Current District Court Judges in Cumberland County

• All ten of Cumberland County’s District Court Judges, who are elected on a county-wide basis, are Democrats.
• Seven out of ten of our District Court Judges are women.
• Our District Court Judges, listed below, are elected to four-year terms:
  • Cheri Siler-Mack (term ends in 2026)
  • Rosalyn Hood (term ends in 2026)
  • Frances McDuffie (term ends in 2026)
  • Tracey Henderson (term ends in 2026)
  • David Hasty (term ends in 2026)
  • Cullen Jordan (term ends in 2028)
  • Lou Olivera (term ends in 2028)
  • Toni King (term ends in 2026)
  • Caitlin Evans (term ends in 2026)
  • Tiffany Whitfield (term ends in 2028)

District Court Judges hear misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic tickets, domestic and divorce cases, juvenile cases, and civil matters where the amount in controversy is less than $25,000, among other matters.

Current Superior Court Judges in Cumberland County

• District 12A – Stephen Stokes – Democrat (term ends in 2026)
• District 12B – Gale Adams – Democrat (term ends in 2028)
• District 12C – James “Jim” Ammons, Jr. – Unaffiliated (term ends in 2026)
• District 12C – George “Robby” Hicks – Republican (Term ends in 2030).

Superior Court Judges have “exclusive, original jurisdiction over all criminal actions not assigned to the district court.” They also hear civil matters with an amount in controversy exceeding $25,000, as well as other complex matters.

District Attorney and Other Offices

• Billy West, our long time District Attorney, whose office represents the State of North Carolina in criminal matters, is a Democrat.
• Andra Brewington, our Register of Deeds, is a Democrat.
• Lisa Scales, our Clerk of Superior Court, is a Democrat.
• Ennis Wright, our County Sheriff, is a Democrat. Sheriff Wright recently announced his retirement.

The Richardson Firm: Built to Serve Fayetteville’s Legal Needs

Attorneys Matt and Billy Richardson decided to stay in their hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and they built a law firm to serve the needs of their community. They believe that every individual should have a right to a great attorney. If you have a legal problem in Fayetteville, they will do their best to help you.

In addition to founding the firm, Billy Richardson served multiple terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Specifically, Matt and Billy Richardson and Patrick Anstead represent the citizens of Fayetteville and Southeastern, North Carolina in civil matters, including:

• Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Auto Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Eminent Domain and Property Law
• Insurance Disputes
• Civil Rights Violations
  

Family Law and Divorce in Fayetteville

The Richardson Firm has maintained a family law and divorce practice in Fayetteville for several years, helping spouses and family members navigate the complex and intimidating system that governs domestic relations in the State of North Carolina.

In 2023, Attorney Melinda Flinn joined our law firm as a domestic attorney. Melinda has been practicing family law in Cumberland County for over twenty years, and she has gained a reputation as a steady and courageous advocate. She routinely appears in front of many of the District Court Judges who hear domestic cases. Specifically, she serves the residents of Fayetteville and Cumberland County in the following areas:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Alimony
• Equitable Distribution (Property and debt division)
• Divorce
• Annulment
• Separation agreements
• Contempt
• Termination of parental rights
• Adoption
• Collaborative Law
  • Melinda has trained and participated in the Collaborative Law aspect of family law as an alternative to litigation.

Fort Bragg Traffic Tickets and DWI

Residents of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg who are charged with a traffic offense on federal land will be ordered to appear to answer the charges in federal court. While there are numerous attorneys practicing traffic law in Fayetteville, there are few who are licensed to practice in Federal Court. Seeing this need, Attorney Patrick Anstead has developed a robust defense practice. Patrick routinely appears in federal court on behalf of military and non-military residents who receive traffic tickets and DUI/DWI charges on Fort Bragg.

Keep in mind, our firm can also assist you in county court for routine traffic offenses that occur outside of Fort Bragg. If you get a traffic ticket in Cumberland County, give us a call. We can often help.

Criminal Charges in Fayetteville

Attorney Patrick Anstead routinely represents individuals charged with traffic, misdemeanor, and felony offenses in District and Superior Court. If you are charged with a criminal offense, a conviction could have a lasting and detrimental impact on your future. Do not go unrepresented. Get an attorney with the experience and the knowledge of Fayetteville’s court system.

The Richardson Firm: Local Attorneys for Local Problems

If you live in Fayetteville or Cumberland County, and you’re in need of an attorney, call us at 910-488-5050. If we are not able to assist with your specific issue, we can use our knowledge of the Fayetteville area to get you pointed in the right direction.

