by Michelle Sparrow | Jun 15, 2011 | Criminal Law Blog, Homicide
Another criminal sentencing bill is making its way through the North Carolina General Assembly. The bill focuses on individuals with severe mental disabilities who plead guilty to or are convicted of first-degree murder. Having passed the House of Representatives... by Michelle Sparrow | May 25, 2011 | Criminal Law Blog, Homicide
This is the last post in our series about the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission. The state agency was established to help felons prove their factual innocence. The association representing the state’s district attorneys has lobbied for changes to the... by Michelle Sparrow | May 23, 2011 | Criminal Law Blog, Homicide
We are close to wrapping up a series about the North Carolina Innocence Commission. The agency came to our attention because of a bill pending in the General Assembly that would limit its powers — and, some say, its effectiveness. The parties supporting the... by Michelle Sparrow | May 12, 2011 | Criminal Defense, Criminal Law Blog
The North Carolina House of Representatives hasn’t moved on the bill since early April, but there it sits in committee, future uncertain. Supported by the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys, the bill would limit the powers of the state’s... by Michelle Sparrow | Apr 29, 2011 | Criminal Law Blog, Homicide
The North Carolina General Assembly recently delivered a bill to the governor’s office. If she signs the bill into law, the penalties for causing the death or injury of a fetus will change dramatically. The Unborn Victims of Violence Act, or Ethen’s Law,...