A Harnett County sheriff's deputy is on administrative leave and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has gotten involved after an incident caught on cellphone video earlier this month. The video shows two deputies tackling a teenager who was recording an...
violations of rights
Student faces charges after campus protest over Civil War statue
The debate around whether Confederate statues belong in public spaces in the 21st century is an emotionally charged one here in North Carolina and other southern states -- with strong feelings on both sides.One graduate student led a rally at the University of North...
Why aren’t DUI checkpoints a violation of your rights?
As the end of the year approaches, you're likely to see some DUI or "sobriety checkpoints" on the roads here in North Carolina and wherever your holiday travels take you. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations (not to mention the...
Know your rights and responsibilities when stopped by police
Interactions with law enforcement officers can be frightening and stressful. People often aren't thinking clearly when they're stopped by police. It's essential to remember that you have rights as well as responsibilities. This is true whether you're a U.S. citizen or...
Protecting the privacy of data on your devices at the border
Thanks to a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, law enforcement officers don't have the right to search the contents of your smartphone without a warrant even if you're under arrest. The same right to privacy, however, doesn't apply if you're entering or exiting the U.S....
Are there any ways to get out of a DUI?
As someone who is facing a DUI charge, it's a good idea to go over your rights. Your attorney likely has ideas on how to reduce or eliminate the charges against you with a strong defense, but he or she can't help you do so until you give him or her all the information...
Here’s what to know about a search warrant
If the police suddenly arrive at your home, in person or at your vehicle stating that they have a search warrant, it means that they've obtained permission to search a location or person and to seize anything that is evidence of a crime. The search warrant itself will...
What is the Fourth Amendment?
The Fourth Amendment is there to protect you against unfair searches and seizures. The Fourth Amendment protects you when you are in a vehicle, walking down the street or in a place where it's reasonable to assume you'll receive privacy. Any items taken from your...
Are police roadblocks illegal?
In some senses, it would seem that the Fourth Amendment makes it illegal for the police to use roadblocks. After all, you have a right to avoid searches and seizures without probable cause. Police need a warrant. In most cases, without that, if you are stopped by a...
What is entrapment?
People often get confused about entrapment. One of the most common misconceptions is that the police can't wait around for you to commit a crime. In reality, entrapment is more than just waiting to see if you break the law. The police have to be involved. If they get...