The court system in Fayetteville and Cumberland County is about to undergo a massive change. Paper files and court documents will soon be a thing of the past. Computers will take their place. On October 14, the entire court system in Cumberland County will go digital.

This change has pros and cons for the average citizen:

The Portal: Greater Access for the Public

Instead of making a trip to the Cumberland County Courthouse and waiting in line for help, the citizens of Cumberland County will be able to access and view legal filings online. The new PORTAL system will allow anyone to search public court documents and make payments, as long as they have an internet connection.

Efile: File Court Documents from Anywhere

All court filings in Cumberland County will be electronic. To file a document into a court file, everyone will use the new Efile system.

The Problem: New Systems Take Time

It is not easy to overhaul a system that has run on paper documents for decades. In addition, some courtrooms in Cumberland County, especially those dealing with domestic, criminal and traffic cases, process hundreds of cases daily. New computers have been installed in these Fayetteville courtrooms to assist with the change, but there will be a learning curve for the Assistant District Attorneys and the clerks as they get up to speed. You can expect to see increased wait times in Cumberland County courtrooms for the next several months.

The Solution: Our Local Law Firm

Attorneys Patrick Anstead and Melinda Flinn make appearances in courtrooms in Cumberland County on a weekly basis. They have been trained in the new eCourts software and will ensure your case receives the priority it deserves. If you have a divorce, traffic, or criminal case in Cumberland County in the next several months, hiring one of our attorneys could save you a great deal of time.

Southeastern North Carolina is not a safe place to drive. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Cumberland and the surrounding counties of Robeson, Scotland, Hoke, Sampson, Harnett and Lee have some of the highest crash rankings in the state. Simply put, if you operate a motor vehicle in Fayetteville, you have a much higher chance of getting in wreck.

The chart below lists the crash data and rankings for the past four years. To formulate these rankings, the N.C. DOT uses “several factors including reported crashes, crash severity, crash rates based on population, registered vehicles and estimated vehicle miles traveled.”

This data impacts your car insurance rates each year. While you’re paying a higher premium than others in safer counties, many drivers around you still do not carry liability insurance required by law. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may be forced to pursue your own coverage.

The Richardson Firm: Local Lawyers for Local Problems

As a result of these high crash rates, Fayetteville has been bombarded by legal advertising. Lawyers from across the state put up billboards, run television ads, and put their names on city buses in an attempt to cash in.

The Richardson Firm is a local law firm that has been in business, in Fayetteville, for over twenty years. We have dedicated personal injury attorneys that know the ins and outs of our local legal system. We live, work, and raise our families here. We’re experienced in a wide range of car accident cases, and we can help with any insurance dispute that may arise. If you’ve been charged with a traffic citation, we can help with that too.

You can read the case here: Chappell v. Webb

The deceased driver’s estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the drunk driver and the owner of the vehicle for negligent entrustment. The jury awarded the estate $40,000,000. This included compensatory and punitive damages against both defendants.

The Defendants argued on appeal that the Plaintiff’s counsel’s arguments were improper. In particular they didn’t like the attorney asking the jury to “speak loud” with their verdict. This is what the attorney said:

The size of your verdict is the volume with which you speak. A million dollars? That won’t carry out those doors back there. A few million dollars might be heard at the town limits, but if you want your voices to be heard in Raleigh, and Durham, and Oxford, and Smithfield, or across the state, or across the nation, you’re going to have to speak louder.

The jury spoke very loudly, sending a message that drunk driving would not be tolerated. The case made state-wide news. The verdict is a reminder that regular citizens can face extreme financial punishment in our civil court system if they act in a grossly negligent manner.

Here are two of the claims brought by the winning parties:

Wrongful Death In North Carolina

Claims of wrongful death in North Carolina are governed by statute:

§ 28A-18-2.  Death by wrongful act of another; recovery not assets.

(a) When the death of a person is caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default of another, such as would, if the injured person had lived, have entitled the injured person to an action for damages therefor, the person or corporation that would have been so liable, and the personal representatives or collectors of the person or corporation that would have been so liable, shall be liable to an action for damages, to be brought by the personal representative or collector of the decedent; and this notwithstanding the death, and although the wrongful act, neglect or default, causing the death, amounts in law to a felony. 

