Donahue Defense Blog

Most hemp-derived THC products lose federal legal status on December 11, 2026, and some on November 12. What North Carolina consumers, Outer Banks visitors, and retailers should know.

North Carolina stopped issuing license plate stickers and printed registration cards on October 1, 2026. Here is what to carry, how officers check registration, and what is still a criminal charge.

Since July 1, 2025, a DWI, reckless driving, or other conviction worth 4 or more NC insurance points raises your premium for five years instead of three. In our example, one DWI conviction adds $25,500 in premiums.

Paying a Dare County speeding ticket is a conviction that can raise your NC insurance for three years. Here are the current SDIP insurance points and the math.

Federal Crimes: OUI and Traffic Tickets Cruising on the sand and enjoying the salt air can come to an abrupt stop if someone is stopped by U.S. Park Rangers on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Unlike most traffic stops on the Outer Banks which are prosecuted in Dare or Currituck County, a citation or arrest…

Updated September 30, 2026. DMV refusal revocations now take effect on the thirtieth day after the order is mailed unless you request a hearing first. The Typical DWI Arrest (If There is Such a Thing) In a textbook NC DWI case, a person is first pulled over and investigated for suspicion of DWI. The officer…

Becoming a Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law Non-lawyers are often curious how one becomes a legal specialist. Below is information about the standards that must be met to become board certified as a specialist in state and federal criminal law. The rigorous application and testing process helps explain why only a…

North Carolina sentences every DWI at one of six levels. Here are the current fines, jail ranges, and how the judge decides the level.

North Carolina requires an ignition interlock after some DWI convictions, including a 0.15 or higher result or a prior conviction within seven years. Here is how long it lasts and what it requires.

Nothing ruins a vacation like a DWI arrest, especially when the arrest includes the loss of a driver’s license. When someone has been charged with DWI in Dare County, NC, you need to know what you can do about the automatic license revocation. This post helps to explain your options. In the Outer Banks of…