Appellate Court Opinions

termination of parental rights, cessation of reunification efforts, no-merit brief, findings of fact based on clear and convincing evidence

permanency planning order, neglect, visitation, constitutionally protected status as a parent

involuntary commitment, record on appeal, file stamp

Permanency Planning, Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Child Custody, Guardian ad litem, Guardianship, Foster Parents, Consent Decree, Evidentiary Hearing

Attorney’s fees pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. 50-13.6

Industrial Commission; Injury-by-Accident

interlocutory order; no grounds for immediate appellate review; dismissal

Covid-19; retaliatory discrimination; legitimate nondiscriminatory reason; pretext; summary judgment

motion to dismiss, second degree forcible sex offense, DNA swab, motion to dismiss, evidence of a sexual act, sufficiency of the evidence, evidence of penetration

appeal dismissed; petition for writ of certiorari; untimely notice of appeal.

possession of a firearm by felon, motion to dismiss, substantial evidence

possession of cocaine; N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-95(a)(1) (2021); guilty plea; Anders brief; criminal appeal.

Sale of illegal drugs;
Rejection of plea bargain;
Failure to Object or Preserve;
Waiver;
Presumptive Range Sentences;
Abuse of Discretion;

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1242; waiver of counsel; voluntary and knowing; constitutional rights.

Constitutional question; due process; appropriate procedure; jail-credit

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(h)(4) (2017); N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-87(18) (2017); Fentanyl; Opiate; Opium; Matter of law.

Plain error; 206.14 pattern jury instructions; Verdict sheet; Charge conference; First-degree murder; Second-degree murder; Lesser included offense; Acquittal.

attorneys' latitude in closing arguments; no objection by defense counsel; trial court's duty to intervene ex mero motu

Alford plea; Motion to suppress; Writ of certiorari; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-979; Statutory right to appeal.

petition for writ of certiorari, motion to dismiss, acting in concert, larceny, felony habitual larceny