Memorial Day is a significant occasion in North Carolina, as it not only serves as a time to honor and remember the sacrifices of our military heroes but also marks the beginning of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign. This statewide initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of seat belt usage and enforce strict seat belt laws. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign plays a crucial role in promoting road safety, reducing fatalities and injuries, and creating a culture of responsible driving in North Carolina.

The Importance of Seat Belt Usage:

Seat belts are one of the most effective safety devices in vehicles, proven to save lives and prevent severe injuries in the event of a crash. Studies have consistently shown that wearing seat belts significantly reduces the risk of fatalities and serious injuries. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign emphasizes the importance of using seat belts for all occupants, regardless of their seating position.

Raising Awareness:

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign utilizes various strategies to raise awareness about seat belt usage. Public service announcements, educational programs in schools, and media campaigns play a vital role in disseminating information and encouraging individuals to buckle up. By highlighting the consequences of not wearing seat belts, the campaign underscores the need for responsible behavior on the road.

Strict Enforcement and Penalties:

The campaign combines education with enforcement by employing law enforcement agencies to conduct targeted seat belt checks and patrols. Officers actively enforce seat belt laws and issue citations to drivers and passengers who fail to comply. The imposition of fines and penalties acts as a deterrent and encourages individuals to adopt safe habits. By strictly enforcing seat belt laws, the campaign aims to create a culture of compliance and responsibility.

Collaborative Efforts:

The success of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign relies on collaboration among various stakeholders. State and local government agencies, law enforcement, community organizations, and media outlets join forces to promote the campaign’s objectives. Partnerships are forged to maximize outreach, allocate resources effectively, and engage the public in road safety initiatives. By working together, these entities create a unified front to address the issue of seat belt non-compliance.

Positive Impact on Road Safety:

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign has demonstrated significant positive impacts on road safety in North Carolina. By consistently reinforcing seat belt usage and enforcing compliance, the initiative has contributed to a reduction in traffic fatalities and injuries. According to statistics, states with primary seat belt laws, such as North Carolina, have higher seat belt usage rates and lower fatality rates compared to states without such laws. This highlights the effectiveness of the campaign in promoting safer driving practices.

The North Carolina Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seat belt usage and responsible driving. Through comprehensive awareness programs, strict enforcement, and collaborative efforts, the campaign aims to instill a culture of seat belt compliance, ultimately saving lives and reducing injuries on the road. As we honor our fallen heroes during Memorial Day, let us also honor their memory by prioritizing safety and protecting one another through the simple act of buckling up.

Increased law enforcement efforts will also be focused on all types of traffic violations including speeding, DWI, driving while license revoked, and other infractions such as running red lights or stop signs.

Should you or someone you know receive a traffic ticket or any other criminal charge in New Hanover (Wilmington), Pender (Burgaw), or Brunswick (Bolivia) Counties, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do to help you.

By Bryanna Gordon, Legal Assistant

Over the weekend, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office participated in a multi-agency Booze It and Loose it campaign through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. The campaign resulted in total of 524 incidents reported:

• 29 DWI’s
• 92 speeding citations
• 35 restraint citations
• 53 no operator’s license
• 33 driving while license revoked
• 20 no insurance
• 65 registration violation citations
• 7 careless and reckless driving
• 102 other traffic citations
• 74 warnings
• 9 drug charges
• 5 criminal charges

Should you or someone you know receive a traffic ticket or any other criminal charge in New Hanover (Wilmington), Pender (Burgaw), or Brunswick (Bolivia) Counties, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do to help you.

By Bryanna Gordon, Legal Assistant

The New Hanover County underage drinking deferred prosecution program is a program designed for first-time offenders who have been charged with underage drinking in New Hanover County, North Carolina. The program allows eligible individuals to avoid a criminal conviction and potentially have their charges dismissed by completing a series of requirements.

To be eligible for the program, the individual must be between the ages of 16 and 20 and have no prior criminal convictions or pending charges. The individual must also admit guilt to the charge of underage drinking and agree to participate in the program.

The requirements of the program typically include attending an alcohol education class, performing community service hours, and staying out of trouble for a certain period of time. If the individual successfully completes all of the requirements, the charges will be dismissed, and there will be no criminal conviction on their record.

It is important to note that not all individuals charged with underage drinking in New Hanover County will be eligible for the deferred prosecution program. Additionally, if an individual fails to complete the requirements of the program, the charges will proceed through the criminal justice system, potentially resulting in a criminal conviction.

If you have been charged with underage drinking in New Hanover County, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney who can advise you on your legal options, including the deferred prosecution program.

If you are charged with any type of crime in Southeastern North Carolina (NC), in or around Wilmington, New Hanover County, Bolivia, Brunswick County, or Burgaw, Pender County, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do to help you.

By Bryanna Gordon

Under North Carolina law, what are the classifications for misdemeanors and their maximum punishments? What are ways to avoid maximum punishment including probation and community service?

Under North Carolina law, misdemeanors are classified into four categories: Class A1, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. The maximum punishments for each class are as follows:

1.         Class A1 Misdemeanor: This is the most serious type of misdemeanor offense in North Carolina. The maximum punishment for a Class A1 misdemeanor is 150 days in jail and a fine to be determined by the court.

2.         Class 1 Misdemeanor: The maximum punishment for a Class 1 misdemeanor is 120 days in jail and a fine to be determined by the court.

3.         Class 2 Misdemeanor: The maximum punishment for a Class 2 misdemeanor is 60 days in jail and a fine to be determined by the court.

4.         Class 3 Misdemeanor: This is the least serious type of misdemeanor offense in North Carolina. The maximum punishment for a Class 3 misdemeanor is 20 days in jail and a fine to be determined by the court.

It’s important to note that judges have discretion in setting the specific punishment for a misdemeanor offense within the maximum allowable range and may take into account factors such as the severity of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and other mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

There are several ways to avoid the maximum punishment for a misdemeanor offense in North Carolina, including:

1.         Plea bargaining: This involves negotiating a plea agreement with the prosecutor, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced charge or sentence. This can often result in a lesser sentence than the maximum punishment for the offense.

2.         Probation: In some cases, a judge may sentence a defendant to a certain amount of jail time but suspend the sentence and place the defendant on probation instead. If the defendant successfully completes their probation, they may avoid serving any jail time.

3.         Community service: Some misdemeanor offenses may be punished with community service instead of jail time. Community service involves performing unpaid work for a certain number of hours, usually for a non-profit organization or government agency.

It’s important to note that the availability of these options may depend on the specific facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, and the discretion of the judge and prosecutor involved.

We hope it will not become necessary, but if you or a loved one get into trouble with a criminal matter or receive a traffic ticket in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick County, please give our office a call at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation.

By Bryanna Gordon, Legal Assistant