Negligent Entrustment

Negligent entrustment claims arise from case law:

Negligent entrustment is established when the owner of an automobile entrusts its operation to a person whom he knows, or by the exercise of due care should have known, to be an incompetent or reckless driver, who is likely to cause injury to others in its use. Based on his own negligence, the owner is liable for any resulting injury or damage proximately caused by the borrower’s negligence. Tart v. Martin, 353 N.C. 252, 254, 540 S.E.2d 332, 334 (2000).

What It Means For You

Remember, if a person is killed by the negligent or wrongful act of another, then the deceased person’s estate can pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party in civil court.

Moreover, if you loan your vehicle to a person who is intoxicated, or to a reckless driver, and they cause harm, then you can be liable for the damage, even if you never got behind the wheel.

If you’ve been in a motor vehicle collision, have a wrongful death claim, or if you’ve suffered personal injury and need legal assistance, the attorneys at The Richardson Firm in Fayetteville will be happy to help.

Our court system in Cumberland County is a reflection of our community. Our bench is one of the most diverse in the state. 6 out of 10 of our District Court judges are women. The vast majority of our judges are registered Democrats. Superior Court Judge, Robby Hicks, is the lone Republican on the bench.

Here is a list of Cumberland County’s current, elected judges:

CURRENT CUMBERLAND COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGES

Cheri Siler-Mack – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Rosalyn Hood – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Frances McDuffie – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Stephen Stokes – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
David Hasty – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Cullen Jordan – Democrat (Term Ends: 2024)
Lou Olivera – Democrat (Term Ends: 2024)
Toni S. King – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Caitlin Evans – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Tiffany Whitfield – Democrat (Term Ends: 2024)

CURRENT CUMBERLAND COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES

Our Superior Court District (District 12) has four judges.

DISTRICT 12A – Claire Hill – Democrat – (Term Ends: 2026)
DISTRICT 12B – Gale Adams – Democrat – (Term Ends: 2028)
DISTRICT 12C – James Floyd “Jim” Ammons, Jr. – Unaffiliated – (Term Ends: 2026)
DISTRICT 12C – George (Robby) Hicks – Republican – (Term Ends: 2030)

Fayetteville and Fort Liberty: A Unique Legal Community

Unlike other southern towns of our size, Fayetteville has a transient population of military members and their families. Many of these individuals come when they are stationed at Fort Liberty and leave when their term of service has ended.

Fayetteville also has its share of large industry. Kelly Springfield (a Goodyear tire factory) has been around for decades and employed thousands of people, including my grandfather.

The Democratic Party has gained a stronghold on local politics. Our Mayor and a majority of our City Council are Democrats. However, like most southern towns, there is a wealthy element of blue-blood types that keep the country clubs in business. This pocket of Fayetteville is increasingly conservative.

This complexity presents a unique problem for an attorney looking to practice in Fayetteville. You can find a niche and specialize, or you can grow and attempt to serve everyone. At The Richardson Firm, we chose the latter.

The Richardson Firm: A Law Firm Built to Serve Fayetteville

Attorneys Matt and Billy Richardson have spent their entire legal careers in Fayetteville. They are active in their community, both professionally and politically. Billy Richardson served multiple terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives. In his spare time, Matt Richardson blogs about Fayetteville and North Carolina politics on his website: crosscreekdivide.com.

Matt and Billy Richardson have constructed a law firm to serve the needs of regular people in Fayetteville. They believe that every person should have a right to a good attorney, no matter their circumstances. Specifically, Matt and Billy Richardson represent the citizens of Fayetteville and Southeastern, North Carolina in civil matters, including:

• Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Auto Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Eminent Domain and Property Law
• Insurance Disputes
  

Military Law

Attorney Kris Poppe joined The Richardson Firm as a partner in 2016 after nearly 35 years of military service, including over 20 years as an Army Judge Advocate.

Kris is able to assist with the specific legal needs of service members at Fort Liberty and other North Carolina bases, while also representing both military and non-military residents who have been charged with serious criminal offenses. Kris can assist in the following areas:

• Criminal Defense
  • Homicide
  • White Collar
  • Sexual Assault
  • Drug Offenses
• Federal Court Charges
• Court-Marital Defense
• Military Courts of Appeals
• Administrative Separation
• Officer Elimination
• Inspector General Investigations
• Board for Correction of Military Records
• Memorandum of Reprimands
• Non-Judicial Punishment Proceedings

Family Law and Divorce

The Richardson Firm has maintained a family law and divorce practice for several years. In 2023, Attorney Melinda Flinn joined the firm. Melinda has been practicing family law in Cumberland County for over twenty years, and she has gained a reputation as a steady and courageous advocate. She serves the residents of Fayetteville in the following areas:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Alimony
• Equitable Distribution (Property and debt division)
• Divorce
• Annulment
• Separation agreements
• Contempt
• Termination of parental rights
• Adoption
• Collaborative Law
  • Melinda has trained and participated in the Collaborative Law aspect of family law as an alternative to litigation.

