Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Wilmington

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Wilmington, North Carolina?

  The Wilmington Police Department can be reached at 910-343-3600 or at 910-452-6120 for information and non-emergency dispatches, respectively.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Wilmington, North Carolina?

  Local residents can visit the Wilmington Police Department's Records Section to request and obtain copies of crime and incident reports. These become available after five to seven business days since their filing. The Records Section can be reached at 910-343-3640 for additional inquiries. People can also visit the department's Police to Citizen website at http://p2c.wilmingtonnc.gov/ to search for specific reports and print public police records.

• Do property crimes commonly occur in Wilmington?

  Yes, property crimes are relatively common in Wilmington. Based on crime statistics derived from more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the country, the city averages 31.07 property crimes per 1,000 residents compared to the state's median of 22.04. It also records more than 2,000 theft incidents and over 450 burglaries per 100,000 residents on an annual basis. As such, an individual in Wilmington has a 1-in-32 chance of becoming a victim of property crime.

• When does a person become eligible for an expunction in Wilmington?

  An individual in Wilmington becomes eligible for an expungement if they have not had any subsequent convictions within two years from the date of their misdemeanor. The person in question must also not have any prior felony convictions to be deemed eligible. However, exceptions may apply for non-violent and low-level felonies that occurred over 15 years ago, or more than four years ago if the individual was convicted before their 18th birthday.

• What are the conditions for probation in Wilmington?

  According to North Carolina law, a defendant in Wilmington under probation must not commit any criminal offenses in any jurisdiction, and they must submit to routine searches of their home as carried out by a probation officer. The individual in question must also remain within the state, undergo periodic drug and alcohol testing, and avoid using alcohol or drugs (unless prescribed). In addition, they must follow a given curfew and pay any reparations and supervision fees.

• What is the difference between a temporary and final domestic violence protective order in Wilmington?

  In domestic violence cases in Wilmington, a temporary protective order is filed to grant immediate protection to a spouse from their abuser, and it expires after a formal court hearing begins. This typically occurs after 10 days from when the order is granted or within seven days from the date that the respondent in the case is served. Conversely, a final domestic violence protective order is issued after a full court hearing and can last for one to three years.

• What is the statute of limitations for crimes in Wilmington?

  In line with North Carolina law, the statute of limitations in Wilmington lasts for two years for misdemeanor crimes, ranging from Class 3 to Class A1. However, this can last up to 10 years for misdemeanors involving child abuse, neglect, and sexual battery, as well as the failure to report such crimes. Felony crimes such as armed robbery, second-degree rape, and voluntary manslaughter have no statute of limitations.