Kurtz & Blum, PLLC

06/18/2026

Yes, you can be arrested for domestic violence in North Carolina even without physical evidence.

Most criminal cases—including domestic violence—are prosecuted based on the word of a single witness. While physical evidence can help support a claim, it is not required for an arrest or conviction. In fact, the majority of domestic violence arrests and convictions are based on one person’s statements alone.

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

You can walk into court and talk to the prosecutor. But should you? Absolutely not.

The prosecutor’s job isn’t to help you, it’s to build a case against you. They’re not your ally, and they won’t stop you from saying something that could be used against you. Anything you say can and will be used to strengthen their case.

A skilled defense attorney ensures that your rights are protected, negotiates on your behalf, and fights for the best possible outcome. When your future is at stake, you need someone in your corner.

06/10/2026

Cooperating with the police can usually help with sentencing, but not on questions of guilt or innocence. Even on sentencing, it's not guaranteed. In many North Carolina courts, the arresting officer isn’t even present unless your case goes to trial. That means their opinion may not influence the judge or prosecutor.

At Kurtz & Blum, we conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that any favorable witnesses—whether officers or others—are called when it matters most.

06/08/2026

In North Carolina, child custody can be decided either by agreement between the parents or by a court order, depending on whether the parents can resolve the issue on their own.

Here’s how it typically works:

🔹 By agreement: Parents can work out custody terms and present a consent order to the court for approval.
🔹 By court decision: If no agreement is reached, the parties must attend mediation. If mediation fails, the case will go to court.
🔹 At trial, the judge will determine custody based on what is in the best interests of the child, and the court has broad discretion under the law when making that decision.

Whether by agreement or court decision, having an experienced attorney can help ensure your child’s needs are represented.

06/04/2026

While every story is unique, most families should plan for a journey of about 18 months, though some cases move faster if the child is already in the home and legal issues are straightforward.

Timelines are affected by court calendars, the type of adoption (such as surrogacy), and the time needed for required evaluations.

05/29/2026

A dismissal means the charges against you are dropped, but the record of your arrest and charge still exists. This can happen if the prosecutor decides the case isn’t strong enough or if you complete community service, treatment programs, or other conditions to earn a dismissal. Even with a dismissal, a background check may still show that you were charged, though it will also show that the case was dismissed. Importantly, a dismissal means there is no criminal conviction on your record.

An expungement, on the other hand, erases all traces available to the public of the charge as if it never happened. Court and police records are destroyed, making them invisible to MOST background checks.

05/27/2026

In North Carolina, a criminal charge becomes part of your public record even if you are not convicted.

Once you are charged with a criminal offense, the record becomes publicly accessible. It will stay on your record until you take steps to have it expunged.

05/21/2026

Paying a traffic ticket might seem like the easiest option—but it can cost you much more in the long run.

Why Paying a Ticket Can Be a Mistake:
🔹 Points on Your Driving Record – Most traffic violations add points to your record, leading to higher insurance rates.
🔹 Compounding Costs – Another ticket within five years could increase fines and insurance rates even more.
🔹 Risk of License Suspension – One serious violation (like driving 15+ mph over the speed limit) can trigger an automatic 1-year license suspension.
🔹 Legal Complications – Once a ticket is handled incorrectly, fixing the problem can become complicated and expensive.

An experienced traffic attorney can review your driving record and find the best way to handle your ticket—often avoiding points, fines, or even dismissal.

05/19/2026

If you're accused of domestic violence in North Carolina, you will have to appear in court to answer the charge. If you're convicted, the consequences can be serious. You may be placed on probation or sentenced to jail or prison, depending on the circumstances of your case.

Additional consequences include:
🔹 A permanent criminal record—domestic violence convictions cannot be expunged
🔹 A lifetime federal firearm ban
🔹 A no-contact order, which may prevent you from communicating with the alleged victim

Because these consequences can last a lifetime, it’s critical to have a qualified attorney who can help you understand your rights and defend your case effectively.