Fort Liberty Traffic Tickets and DWI

Residents of Fayetteville and Fort Liberty who are charged with a traffic offense will be ordered to appear to answer the charges in federal court. While there are numerous attorneys practicing traffic law in Fayetteville, there are few who are licensed to practice in Federal Court. Seeing this need, Attorney Patrick Anstead has developed a robust defense practice. Patrick routinely appears in federal court on behalf of military and non-military residents who receive traffic tickets and DUI/DWI charges on Fort Liberty.

The Richardson Firm: Dialed Into Fayetteville’s Needs

If you live in Fayetteville or Cumberland County, and you’re in need of an attorney, give us a call at 910-488-5050. If we are not able to assist with your specific issue, we can use the contacts we have developed over the years to get you pointed in the right direction.

Who’s At-Fault?

I have litigated car accident cases for over a decade, and in my experience, the parts of the DMV form that cause the most heartache for my clients are the officer’s sketch illustrating the collision and the officer’s narrative about how the accident occurred. In short, clients often disagree with the officer’s conclusions about how the wreck happened and who was at fault.

North Carolina Courts have held that even though a law enforcement officer didn’t witness a collision, his/her accident report can be admitted into evidence in a civil case as an exception to the hearsay rule:

“Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8C-1, Rule 803(6) (1986) of the N.C. Rules of Evidence, “Records of Regularly Conducted Activity,” highway accident reports may be admissible, as a business records exception to the hearsay rule. To be admissible such reports must be authenticated by their writer, prepared at or near the time of the act(s) reported, by or from information transmitted by a person with knowledge of the act(s), kept in the course of a regularly conducted business activity, with such being a regular practice of that business activity unless the circumstances surrounding the report indicate a lack of trustworthiness. Fisher v. Thompson, 50 N.C. App. 724, 275 S.E. 2d 507 (1981). Such reports may also be admissible as “official” reports under Rule 803(8), “Public Records and Reports,” if properly authenticated.”
Wentz v. Unifi, Inc., 89 N.C. App. 33, 39-40, 365 S.E.2d 198, 201 (1988).

What If the Officer Got it Wrong?

Police officers are human beings and make mistakes, and their reports are only as good as the information they receive from individuals at the scene of the collision. Often times, people make misleading statements to police officers to avoid civil or criminal liability. This leads to bad reports.

It’s important to note that the officer’s report is not the “be all end all” of the matter. It is simply one piece of evidence. If you’ve been in a motor vehicle collision that was not your fault, but the accident report says you were at fault, it is extremely important to talk to an attorney. When presented with new evidence, the officers will often amend their reports. If the officer is being stubborn, you can still proceed with a civil claim against the other driver if you have evidence to support it.

If you have an accident report in your hand, and you’re having trouble deciphering the numbers on it and what they mean, click the green “Download” button at the bottom of the page for a Code Sheet from the DMV. It will help.

I began my legal career as a prosecutor in Cumberland County District Court, and I was quicky thrown into the fire. Assistant D.A.’s in cities like Fayetteville, North Carolina are forced to shuffle through hundreds of cases each day, ranging from stop sign violations to more serious D.U.I.’s. Simply calling the docket would take upwards of 45 minutes. After the docket call, the cases were sorted and called up one at a time by a District Court Judge. A single courtroom would process over 500 cases in a day. Court would often stay open past regular business hours.

For the unfortunate people sitting in the courtroom without an attorney, a simple speeding ticket might have cost them an entire day of work, school, or time with their family. Fortunately, if you’re charged with a minor traffic offense in Cumberland County, your appearance can be waived. This means that your lawyer comes to court for you while you go on with your life.

Yes, an attorney will cost you some money, but the benefit is great. A local attorney has the knowledge and insight to get you the best result possible. This can come in the form of a dismissal or a reduction of your charge, which can save you money and help you avoid insurance points. In the end, it beats sitting in a crowded courtroom all day.

If you’re charged with a traffic offense in Cumberland County, Fayetteville, or Fort Liberty, give us a call. Our attorneys appear in state and federal court on a weekly basis.

