Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.FindLaw IM Template2026-06-25T19:41:00Zhttps://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1100723/2019/04/cropped-site-identity-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[Before you sign: Avoid these three parenting plan mistakes]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488242026-06-25T19:41:00Z2026-06-25T19:41:00Z well-crafted parenting plan can reduce conflict, protect children from adult disputes and create predictable routines across two households. The following tips will help you avoid common mistakes that undermine its effectiveness.
Mistake 1:Vagueness
Many plans rely on broad language such as “reasonable visitation” or “as agreed.” That can work for a short time, but it often fails when work schedules change, new partners enter the picture or communication breaks down. Specificity is not about control. It is about reducing ambiguity. Potential gaps to address can include:
Exchange times and locations, including who transports and what happens if a parent is late
Holiday and school break schedules, including start and end times and how conflicts are resolved
Right of first refusal, make-up time and how to request schedule changes
If you address these items in plain language, you create a roadmap that is easier to follow and easier to enforce if needed.
Mistake 2: Failing to plan for communication during disputes
To reduce conflict, include a preferred method for routine communication and a separate method for emergencies. For some, it can help to outline response time expectations. A step-by-step plan to resolve disputes is also advantageous and could include discussion, mediation then court as a last resort. When the plan includes a clear process, parents spend less time arguing about how to resolve the issue.
Mistake 3: Forgetting that the child’s needs will change
Children grow – and so should the plan. A parenting plan should anticipate changes such as school transitions, driving age and shifting extracurricular demands. Add review points, such as annually or at the start of each school year, and clarify how to document modifications.Parenting plans are often successful when detailed, practical and written with the child’s daily life in mind. By avoiding vague language, clarifying decision-making, setting communication rules and planning for change, you can create an agreement that supports stability now and flexibility later.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[3 times the state can bring DWI charges]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488222026-06-24T09:21:49Z2026-06-24T09:21:49ZDriving while impaired (DWI) charges are relatively common. People may face DWI allegations after a traffic stop or a collision. Depending on the circumstances, penalties can range from fines and driver's license suspension to jail time.
There are multiple different situations in which the state can allege that a driver committed a DWI offense. The three scenarios below account for the vast majority of DWI cases.
1. When alcohol affects traffic safety
Drivers may face DWI charges because there is video footage of them driving poorly. People may call to report concerns about an intoxicated driver if they notice someone swerving or driving erratically.Police officers can also document impaired driving by following people with their dashcams running. Involvement in a crash can also lead to questions about a driver's capabilities and whether intoxication contributed to the wreck.
2. When drivers have high blood alcohol levels
Some people consume alcohol regularly enough that they don't appear intoxicated after drinking. They may drive in a relatively normal and predictable fashion. However, if they fail a chemical test, the state can bring charges based solely on their elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC). For most adults, test results showing aBAC of 0.08% or higher could be the only evidence the state needs to bring DWI charges.
3. When driving after using drugs
There are prohibited drugs that are illegal for anyone to use or possess. There are also hundreds of prescription drugs that people can only use while under the care of a physician. Even legal prescription medication can warrant a DWI charge. Any substance that can affect driving capability could lead to a DWI charge against a motorist.The basis for DWI charges influences the best defense strategy. Reviewing the state's evidence with a lawyer can helpDWI defendants explore their options before they go to court.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[3 tips for a calm child custody transfer]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488202026-06-15T17:00:13Z2026-06-15T17:00:13Zmove their children between homes regularly.
Give the children time to prepare
Children need time to prepare for this kind of move. If you have kids who need to navigate such transitions, you may have to do a countdown with younger children, but older children may be able to handle that on their own. Ideally, you won’t have to rush through transfer day.
Avoid contentious discussions
When you meet up with your ex, don’t use that time to discuss anything that may lead to a disagreement. Keeping those discussions away from the children can help them to feel more stable. Additionally, they may be able to relax more when they realize that they don’t have to worry about arguments.
Plan a calm evening
If your children are going to your house, try to keep the evening calm for them. This gives them a chance to adjust to change of homes without having to rush to activities. This is a good time to have a tradition of a movie night or something similar.
