DISMISSALS
State v. J.A. – First Degree Rape
What’s more important than getting a car for your 16 th birthday these days? Getting a smartphone.
Less than half of teenagers in the U.S. have a driver’s license according to a recent study conducted at the University of Michigan. That may be due, in part, to graduated licensing programs that have raised the age when teens can actually drive themselves legally at any time of day. Or, it could be creditable to the heightened use of social media among today’s teens. Being connected to friends and family, at almost all times, has made a car an unnecessary expense for many when a ride is just a Tweet, post, or phone call away.
A recent search of the Charlotte, Wilmington, and Raleigh community postings revealed more than 100 posts related to ride requests on each site. With college back in session, it’s not hard to imagine that students in these areas are looking for rides back home via the internet as well.
#Ineedaride may seem innocent, but it could very well be a dangerous hashtag. Sure, it may get you where you need to go with the help of a friend and his or her car, but depending on who you are sharing your Tweets or Facebook posts with, you could wind up facing a potential kidnapping situation, become the victim of a sex offense or worse.
The same goes for putting the thumbs up on Facebook or another site, and we aren’t talking about simply ‘liking’ others’ content. The internet and particularly social media sites that allow users to post a self-determined quantity of personal information are often considered a playground for those with criminal tendencies.
For those who solicit only friends and family for transportation, the dangers are generally no different than any time you get into a car – you may end up sharing the road with a distracted driver or drunk driver who puts your life at risk – or other motor vehicle accident scenario.
For those who aren’t just soliciting family and friends, any of the following could potentially increase the risk you face by ridesharing with a stranger:
Whatever age you are, you should be extremely wary of getting into a car with a stranger.
For those who still choose to social rideshare, here are a few tips to help you stay safe while doing so:
rideshare may say it best, “The Internet is like a big city with all kinds of people in it. Don’t travel with someone you don’t trust.”
This informational article is provided by the defense attorneys of Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, for the purpose of educating and improving the safety of teens and young adults who rideshare or cyberhitchhike throughout North Carolina. To learn more about the firm, please visit our family of criminal defense websites. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates on safety and criminal defense matters in North Carolina.
State v. B.S.: Not Guilty Verdict in First Degree Murder Case..
In this case, our client was charged with First Degree Murder in connection with a “drive-by” shooting that occurred in Charlotte, NC. The State’s evidence included GPS ankle monitoring data linking our client was at the scene of the crime and evidence that our client confessed to an inmate while in jail. Nonetheless, we convinced a jury to unanimously find our client Not Guilty. He was released from jail the same day.
State v. S.G.: First Degree Murder Charge Dismissed.
Our client was charged with First Degree for the shooting death related to alleged breaking and entering. The State’s evidence included a co-defendant alleging that our client was the shooter. After conducting a thorough investigation with the use of a private investigator, we persuaded the State to dismiss entirely the case against our client.
State v. B.D.: First Degree Murder Charged Dismissed.
After conducting an investigation and communicating with the prosecutor about the facts and circumstances indicating that our client acted in self-defense, the case was dismissed and deemed a justifiable homicide.
State v. I.R.: Reduction from First Degree Murder to Involuntary Manslaughter and Concealment of Death..
Our client was charged with the First Degree Murder of a young lady by drug overdose. After investigating the decedent’s background and hiring a preeminent expert toxicologist to fight the State’s theory of death, we were able to negotiate this case down from Life in prison to 5 years in prison, with credit for time served.
State v. J.G.: .
Our client was charged with First Degree Murder related to a “drug deal gone bad.” After engaging the services of a private investigator and noting issues with the State’s case, we were able to negotiate a plea for our client that avoided a Life sentence and required him to serve only 12 years.
State v. J.A. – First Degree Rape
State v. B.S. – First Degree Murder
State v. E.D. – Identity Theft
State v. J.A. – First Degree Rape
Each case is different and must be evaluated on its individual facts. We work hard to assess each case individually. Prior results do not guarantee any future outcome.
Put our team of criminal defense lawyers on your side today. You are one phone call or email away from getting your questions answered by an experienced defense attorney.
Call us at 919-838-6643to set up a free consultation or send us an email.
Fields marked with an * are required
Call 919-838-6643 to schedule a free initial consultation. Offices open weekdays 8am – 7pm, Saturdays 9am – 5pm
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.
© 2024 Marcilliat & Mills PLLC. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy |