OBX Criminal Defense

Talk to a Lawyer Before You Talk to the Police

If law enforcement is asking about a potential criminal case, there is no such thing as “off the record.” You should be extremely cautious about speaking to police or investigators without legal counsel, even if they haven’t arrested you or read you your rights.

Officers are trained to gather evidence, and that includes statements you make. They might say things like, “We just want to hear your side of the story,” or “Help us understand what happened,” or “We just need to clear some things up.”

What starts as a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) hearing can quickly evolve into criminal charges. The North Carolina Court of Appeals recently addressed this reality in Simpson v. Silver, filing an opinion that clarifies how courts evaluate evidence in these cases. The decision, released November 5, 2024, provides guidance on what testimony courts will consider and what evidence they require.

A DVPO hearing might seem like a simple court appearance, but the testimony given during these civil proceedings can impact criminal cases that follow. The words spoken, evidence presented, and objections raised – or not raised – shape both immediate outcomes and future proceedings. From Danny Glover Jr.’s office in the Outer Banks to courthouses across North Carolina, attorneys watch these decisions closely because they explain the NC laws and serve as an example for future cases.

What is a Domestic Violence Protection Order?

Articles Tagged with OBX Criminal Defense

OBX Domestic Violence Cases: When Civil DVPOs Intersect with Criminal Charges