Helping children on these transfer days is critical, so it may be beneficial for you to have a parenting plan in place. A parenting plan can help to provide you and your co-parent with guidelines to handle a number of situations that may come up throughout the time you’re raising children together, including transfer protocol.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[How can an illegal search affect a criminal case?]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488182026-05-27T01:08:12Z2026-05-27T01:08:12ZLawyers can suppress evidence from illegal searches
The Fourth Amendment is the part of the Bill of Rights that protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures of their property. Those with proof that police officers conducted an inappropriate or unlawful search can provide information about police officer conduct to their defense attorneys.
Lawyers can use the exclusionary rule to suppress or exclude evidence before the trial begins. The ability to prevent the prosecution from presenting certain evidence can significantly weaken the state’s case.
In some cases, prosecutors may need to dismiss the pending charges after the suppression of evidence. Other times, the exclusion of evidence can make it much easier for the defense to fight the pending charges against the defendant.
Documenting police misconduct and discussing it with an attorney as soon as possible can help people avoid life-altering criminal convictions. The suppression of evidence is a key component of many successful criminal defense strategies.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[Who keeps the house in a North Carolina divorce?]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488162026-05-19T10:40:40Z2026-05-19T10:40:40ZProperty division differs in every case
There is no simple formula that determines the possession of the marital home after a North Carolina divorce. Spouses preparing to negotiate with one another may need to consider carefully whether they can afford the house and if they have the capacity to maintain it without the support of a spouse.
They also need to consider if staying there could be beneficial for their children. Spouses who are pragmatic when considering the marital home can often reach their own arrangement based on the totality of their financial circumstances or their current custody order.
If the case goes to court, judges consider the home as part of the overall marital estate. They factor in custody arrangements for the minor children in the family, pre-existing connections to the property and the ability to maintain the home both physically and financially when they decide who retains the property.
Discussing financial concerns and divorce priorities with a family law attorney can help people identify realistic goals and minimize unnecessary conflict related to property division.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[Potential benefits of negotiating a plea bargain]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488142026-04-30T06:31:59Z2026-04-30T06:31:59Zresult in a guilty plea, often accompanied by a plea bargain arrangement negotiated with a prosecutor. Defendants facing serious charges may decide to hire a criminal defense attorney to help them negotiate a plea bargain instead of mounting a defense at a trial.
How does a plea bargain benefit the defendant?
Prosecutors obviously benefit from plea bargains, as they keep their conviction rates high without needing to actually prove the charges against a defendant. They also save the state money by minimizing how many cases go to trial.
For criminal defendants, plea bargains offer a couple of valuable benefits. The first is the ability to reduce the total number of charges or the severity of the charges. If the prosecutor brought multiple charges for a single incident, they may agree to dismiss all but one of the charges in return for a guilty plea to that primary offense.
Other times, they may agree to reduce a felony offense to a misdemeanor in exchange for a guilty plea. They may also agree to take specific penalties, such as incarceration, off the table, or limit the sentence possible.
Defendants can potentially benefit from limiting the penalties the courts can impose during sentencing or having a lesser offense turn up during background checks. They may also find it beneficial to resolve the charges quickly instead of enduring the stress of prosecution for many months. Reviewing the state's case with a criminal defense attorney can help people determine if a plea bargain might be helpful in their case.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[How child custody is determined in North Carolina]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488122026-04-27T20:40:53Z2026-04-27T20:40:53ZWhat courts look for in custody cases?
North Carolina law does not automatically favor either parent. Instead, the judge reviews the full context of your family dynamic. This includes your ability to provide a stable home, your involvement in your child’s daily life, and the strength of your relationship with them. Courts also consider practical realities like your work schedule, your willingness to cooperate with the other parent, and your child’s current routine.
If there are concerns about domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect, those issues will carry significant weight. Judges may also consider the child’s preference if they are mature enough, but this is only one part of a broader analysis.
Legal vs. physical custody
North Carolina law divides custody into two main categories. Legal custody refers to decision-making authority over major aspects of your child’s life, such as education and healthcare. In many cases, courts award joint legal custody, which means both parents share these responsibilities.