-Matt Richardson, Partner

In North Carolina, every driver of a motor vehicle is required to have liability insurance. This insurance covers:

• Injuries caused to another person ($30,000)
• Damage caused to property ($25,000)

These are the minimal limits required by law. If you are caught driving without this insurance coverage, you could receive a citation.

However, as attorneys practicing personal injury law in North Carolina, we often meet clients who have been in a motor vehicle collision with someone who does not follow the law and has no insurance. Either the insurance has lapsed, the person never bought it, or the insurance company finds an exclusion in the policy to deny the claim. It happens more than you might imagine. According to recent statistics, 7.4% of all North Carolina drivers have no liability insurance. If you live in a less affluent county, the number is most likely higher.

If you are in a motor vehicle accident that is not your fault, and the person who is at fault has no insurance, then you have what we call an “Uninsured Motorist” claim.

The good news is that all auto policies in North Carolina are required to have uninsured motorist coverage, so as long as you are covered under an auto policy, you will have a way to obtain compensation for your damages. You can file an “uninsured motorist” claim with your own insurance company, and your company will be responsible for your damages up to the policy limits.

Speaking of policy limits, we always encourage our clients to talk to their insurance company and obtain more than the required North Carolina minimum. If you suffer any kind of serious injury, $30,000 may not be enough to compensate you or even cover your medical expenses. If you increase your limits, you will pay a little bit more in premiums each month, but it will be worth it if you ever need to file a claim.

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle collision, you’ve received a ticket for driving without insurance, or you have questions about insurance coverage, give us a call at 910-488-5050. Our attorneys will provide you a free consultation.

There is often confusion about if receiving a traffic violation on a military installation is serious or not. It is! Traffic tickets on North Carolina military bases like Fort Liberty and Camp Lejune are enforced by federal law. The military police of Fort Bragg and Camp Lejune issue hundreds of citations every year. If you’re charged with a traffic offense or other crime on a federal installation, you will be given a court date in federal court, and it is important to seek a dedicated defense attorney to represent you and fight for your rights.

Whether you’re a service member or a civilian who has received a traffic ticket on post, you will need an attorney that can represent you in federal court. The Richardson Firm has multiple attorneys who can assist you with federal tickets. In some cases, you can waive your appearance in federal court by hiring The Richardson Firm to represent you.

COMMON FEDERAL TRAFFIC OR IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES

Some of the most common federal traffic violations include:

• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driving wrong way on a one-way road
• Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light
• Reckless driving
• DWI/DUI
• Following too closely
• Failure to maintain lane control

The attorneys at The Richardson Firm can appear in court on your behalf, allowing you to continue your normal life without the hassle of spending a day in a courtroom.

UNDERSTANDING FEDERAL VIOLATIONS

On-post traffic tickets affect everyone who drives onto a military installation including service members and visitors. Since many people are not familiar with how military traffic violations are treated, legal help is highly recommended. Outside of the military installation, traffic laws are treated the same as anywhere in NC. However, the moment you enter federal land, it is imperative to follow the law or be prepared to face federal legal consequences. All the laws, including traffic rules, are enforced by the federal government once you’re on a military base.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SUMMONED TO APPEAR IN FEDERAL COURT

It can be confusing to be told to appear in federal court for something as trivial as a traffic ticket; however, it is important to prepare yourself with the best defense. Upon arrival at federal court, an Army Judge Advocate will prosecute you for a violation of federal law and a federal judge will oversee your case. It is important that you prepare for this hearing and have an experienced on-post traffic ticket lawyer with you at the time.

OBTAINING A LIMITED DRIVING PRIVILEGE IN NORTH CAROLINA

If you have received a violation for DWI/DUI, you may face losing your license. In some cases, you may be eligible to obtain limited driving privileges. Limited driving privilege in North Carolina can be granted for essential purposes such as employment, maintenance of your household, education, court-ordered treatment or assessment, community service ordered as a condition of probation, emergency medical care, and religious worship.

North Carolina law is specific about when and how the privileges are granted. It is best to hire an experienced attorney from The Richardson Firm to help navigate your situation.

STEPS –

Submit a DL-123 form from your insurance company. Your insurance agent can email or fax this to you or your attorney. This form expires in 30 days.

Complete an alcohol assessment, or DWI class. There is usually a fee to pay to the course provider.

Get an interlock device if needed.

You or your attorney will need to prepare the appropriate form from the NC Judicial Branch website to file in the court where you were charged.

If you need to work outside of standard business hours (Monday through Friday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM), you will need to get a letter from your employer or provide other documents to show why you need to drive for work outside of those hours.

