VAWA reauthorization expands tribe’s ability to hold abusers accountable
On July 21, 2015, Cherokee resident John Michael Arkansas was convicted of violating a domestic violence protective order. He received a year of probation and $1,600 in fines and restitution, with a 75-day sentence hanging over his head should he violate the terms.
State passes ‘Death by Distribution’ law
Gov. Roy Cooper signed the Death by Distribution Act into law earlier this month, making it easier for prosecutors to charge drug dealers with second-degree murder for selling someone a lethal dose.
Bail bond industry a strong lobby in Raleigh
With widespread reports of abuse and fraud, the bail bonds industry in the U.S. doesn’t have the best reputation.
Civil rights advocates call for death of bail bonds
The use of bail bonds dates back centuries as a means to settle disputes peacefully and to ensure a defendant shows up to court by having a friend or family member agree to pay the debt if the accused flees.
Case study, Durham County: Changes can begin by offering pre-trial services
The Durham County Detention Facility opened in the summer of 1996 with a capacity of 576 single cells. By 2005, the jail was at or over capacity a majority of the time.
Laying down the law: Officers, DA explain challenges within the system
If you don’t have much experience within the criminal justice system, trying to navigate the system can be frustrating.
Jackson wants to do background checks on volunteers
To lend a helping hand in Jackson County, a willingness to volunteer may not be enough.
Max Patch restored, off-roaders pay
The off-roaders responsible for causing damage to the popular Pisgah National Forest hiking spot Max Patch have reached a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Honest hunters have little tolerance for renegade tactics
Shock waves rippled through the mountain hunting community last week as word spread of a sweeping undercover investigation targeting dozens of illegal rogue hunters.
“Operation Something Bruin:” Dozens of rogue hunters busted in illegal mountain poaching ring
Last week, state and federal wildlife officers began rounding up dozens of suspected poachers in Western North Carolina, bringing to fruition an undercover investigation that spanned several years across several rural mountain counties and penetrated the heart of an illegal hunting ring that targeted black bears.