notice of aggravating factors, written notice, ineffective assistance of counsel

Collateral estoppel; jury selection; opening arguments; closing arguments

first-degree murder; Motion for Appropriate Relief; right to a speedy trial; cross-examination of witness with pending charges; N.C.R. App. P. 2; ineffective assistance of counsel claim.

Motion to Suppress; Fourth Amendment; Search; Abandonment; Reasonable Expectation of Privacy

illustrative purpose, video evidence, proper foundation, additional jury instructions, short form indictments, State v. Singleton, 386 N.C. 183 (2024).

N.C. Gen. Stat. 15A-1365; court costs; criminal fines; court costs and fines as civil judgments; statutory interpretation; clerical error

motion to dismiss for insufficient evidence; constructive possession; plain error review of jury instructions; N.C.G.S. § 90-96(a).

N.C. R. Evid. 408; criminal proceeding.

restrictive covenants; interpretation of terms; contract law; strict construction; public policy favoring the free and unrestricted use of land; Rule 12(b)(6); summary judgment; directed verdict

N.C.G.S. § 143-291(a); N.C.G.S. § 166A-19.60(a); negligence; sovereign immunity; Industrial Commission.

motion to substitute parties; deed of trust; reformation of deed of trust; summary judgment; discovery; statute of limitations

Indirect criminal contempt; direct criminal contempt; failure to report; Rule 4; writ of certioari; conversion of direct criminal contempt to indirect criminal contempt on appeal

Competency hearing; sua sponte competency hearing; competent to stand trial; refusal to participate in trial; refusal to cooperate with court-appointed counsel; right to be present; substitute counsel; bona fide doubt of competency; substantial evidence; constitutional rights; capacity; irrational behavior; demeanor at trial; prior medical opinion; breakdown in communication; irreconcilable conflict with counsel.

Communicating a threat; N.C. Gen. Stat. 14-277.1; true threat; probation revocation reversed

inconsistent verdicts; plain error; DNA evidence; restitution; attorney's fees.

castle doctrine, defense of habitation, pattern jury instructions

Criminal Procedure, Substantial Evidence, Double Jeopardy, Fatally Defective, Jury Instructions, Mixture

Final Agency Decision;
Superior Court Review;
Arbitrary and capricious;
Binding Stipulations;
Proportional Punishment;