File the document with the clerk of court and pay the $100 fee.

Paying a fine does not make a traffic violation go away. In fact, uncontested traffic charges can impact you and your record for years. An increase in points against your driver’s license or insurance policy means you could be at risk for a license suspensiYou on or higher insurance premiums. Do not ignore your ticket. Speak with an attorney first.

Call us at 910-488-5050 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.

The attorneys at The Richardson Firm have assisted victims of automobile collisions across North Carolina for decades. If you’re in a collision, here are some practical tips that will help:

Pull Over – If you were involved in a car crash that includes damage, personal injury, or death, North Carolina requires by law that you stop your vehicle by pulling over to the side of the road. You may temporarily leave the scene of the crash to get medical help or call a police officer; otherwise, you must remain at the scene of the crash until a police officer completes an investigation or authorizes you to leave.

Call Law Enforcement – Drivers involved in car accidents that cause property damage, personal injury, or death are required to notify the local law enforcement by the quickest means possible.

Assist Anyone Who Is Injured – Check to see if anyone involved in the crash was injured and, if someone was seriously hurt, immediately call for medical assistance.

Statements About the Accident – It is required that you provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the driver and occupants of other vehicles involved in the crash. It is also important to cooperate with law enforcement by providing basic facts. Most importantly, you are not required to admit fault, and no one can require you to give an opinion as to the cause of the accident.

Exchange Information – Just as you are required to provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the driver and occupants, you should request the same information from other people involved in the car accident. We suggest that you ask to see the other driver’s license. It is also advised that all parties to the car crash exchange insurance information; however, it is not required by law.

Witnesses – Try to obtain the name, telephone number, and address of any witnesses to the accident.

Take Notes – Complete an accident information sheet which you can obtain from the police at the scene of the crash. Additionally, try to take your own notes about the collision. Use your phone camera to document as many pictures as you can of the other car, the scene, and your car.

Seek Medical Attention – Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Many times injuries do not show symptoms until hours or even days after the accident.

Notify Insurance Companies – Report the accident to your insurance company, and ask about medical payments coverage. If the at-fault driver’s insurance has not taken care of the property damage, you can ask your insurance company to pay for it and seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Keep Records Related to the Accident – Continue to keep notes about the accident, like your injuries, medical symptoms, medical and rental car expenses, and any out of pocket expenses you incurred as a result of the accident.

REMEMBER TIME LIMITS APPLY
Strict time limits apply to claims for personal injuries. The North Carolina statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years. If you have not filed a lawsuit within 3 years after the date the injuries were caused, it is likely that you will be unable to proceed with your claim.

FIGHTING YOUR TRAFFIC OFFENSE
If you were charged with a traffic offense in an accident, you may still have a personal injury claim. It is important to speak with an attorney to assist with your traffic charges in criminal court as well as an attorney to assist with your injury claim. At The Richardson Firm, we have both civil and criminal attorneys who will team up to help you achieve the best outcome.

If you were injured in a car accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Richardson Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to obtain the best possible outcome for you. In the courtroom, there is no replacement for experience. Call us at 910-488-5050 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.

COMMON TRAFFIC OFFENSES

You can receive a ticket for a moving or nonmoving violation of North Carolina’s traffic laws.

Some of the most serious offenses include:

Speeding – In North Carolina, it is a violation of the law to drive at a speed exceeding what a reasonably prudent person would drive at given the current situation. In addition, North Carolina has an “absolute” speed limit law, which means that you could be guilty of speeding by going even one mile over the posted speed limit.

You could face a fine of between $100 and $1,000, jail time for a maximum of 60 days, and have your driver’s license suspended for up to one year.

Speeding can also add three points to your driving record.

Reckless driving – Reckless driving is “carelessly or heedlessly in a willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others” or driving at a speed that could endanger other people or property. In addition, if you are caught driving at least 15 mph over the speed limit that is less than 55 mph, you could be charged with reckless driving. As the speed limit increases, you risk a reckless driving offense for going at a much lesser speed over the posted speed limit.

A conviction would be a Class 2 misdemeanor, which would mean that you would have a permanent criminal record.

The penalties could include up to 60 days in jail, a fine not to exceed $1,000, and four points on your driving record.

Hit and run driver – If you fail to stop at the scene of an accident — it is illegal. You can be charged with many different offenses, such as failing to contact the police, failing to provide information, failing to stop, and failing to provide assistance.

