by Michelle Sparrow | May 9, 2015 | Criminal Law Blog, Misdemeanors
The last time we thought about the concept of drunk tanks, we were watching an episode of “The Andy Griffith Show.” Andy, as you may recall, was the sheriff of Mayberry, North Carolina, a small town with more mischief than crime. The jail had two cells,... by Michelle Sparrow | May 4, 2015 | Criminal Law Blog, Misdemeanors
We are picking up the thread from our April 25 post. The subject is gambling laws and what kinds of charges Agent Booth, from the television show “Bones,” could be facing for wagering on sporting events. While Booth’s gambling addiction has been a... by Michelle Sparrow | Apr 30, 2015 | Criminal Law Blog, Drunk Driving
We want to take a quick break from our discussion of gambling laws and “Bones,” to talk about a couple of bills being considered by the North Carolina General Assembly. The General Assembly has a deadline of sorts today: “Crossover Day.” After... by Michelle Sparrow | Apr 25, 2015 | Criminal Law Blog, Misdemeanors
A friend called to say that our series of posts about sports gambling was timely. Apparently a recent episode of “Bones” ended with — SPOILER ALERT! — Agent Booth, a recovering gambling addict, placing a bet on the Cardinals or some other... by Michelle Sparrow | Apr 23, 2015 | Criminal Law Blog, Misdemeanors
Evidence is a key factor in many criminal cases. Witness testimony is a key factor in others. However, it was grammar that was a primary factor in a recent weapons charges case heard by a North Carolina appeals court. The case, reported on by the Associated Press,... by Michelle Sparrow | Apr 20, 2015 | Criminal Law Blog, Misdemeanors
When Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 1992, major league baseball was still reeling from revelations that Pete Rose, a hero to many, had been placing bets on games in which he participated. His penalty was a lifetime ban from the...