These are the cases that move through Durham County District Court every December, and they reflect the same statewide patterns North Carolina sees year after year.

The difference is how these charges are processed locally, from bond decisions at the Durham County Detention Facility to scheduling hearings during a holiday arrest. In part that’s because Durham County is a relatively large jurisdiction in North Carolina and has a lot of cases every year in criminal court.

The post Protected: Holiday Criminal Charges Durham NC | Cole Williams Law appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.

The November 2025 ruling by the North Carolina Court of Appeals in North Carolina v. Vaughn helps criminal defense lawyers address attempt cases. The decision provides a blueprint for challenging a prosecutor’s burden of proof by emphasizing that an attempt to commit a crime requires a mental state (mens rea) that is more than the completed offense itself.

For defendants facing felony charges in Durham, North Carolina including allegations related to firearms, drug offenses, or assault charges, this appellate ruling offers potentially helpful defense strategies centered on specific intent and the distinction between “mere preparation” and an “overt act.”

If you or a family member has been charged in Durham County and would like to retain a criminal defense attorney, contact Cole Williams Law to schedule a consultation.

The post Defending Attempted Crime Charges in Durham NC appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.

Stress in life, financial pressure, and increased alcohol consumption can lead to police involvement in domestic situations. A call to law enforcement often triggers a mandatory police response and investigation protocols that can result in arrest based on probable cause, regardless of the alleged victim’s wishes.

Violence between people in domestic relationships draws heightened scrutiny from law enforcement and prosecutors.

The post Understanding Domestic Violence Charges: A Guide by a Durham Criminal Defense Lawyer appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.

The post One Leg Stand Test: Guide to DWI Sobriety Testing appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.

Dealing with DWI charges or some other misdemeanor or felony charge in Durham?  Wonder if you need a criminal defense lawyer? You’re not alone. And you’re not in some viral video.  

The real world of criminal charges is a far cry from what you might see on YouTube and TikTok. 

Sure, there might be moments of high tension in the courtroom, but beneath the surface lies a complex landscape that is too often shrouded in misconceptions and confusion.   

The post Ditch the Myths, Embrace Facts: A Guide to Criminal Defense appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.

This time of year, filled with joy and celebration, can also be fraught with the risks associated with holiday drinking.

One of the key challenges is the deceptive nature of festive beverages; drinks like spiced eggnog and mulled wine, which are popular at holiday parties, often pack a stronger punch than expected.

The post HOLIDAY DWI TIPS appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.

That new criminal law in North Carolina is known as the Pre-Trial Integrity Act. It goes into effect this week on October 1, 2023, and promises to substantially affect how a bond is set for certain types of criminal charges in Durham and throughout North Carolina.

The Pretrial Integrity Act introduces significant revisions to the bond procedures and dictates who can establish the terms and conditions of release from custody for certain criminal offenses in North Carolina.

The post BIG CHANGES to the NC Bond Laws and Pretrial Release appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.

One important aspect of DUI/DWI defense is understanding the use of standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs), which are commonly used by law enforcement officers to determine if a driver is impaired.

In this blog post, we will explain what SFSTs are, how they work, and what your rights are when it comes to taking them. We’ll also discuss defenses to DUI charges in Durham and why it’s a good idea to retain legal counsel.

The post Defending DUI Charges in Durham NC: Understanding Standardized Field Sobriety Tests appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.

Given the possible long-term consequences, it makes sense to hire an attorney if you’re charged with underage consumption, possession of a Fake ID, and misdemeanor drug charges in Durham.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there. While a lot of people smoke marijuana, drink while being underage and think nothing of it, the consequences of a conviction can be quite serious – Cole Williams, Durham Criminal Defense Lawyer

The post Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for Underage Possession, Marijuana, and Paraphernalia Charges appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.

Wilfully violating a DVPO – Domestic Violence Protective Order is a serious criminal charge in North Carolina.

A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

The post Violating a 50B Domestic Violence Protective Order appeared first on Criminal Law Updates.