You could face a misdemeanor or felony conviction. Penalties could include a jail or prison sentence, fines—potentially large for a felony conviction—and 4 to 12 points on your driving record.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license – It is a serious offense to continue driving when your license has been revoked or suspended. You could be convicted of a misdemeanor with a possible jail sentence up to 120 days.

In addition, your driver’s license could be suspended for one or more years or even permanently depending on how many times you have been convicted of this offense.

Some of the more common, less serious offenses, include:

• Driving without a valid registration
• Making an illegal U-turn
• Running a red light or a stop sign
• Violating North Carolina’s seat belt or child restraint laws
• Failing to have required liability insurance
• Failing to yield
• Following too closely
• Speeding in a school zone or work zones
• Failing to stop for a stopped school bus
• Improperly passing, turning, or backing up

Once you are convicted of a traffic offense, the court notifies the North Carolina Department of Transportation so that points are added onto your driving record. Depending on how many insurance points you have, your vehicle insurance premiums can increase between 25 percent and 400 percent.

FIGHTING YOUR TRAFFIC OFFENSE

It is not in the best interest to simply pay a traffic ticket due to the potential severe consequences. It is important to remember that there are penalties and long-term consequences affecting driving privileges, criminal record, and insurance rates. It is important to first consult with an experienced traffic law attorney.

At The Richardson Firm, we can explain your possible outcomes to you, investigate your ticket or other offense, and help you to avoid the negative consequences you face. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to obtain the best possible outcome for you. We appear in both state and federal court (Fort Liberty). In the courtroom, there is no replacement for experience. Call us at 910-488-5050 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

If facing allegations of criminal charges in Cumberland County, it is important to understand the process and how courts work. With all the information online and how overwhelming a criminal charge can be, we strongly recommend you talk to an experienced lawyer after an arrest or summons.

Facing criminal charges can be stressful and cause much anxiety. Much of the anxiety is likely to be from the unknown and not understanding what comes next.

The attorneys at The Richardson Firm can help you and your loved ones understand your charges, whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony.

The easiest way to differentiate between the two types of offenses is in how they are punished. If convicted of a misdemeanor, one can face up to 150 days in jail. On the other hand, if convicted of a felony, the minimum punishment is twelve months in prison. No maximums are explicitly defined by state law.

MISDEMEANOR

In North Carolina, misdemeanors are not as serious as a felony, however, that does not mean they are insignificant criminal offenses. The state of North Carolina ranks these crimes into four different classes:

Class 3: The least serious type of misdemeanor; carries a maximum penalty of 20 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples include — disorderly conduct.

Class 2: The maximum penalty is 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples include — simple assault and issuing a false check valued at $2,000 or less.

Class 1: Punishable by up to 120 days in jail and a fine set by the judge. Examples include — larceny under $1,000 and driving with a revoked license.

Class A1: The most serious type of misdemeanor, with a penalty is up to 150 days in jail and a discretionary fine. Examples include — sexual battery and assault with a deadly weapon.

FELONY

North Carolina divides felonies into 10 classifications: A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I. Where misdemeanors have set rules for punishments, felonies do not. The only exception is with Class A felonies, which are punishable by death or life imprisonment. Other felonies have different punishments that may include any combination of fines, probation, and prison terms of any length. The assigned judge on the case takes the offense into account as well as the previous criminal record.

Some examples of felony offenses include murder, manslaughter, rape, armed robbery, breaking and entering, arson, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with intent to kill.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE FACING CHARGES

The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor crime comes down to the type of offense that’s been committed, how severe the damage is to another person or to the public at large or to the state of North Carolina.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. At The Richardson Firm, our top priority is advocating for your rights. We will do everything we can to ensure you receive the best possible defense.

Call us at 910-488-5050 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

With our office being located just outside the largest military base in the United States, we are familiar with all military matters, including on-base traffic tickets. Traffic tickets on military bases are enforced by federal law, and if you’re charged with a traffic offense or other crime on a federal installation, you will be given a court date in federal court. If you have been charged with a traffic ticket on base or off base, it is important to seek a dedicated defense attorney to represent you and your rights.

Multiple attorneys at The Richardson Firm are authorized to practice law in federal court, and they have spent decades defending servicemembers. In some cases, you can waive your appearance in Federal court by hiring The Richardson Firm to represent you.

