Business Law
In an environment of increasingly complex legal requirements, guidelines, and prohibitions, it is important to properly structure your business from the beginning and actively ensure that it is, and remains, in compliance with all applicable laws throughout the life of the business.
Whether you are at the beginning stages of your business, needing assistance with issues involving your current business’ operations, or in the process of selling or winding down your company, we are here to provide counsel with respect to all your business-related endeavors and/or disputes to ensure they are as successful as possible.
Civil LITIGATION
If you have been named as a party in a lawsuit, believe that you may soon be involved in litigation, or are contemplating filing an action, we are here to help.
Upon being named as a party to any lawsuit, you should not speak with any of the litigants and immediately consult with counsel. While many litigants believe that discussing the matter with the opposing party directly is likely to help settle the dispute, it is often the case that doing so provides the opposing party with additional information to use against you in support of their case. Speaking with the opposing party may also result in you inadvertently making admissions or statements that limit your ability to obtain a favorable outcome in the case. It is important, upon being served with a complaint, to immediately discuss the matter with your attorney, ensure you are aware of all upcoming dates, e.g., response dates, etc., and create a comprehensive strategy for defending against the pending claims. If you are in this situation, please contact us to set a time to discuss the merits of the case and any defenses you may have.
If you believe that you may soon be the subject of a lawsuit, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Doing so will allow you evaluate your interactions with the adverse individual such that you may be able to minimize the claims that are likely to be made against you, avoid taking any actions that may strengthen the adverse party’s claims (or weaken your defenses), or, possibly, take actions to avoid the lawsuit. While it is a common for individuals involved in a dispute to speak with one another in an effort to resolve their differences, this is frequently the worst way to approach problems with an individual (or company) that has threatened, or otherwise indicated, to file a suit against you. If you are in this situation, please set up a consultation with us, as we are often able to help in resolving the situation.
If you have disputes with another party where it has become necessary to take legal actions, we want to help you. With over a decade of experience with complex litigation, we aggressively pursue a wide range of litigation strategies to ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case.We will evaluate the strength of your claims, assess all relevant factors (e.g., the defendant’s solvency, whether it may be possible to resolve the matter through means other than litigation, etc.), and design a cost-effective strategy to best suit your needs. If you are seeking highly effective counsel that is attentive to detail, understanding of your needs, and committed to providing the best possible representation, we are well-positioned to assist you in pursing your claims
Consumer law
Many individuals, including attorneys, are often unaware of their rights against companies throughout all sectors of the business world. With over a decade of experience representing large financial institutions (including credit card companies), insurance companies, automobile dealers, and many others, we are intimately familiar with the laws and regulations with which these companies are required to comply. The state and federal government have enacted a comprehensive and exhaustive number consumer protection laws to ensure that big business is not allowed to engage in unscrupulous business practices involving consumers. By way of example, the following are a sample of the types of requirements and prohibitions placed on businesses by these laws:
· Businesses are prohibited from engaging in abusive sales and collection practices.
· Businesses must provide all consumers with specific information to ensure consumers are fully informed as to the terms of their business dealings and to ensure that companies do not withhold or improperly manipulate the presentation of important information to consumers.
· Businesses may not sell products that they know, or should have known, are defective, nor may they misrepresent the details of the product they are selling.
· In the insurance and financial industries, businesses must address consumer complaints and respond to consumer inquiries by providing specific information set forth in the statutes and regulations.
If you, as a consumer, believe that you have been subjected to any unfair, abusive, or deceptive business practices, please contact us.
Criminal Law and Traffic Citations:
At some juncture in nearly everyone’s life they need the assistance of an attorney with a criminal or quasi-criminal matter. We are here to assist no matter what level of potential consequences may be at stake.
It is important to realize the impact of any criminal matter you are facing. Below are a sample of criminal matter that we can help you favorably address:
Traffic. A simple traffic ticket that is not properly handled can quickly evolve into problems with the Department of Motor Vehicles, additional driving while license revoked citations, and ultimately no viable options to exercise your right to drive on North Carolina roadways. More serious vehicle related offenses, such as driving while impaired, fleeing to elude arrest, and a variety of others also may place your freedom at risk. We can help review your criminal record, discuss the merits of your case, and provide counsel as to the best way to dispose of any traffic-related matters you may have.
