Kurtz & Blum, PLLC

Kurtz & Blum, PLLC Criminal Defense, Family Law, DWI, and Domestic Violence. Call or visit us online. Se habla espanol.

About Our Firm

Choosing a lawyer can be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Whether you’re dealing with a criminal charge, a traffic offense, a family law matter, or a personal injury, the attorney you trust to handle your case can make a huge difference in your life and in your future. Many of the people our law firm works with have never needed to hire an attorney before. They don’t know what to expect or what type of outcome to hope for.

A dismissal means the charges against you are dropped, but the record of your arrest and charge still exists. This can h...
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.

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

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

If you're accused of domestic violence in North Carolina, you will have to appear in court to answer the charge. If you'...
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.

Your old criminal record can still matter, even if the charges were years ago. Prior offenses can affect sentencing, ple...
05/13/2026

Your old criminal record can still matter, even if the charges were years ago. Prior offenses can affect sentencing, plea deals, and even job opportunities. That’s why having an experienced defense attorney is crucial—we work to minimize the impact of your past and make sure the court sees who you are today, not just who you were then.

At Kurtz & Blum, we understand that past mistakes don’t define you. Whether your record involves youthful mistakes, addiction, or other challenges, we fight to ensure it doesn’t unfairly shape your future.

You don’t have to hire an attorney to get a divorce—but doing it yourself comes with risks.North Carolina offers a Do-It...
05/11/2026

You don’t have to hire an attorney to get a divorce—but doing it yourself comes with risks.

North Carolina offers a Do-It-Yourself Absolute Divorce kit through the Clerk of Court, but court staff can’t help you fill it out. The process may seem simple, but even small mistakes—like filing incorrectly or missing key steps—can result in your divorce being denied.

More importantly, filing for divorce without legal guidance could mean giving up important rights. If issues like property division, spousal support, or child custody aren’t properly addressed beforehand, you may lose the ability to bring them to court later.

A divorce attorney ensures everything is handled correctly the first time—protecting your rights, avoiding costly mistakes, and giving you peace of mind.

Closed adoption: This is where the biological family does not have access to the child after the adoption is finalized.O...
05/07/2026

Closed adoption: This is where the biological family does not have access to the child after the adoption is finalized.

Open adoption: In an open adoption, the adoptive family is willing to allow a continued connection, relationship, or information sharing with the biological family.

For children adopted through the foster care system, North Carolina law changed effective October 1, 2025, and families should understand that there may be circumstances where continued information sharing with the biological parent becomes part of the process.

In such situations, you always have the right to remain silent. However, if you are pulled over while driving, the polic...
05/05/2026

In such situations, you always have the right to remain silent. However, if you are pulled over while driving, the police have the right to temporarily detain you, ask you to step out of the vehicle and request your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.

It’s important to stay calm, follow instructions, and politely assert your right to remain silent if asked to provide more than your identification and documentation.

Do not agree to a search. If the police ask your permission, it’s because they don’t have the right to do what they are asking to do.

Law enforcement may search your vehicle without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe it contains evidence of...
05/01/2026

Law enforcement may search your vehicle without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe it contains evidence of a crime.

Examples include the smell of illegal substances, visible contraband, or other indicators that suggest criminal activity. However, without probable cause, a warrant or your consent is generally required.

You may qualify for a limited driving privilege that allows you to drive for work, school, or other essential needs—even...
04/29/2026

You may qualify for a limited driving privilege that allows you to drive for work, school, or other essential needs—even during your license suspension.

To apply, you’ll need:
🔹 A certified copy of your driving record
🔹 A DL-123 form from your insurance company showing that you have insurance now
🔹 For a DWI suspension, a substance abuse assessment from a drug and alcohol counseling center
🔹 A letter from your employer (on company letterhead) if you need to drive outside the standard hours of 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday
🔹 $100 filing fee

Bring these documents to us, and we’ll help you secure your limited driving privilege as quickly as possible.

Address

434 Fayetteville Street #710
Raleigh, NC
27601

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30am
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Website

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