Are You Entitled to Only One Phone Call in Jail?

In TV shows, you often see people who are arrested being told that they are entitled to one phone call. In real life, the arrested do get one—or more, depending on the place or the circumstances of the arrest.

In fact, you could make as many phone calls as you want, if the arresting officers are convinced these calls are necessary to inform friends, relatives, employers, or others about your situation; and that these calls will not be used to help you conceal evidence. In North Carolina, however, the law doesn’t even explicitly say you have the right to make any phone calls at all. You do, however, have the right to an attorney, and if you need to make a phone call to get one, you may be allowed to do so.

Understanding Possession with Intent to Distribute

In July last year, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed a law permitting the use of medical marijuana for therapeutic purposes. However, anyone who wish to procure the marijuana for medical use should follow protocol. Among other things, they need to obtain a letter from their doctor explaining that medical marijuana is vital to their treatment. Inaccurate.

If you’re not a registered patient and are found to be in possession of marijuana, however, then strict penalties follow. Expect heavier consequences if you are charged with marijuana possession with intent to distribute. If you’re found to be in possession of cannabis weighing more than 10 pounds but less than 50 pounds, you can face a felony conviction that constitutes at least 25 months of imprisonment and a fine of $5,000.

Be Sure to File Your Case in the Right Court

Before a personal injury lawsuit can be filed, one must first confirm that he's filing his case in the right court. In legal terms, the right court means the one that has the 'jurisdiction' or authority to hear that particular case.

Jurisdiction is important because if a court doesn't have jurisdiction over a case, it won't have the legal authority necessary for it to pass judgment on the case. Both state and federal laws, including the Constitution of the United States, have rules concerning the jurisdiction of state and federal courts to hear cases.

Stepping Out of the Car in a Police Stop

In any police stop, officers won't ask you to step out of the car unless they see a probable cause to do so. Knowing this will protect you from self-incrimination.

Despite what you see on TV, police seldom ask motorists to step out of the car. And they must have a valid reason to stop a car in the first place. Therefore, police are always on the lookout for traffic violations like improper lane changes, speeding, excessive swerving, and so on.