In many instances we may also be able to assist you keeping your driving privileges, have those restored to you, or ensure that you receive a provisional license that will preserve your right to drive during any suspension periods.
Drugs. Drug charges can have severe consequences, such as losing employment, losing the right to obtain student loans and/or firearm, and, ultimately, your freedom. There are, however, options to avoid many of the penalties that a criminal defendant is often required to comply with under the North Carolina Statutes. We can help you navigate through these issues no matter how simple or severe the charges appear to be.
Property Offenses. Property offenses may be simple misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the facts of the case. Property offenses involving minor theft can often be resolved with restitution and some form of probation depending on the severity. Matters such as breaking an entering, etc., can, however, often result in significant jail time. It is, therefore, important to ensure you take every opportunity to protect yourself and ensure that you are utilizing the best possible method to obtain a favorable outcome.
Violent Offenses. If you have been accused on any violence-based offense, e.g., assault, battery, etc., there are a myriad of factors that you need to consider before attempting to dispose of criminal citation. Particularly, it is important to evaluate whether there are alternatives, e.g., mediation, to pleading guilty, as well as whether you have any absolute defenses to the charge at issue. These matters often involve divergent narratives from the parties that cause any such allegations to fall short of the reasonable doubt standard utilized by the courts. Accordingly, you should consult with counsel to determine whether you should take any such charge to trial or, instead, discuss plea options with the prosecutor. We are here to help you determine your best course forward.
Domestic Violence. Domestic violence matters, i.e., those against a partner, spouse, or family member, are taken especially seriously under the North Carolina Statutes, as well as by the courts. While these offenses include the same type of conduct involved in general violence-based offenses, these matters are treated differently by the North Carolina Statutes, as well as district attorney’s throughout North Carolina. Whether you have violated a protective order, been charged with any type of violence toward a domestic partner, or are aware that a domestic partner is considering reporting information that you disagree with or believe to be false, we can ensure that you handle this matter in the best way possible.
Weapons Offenses. As law, rules, and regulations continue to govern more aspects of North Carolina citizens’ gun rights, it is important to ensure you comply with all requirements in owning a firearm and, of equal importance, to defend against any weapons charges that you may have. Failure to do so may result in you losing the rights to own or operate a firearm - or, if you have already lost that right, your loss of freedom. We can help address these and many other issues related to firearms.
College and Underage Crimes. North Carolina law recognizes a distinction between adolescents and adults. In many situations, it is possible to crimes committed by an underage individual so as to ensure that the defendant can avoid many of the consequences that would otherwise accompany these charges if the individual was charged as an adult (or as being 21).
Probation Violations. For those on probation, it becomes readily apparent how many ways an individual may violate the terms of probation. It is important to address any upcoming issues in a peremptory manner to attempt having your probation violated and possibly terminated, with your sentence fully activated. We can help you avoid many of these consequences, particularly when brought into the matter as soon as the defendant has become aware of possible probationary violations.
While Collar Crimes.White collar crimes include a vast array of allegedly wrongful actions, such as embezzlement, identity theft, etc.It is critical to address any such matters as soon as you learn of any potential claims against you, as these types of crimes often require substantial criminal penalties and sentences when not properly handled.
Family and Domestic Law:
In many relationships, it becomes necessary to consult with counsel on a wide range of issues. The relationship may have deteriorated to the point the parties now seek a divorce. Many issues arise when separating from your partner, including alimony, child custody, and child support issues. Particularly when there are issues related to a child, you should consult with counsel to ensure you understand your rights. Failing to timely address all of these issues can lead to excessive child support (or alimony) burdens, as well the possibility of jail time for failing to comply with any child support orders that may be entered against you. Accordingly, we would encourage you to contact us with any questions regarding these matters as soon as you become aware of a pending domestic suit against you, or if you are planning to legally terminate your relationship with a current spouse.