Prior convictions; prior record level; sentencing error

Motion to suppress, entry of a written order

first-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy
challenge to authentication of recorded jail calls admitted under the business record exception
no plain error
grant petition for writ of certiorari
no unreasonable delay in seeking review
civil judgment of attorney's fees vacated and remanded

Sex offenses; challenges to closing argument

Rape of a child, indecent liberties with a child, and sexual offense with a child; admission of testimony that the minor child?s symptoms were consistent with sexual abuse; no plain error

probation revocation; absconding

possession of a firearm by a felon; constructive possession of a controlled substance

Workers? Compensation Act, statutory employer, affirmative defenses.

N.C. Gen. Stat. 1A-1, Rule 42(a); consolidation; consolidated for trial; no requirement to serve voluntary dismissal on a nonparty; voluntary dismissal deprived trial court of jurisdiction to enter further orders;

civil procedure; default judgment; motion for relief from judgment

Reformation of description; mutual mistake; deed of trust; third-party complaint; interlocutory appeal; joinder; necessary party/permissive party.

Interlocutory appeal; substantial rights; inconsistent verdicts; right to jury trial; N.C. Const., Art. I, ? 25; quiet title; conversion; cancellation and rescission; mental incapacity; undue influence; critical preliminary issues; declaratory judgment; permanent injunction; partial summary judgment

custody, consent order, visitation, parent, grandparent, intervene, status quo, attorney?s fees, child, children, unfit, paramount, welfare, custodial

negligence counterclaim
construction project dispute
general contractor and independent subcontractor
collateral source rule
offset/credit

Failure to allege standing, motion to amend complaint, Rule 15, Rules 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) motions to dismiss, quo warranto action

Statute of limitations bars claims of fraud, duress, or undue influence after three years. An alleged unilateral revocation of a prenuptial agreement argued in pleadings has no legal significance.

Conditional delivery of a motor vehicle; Declaratory judgment; Liability insurance coverage.

abuse and neglect; relative placement priority; necessity of findings to support conclusion that placement of juvenile with non-relatives was in the best interest of juvenile