Physical custody, on the other hand, determines where your child lives. One parent may have primary physical custody, or both parents may share time in a joint arrangement. The court’s goal is to create a schedule that allows your child to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible.
The role of parenting plans and mediation
Whenever possible, North Carolina courts encourage parents to reach their own agreement. You and the other parent can create a parenting plan that outlines custody schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and communication guidelines. This approach often leads to more flexible and personalized arrangements.
In most cases, you will also need to attend mediation before going to trial. Mediation gives you an opportunity to resolve disagreements with the help of a neutral third party. If you reach an agreement, the court can approve it. If not, a judge will make the final decision after reviewing the evidence.
How to approach your case
Your actions during a custody case matter. Courts tend to favor parents who demonstrate consistency, cooperation, and a clear focus on the child’s well-being. Staying involved in your child’s life, maintaining a stable routine, and communicating respectfully with the other parent can strengthen your position.
Custody cases can quickly become complex, especially when disagreements escalate or sensitive issues arise. Speaking with an experienced family law attorney can help you understand your options and present a case that reflects your child’s best interests.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[3 options for your shared business during divorce]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488082026-04-14T11:03:15Z2026-04-14T11:03:15ZA shared business can make a divorce complicated. Not only are the people married and seeking to end their romantic relationship, but they are essentially business partners who have been working together, potentially for years or even decades.
The shared business is likely a marital asset, meaning that it goes through property division. Below are three options couples can consider.
Both of them sell the business
To start with, many couples just decide that they are going to sell the business together and then split up the proceeds. They do this because it is the simplest option. If the business is worth $1 million, for example, they are both entitled to a portion of that value, and selling the business means they can just split up the financial assets that it creates.
One of them buys out the other
In other cases, one person may want to stay and continue running the business going forward. To do so, they may need to buy out the share of the business owned by their partner.
They both retain the business
Finally, selling the company is not a requirement just because a couple is getting divorced. Some couples go through an amicable divorce process where they are still on good terms, even though their marriage is ending. It may be possible for them to both continue working together, even after the divorce has concluded. In this case, they truly do become business partners, and they may want to write a contract, such as a business partnership agreement.Every situation is unique, but this helps to outline some of the options you have if you own a business with your spouse and are moving toward divorce. Be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take at this time.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[Eyewitness misidentifications can lead to false convictions]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488062026-03-31T02:56:34Z2026-03-31T02:56:34ZDNA evidence. Hundreds of people have been exonerated after the fact. DNA has shown that they were not guilty, even though they were convicted in their original trial.
What’s behind these eyewitness mistakes?
Researchers have looked at the statistics to find trends in these cases. One thing that they have identified is the prevalence of eyewitness misidentification. These mistakes may convince a jury to convict a suspect, even if that suspect maintains that they are innocent.
Exactly why eyewitnesses make these mistakes varies from case to case. For one thing, memory is not always as reliable or static as people assume, and memories can change over time. There can also be issues with how well that eyewitness actually saw the event take place. Things may have happened very quickly, at a significant distance from the witness or in an unexpected fashion.
In other words, these eyewitnesses are not necessarily providing false testimony on purpose. A witness may make a genuine mistake, not even realizing that they are identifying the wrong person. But it can still result in a wrongful conviction.
This helps to demonstrate some of the complications of a criminal defense case and why it is so important to work with an experienced attorney when facing charges.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[Why you should tell your kids your divorce is not their fault]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488042026-03-18T22:51:41Z2026-03-18T22:51:41ZYoung children are at the center of their world
Research has shown that young children, in particular, have a self-centered view of the world. All they have to do is cry or smile, and you and perhaps various others would give them your attention. While children eventually learn that the world does not actually revolve around them, it can take time for them to fully understand this.
They can’t always differentiate between reality and fantasy
Adults often fail to grasp just how much children can sometimes struggle to differentiate between fact and fiction. It’s why children my swear that what they are telling you is true, even though you know it cannot be. Just as they convince themselves that the dragons they are fighting are real, they can convince themselves that something they did caused their parents to split up.
Having both parents tell a child that they love them and that the divorce is not their fault can provide essential reassurance at a difficult time. Having sound legal guidance can help a parent better focus on what’s best for their child.]]>