Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.FindLaw IM Template2026-08-01T21:58:19Zhttps://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[2 crucial rights you have after an arrest]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488312026-08-01T21:58:19Z2026-08-01T21:58:19ZMiranda rights. It is very important to keep these in mind and understand how they affect your options moving forward.
The right to remain silent
First, the police can use anything that you say against you, so you are not obligated to answer their questions. You do have a right to remain silent. They cannot force you to answer or incriminate yourself.
Often, the best option is simply to politely inform the police that you want to use your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Doing so does not indicate that you are guilty, but simply that you do not want to answer questions at that time.
The right to an attorney
Next, you have a right to an attorney. You should be told that the state will appoint one for you if you cannot afford one. Everyone has the right to legal counsel when facing criminal charges.
This is also important when it comes to answering questions. Many people will eventually talk to the police, but they only want to do so when their lawyer is present to protect them. Police may try to conduct a quick interrogation right after the arrest, but you do have a right to remain silent and wait for your attorney to join you.
The police must respect your rights, even if they believe you are guilty of a crime. Be sure you know exactly what rights and criminal defense options you have.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[3 key factors to consider when creating a child custody schedule]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488292026-07-24T02:01:36Z2026-07-24T02:01:36Z primary factors to consider when creating a custody schedule
Your child’s age
Infants and toddlers require constant contact with both parents. A custody schedule with frequent, shorter visits, such as a 2-2-3 schedule, often works best for them.
School-age children typically benefit from a schedule with fewer transitions to support school routines, but also one that allows them to spend more time with both parents -- for example, a 2-2-5-5 or alternating weeks. Teens generally need a flexible schedule to accommodate their independence, social life, extracurricular activities and job, such as alternating weeks.
Your child’s needs should also be considered. How do they respond to change, regardless of age? Do they have special needs? What is their daily schedule?
Your work schedules
You and your co-parent need to develop a parenting plan that aligns with your work schedules. Doing this can save you from constant last-minute rescheduling and heavily relying on third-party childcare. Accordingly, you can better spend quality time with your child and maintain peaceful co-parenting.
Physical distance between the two homes
The physical distance between the two homes and the distance between the homes and the child's school are crucial. A custody schedule that requires your child to travel for more than an hour to the other home or to school every few days can be stressful.
Creating a child custody schedule should be approached from the right angle. Get more information to choose a schedule that protects your child.]]>On Behalf of Dickerson Law Firm, P.A.<![CDATA[What are standardized field sobriety tests?]]>https://www.dickerson-law-firm.com/?p=488272026-07-09T02:06:31Z2026-07-09T02:06:31ZThe police can stop a vehicle if they believe the driver is inebriated. During that traffic stop, the police may try to collect evidence to support their belief (and justify an arrest)by asking the driver to perform standardized field sobriety tests.Standardized field sobriety tests require drivers to move in a way that is designed to demonstrate whether they are intoxicated or not. Here are three common types of standardized field sobriety tests:
1. Horizontal gaze nystagmus test
The horizontal gaze nystagmus test requires the driver to stand still while facing forward. The police will hold up a finger, pen, light or other object in front of the driver’s face. The driver will be asked to keep their eye on the object while the police move it from side to side. The driver may be drunk if their eyes twitch uncontrollably.
2. Walk-and-turn test
The driver may be asked to perform a walk-and-turn test. The walk-and-turn test requires a driver to walk in a straight line. After a few paces forward, the driver will be asked to turn around and walk back to where they started. If the driver struggles to walk on a straight line or keep their balance, they may appear inebriated.
3. One-legged stand test
The police may ask the driver to stand up and lift one leg off the ground. The driver will have to hold their leg up for several seconds. If the driver puts their foot down too soon, falls over or can not follow instructions, they may be charged with drunk driving.Standardized field sobriety tests are not always accurate. In fact, their accuracy can vary greatly depending upon the circumstances and the skill of the tester. Drivers may fail standardized field sobriety tests because of medical problems, anxiety over the situation or even just age. If you are facing a drunk driving charge after performing a standardized field sobriety test, you may want to reach out for legal guidance for help.]]>On 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.]]>