You have the right to offer evidence to mitigate your sentence. Your best bet of doing so successfully is with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney who understands what you are up against and will fight on your behalf. 

At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!