Failure to Appear, Failure to Pay, and the Economics of Criminal and Traffic Law
Criminal Lawyers in North Carolina, and across the United States, know that our criminal courts are money makers for states and our local counties. In the last decade in North Carolina, court costs have nearly tripled. The legislature has – time and time again – looked to our criminal justice system as a system of taxation. These click it or ticket campaigns, booze it or lose it, obey the sign...Read More 0
Speaking to the N.C.G.S. regarding HB63
Yesterday, I had the unique opportunity to testify in public comment on a proposed bill before the North Carolina Legislature. House Bill 63 remains in committee at this time, meaning that it is not yet ready for a vote and now is the ideal opportunity to alert lawmakers as to the legal and constitutional problems with the bill. This bill, if passed, will directly affect our clients and our...Read More 0
Why Do I Need an Immigration Attorney?
At Fay and Grafton, we often meet with potential clients who have what seem to be basic questions about how to fill out their forms, whether it is an Adjustment of Status, a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, a Naturalization, etc. While our ethical obligations and the federal regulations prevent us from simply telling someone how to answer a particular question without serving as the...Read More 0
Juvenile Law and Being Considered an Adult in North Carolina
North Carolina law just can’t make up its mind as to when a young person is to be considered an adult. Consider this – at age 18 you can vote, you can enter into legally binding contracts, you can purchase tobacco, you can voluntarily enter or be drafted into military service, but you still cannot purchase alcohol – you have 3 more years before you can be trusted with that. At age 16, you...Read More 0
Positive thinking: Detention, the Credible Fear process, and everything in between.
During the week of September 4, 2016 I took a little vacation from Fay & Grafton to join attorneys, legal assistants, and other volunteers from around the United States to represent women and children detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. This detention center houses women and children who present themselves at a port of entry or are apprehended by Customs...Read More 0
The Double Whammy – by William Fay
Immigration law and Criminal law make for a dangerous mix. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, and you find yourself at the business end of a criminal matter – then it needs to be treated as if your ability to remain in the U.S. is at stake throughout the entire process – it really might be. When you have both criminal and immigration problems, you often end up (as you usually should) with two...Read More 0