COMMON FEDERAL TRAFFIC OR IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES

Some of the most common federal traffic violations include:

• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driving the wrong way on a one-way road
• Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light
• Reckless driving
• DWI/DUI
• Following too closely
• Failure to maintain lane control

UNDERSTANDING FEDERAL VIOLATIONS

On-post traffic tickets affect everyone who drives onto a military installation, whether you’re a civilian or a service member. Since many people are not familiar with how military traffic violations are treated, legal help is highly recommended. Outside of the military installation, traffic laws are treated the same as anywhere in your state. However, the moment you enter federal land, it is imperative to follow the law or be prepared to face federal legal consequences. All laws, including traffic rules, are enforced by the federal government once you’re on a military base.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SUMMONED TO APPEAR IN FEDERAL COURT

It can be confusing to be told to appear in federal court for something as trivial as a traffic ticket; however it is important to prepare yourself with the best defense. Upon arrival at federal court, an Army Judge Advocate will prosecute you for a violation of federal law and a federal judge will oversee your case. It is important that you prepare for this hearing and have an experienced attorney with you at the time.

OBTAINING A LIMITED DRIVING PRIVILEGE IN NORTH CAROLINA

If you have received a violation for DWI/DUI, you may be facing the loss of your license. In some cases, you may be eligible to obtain limited driving privileges. Limited driving privilege in North Carolina can be granted for essential purposes such as employment, maintenance of your household, education, court-ordered treatment or assessment, community service ordered as a condition of probation, emergency medical care and religious worship.

North Carolina law is specific about when and how the privileges are granted. It is best to hire an attorney from The Richardson Firm to help navigate your situation.

STEPS –

Submit a DL-123 form from your insurance company. Your insurance agent can email or fax this to you or your attorney. This form expires in 30 days.

Complete an alcohol assessment, or DWI class. There is usually a fee to pay to the course provider.

Get an interlock device if needed.

You or your attorney will need to prepare the appropriate form from the NC Judicial Branch website to file in the court where you were charged.

If you need to work outside of standard business hours (Monday through Friday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM), you will need to get a letter from your employer or provide other documents to show why you need to drive for work outside of those hours.

File the document with the clerk of court and pay the $100 fee.

Paying a fine does not make a traffic violation go away. In fact, uncontested traffic charges can impact you and your record for years. An increase in points against your driver’s license or insurance policy means you could be at risk for a license suspension or higher insurance premiums. Do not ignore your ticket. Speak with an attorney first.

Call us at 910-488-5050 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

Following a collision, North Carolina drivers have several legal responsibilities. By doing the right things, you can protect your rights and maximize the value of a car accident claim.

CAR ACCIDENT DO’S

Stop your vehicle: After an accident occurs, it is important that you stop your vehicle safely at the scene or nearby.

Seek medical attention: Don’t delay – timely documentation of your injuries is critical.

Remain at the scene and call 911: It is imperative that you call the police and remain at the scene until law enforcement authorities arrive.

Take pictures: Use your phone to take pictures of all cars involved in the accident. Try to take the pictures from multiple angles and multiple distances. Make sure to get photos of the roadway, skid marks, and debris on the roadway. If you have visible injuries, take pictures of those as well.

Get witness contact information: Because the insurance company will almost always claim that you were at fault, or at least partially at fault, it is important to have contact information for any witnesses at the scene. Get the witnesses’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers.

Report it: Sometimes a driver in an accident will ask to not call the police. No matter what, call the police and get a report. In addition, make sure to notify your insurance agent as soon as possible — after speaking to an attorney.

Hire an attorney: It is important to hire an attorney that will protect your rights and will fight for you, especially if you are at fault for the accident.

CAR ACCIDENT DON’TS

Don’t record a statement: Contact an attorney before you go on record for a statement with your insurance company or anyone else.

Don’t Leave: Stay at the scene of the accident until the authorities and help arrive. You also need to make sure you get witness information and photos.

Don’t post on social media: If you are in an accident, don’t post photos or details about it on social media until you have consulted with a lawyer.

Don’t settle before or without consulting a lawyer: Insurance companies may offer a few hundred dollars for an inconvenience you were caused. It is important not to settle until consulting with a lawyer because you may be deserving of much more.

Don’t Wait: Evidence is quickly cleaned up after a car accident. Contact The Richardson Firm today and have a team of experts work on preserving the evidence and building your case to protect your rights.

REQUEST AN ACCIDENT CONSULTATION TODAY

At The Richardson Firm, our compassionate car accident attorneys have helped many victims recover full and fair compensation for their injuries or property damage. To learn more about what we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact our team today for immediate legal assistance. From our offices in Fayetteville, NC, we represent victims throughout the region.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important that you contact us right away. Schedule to discuss your options moving forward through the form on our website or by calling 910-488-5050.