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

In December 2017, the availability of the expunction (or expungement) process for convictions had been drastically improved by Senate Bill 445.  Now we are looking at yet more changes. On June 25, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 562, a.k.a. The Second Chance Act, which will ease previous requirements, allowing even more individuals with a criminal history to have a chance at clearing their record. While some changes become effective December 1, 2020, the most sweeping changes – the automatic expunction of dismissals or acquittals by operation of law – will not become effective until December 1, 2021.  Below are a few examples of the modifications to the expunction laws that will apply to offenses committed by individuals of at least 18 years of age:

In addition to felonies and misdemeanors, infractions will be eligible for expunction as long as the charges were dismissed or for which a finding of not guilty or not responsible was entered.  Also, it will no longer be required that the person had not previously been convicted of a felony to pursue an expunction for a dismissed or not guilty charge.

Felonies, misdemeanors, or infractions that were dismissed or for which a finding of not guilty or not responsible was entered on or after December 1, 2021, will be automatically expunged by operation of law, not requiring a petition.

Also, pursuant to The Second Chance Act, a person may file a petition for expunction of more than just one nonviolent misdemeanor convictions, but in that case will have to wait seven years rather than only five years in order to do so.

The team at Collins Law Firm has been handling scores of expunctions for over 20 years in New Hanover County, Pender County, and Brunswick County.  If you are interested in having your record expunged, please give our office a call at (910) 793-9000 for a confidential consultation to discuss your eligibility.

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

In December of 2017, the accessibility of the expunction process had been drastically improved by Senate Bill 445, and now we are looking at even more changes to become effective December 1, 2020 lifting previous requirements, and allowing for a second chance in even more scenarios.  Below are a few examples of the revisions to the expunctions laws applicable to offenses committed by persons age 18 or older:

1. In addition to felonies and misdemeanors, infractions will be eligible for expunction from a person’s official records as long as the charges were dismissed or for which a finding of not guilty was entered.  Also, it will no longer be required that the person had not previously been convicted of a felony.
2. Dismissals or findings of not guilty of felonies, misdemeanors, or infractions on or after December 1, 2021, will be expunged by operation of law, not requiring a petition.
3. More than one conviction of non-violent misdemeanors can be expunged after a seven-year waiting period.

The team at Collins Law Firm has been handling scores of expunctions for over 20 years in New Hanover County, Pender County, and Brunswick County.  If you are interested in having your record expunged, please give our office a call at (910) 793-9000 for a confidential consultation to discuss your eligibility.

PS.: On June 25, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 562.

By Jana H. Collins

The aroma of hotdogs and hamburgers is soon going to fill the air! Memorial Day is upon us! Most know this holiday as one filled with family cookouts and time spent at the beach. Wilmington natives avoid traffic, as they know this city is a premier destination for those all over the state. For tourist’s driving to the local area, it is advised to leave home early in order to help avoid traffic that occurs on the highways. This year, the NCDOT is halting construction projects on major highways in an effort to help its citizens reach their holiday destinations safely and without strife. According to the NCDOT website, NCDOT will put on hold most construction projects along interstate, N.C. and U.S. routes from 4 p.m. on Friday, May 22, until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, with these exceptions:

• U.S. 158 (Elizabeth Street) in Elizabeth City is reduced to one lane in each direction from Road Street to the Pasquotank River Bridge for resurfacing and construction of a new bridge;
• U.S. 264 in Dare County will be reduced to one of two lanes controlled by temporary traffic signals in three locations for the replacement of three bridges. Lane closures are located between Stumpy Point and the Hyde County line;
• Two bridges in Brunswick County on N.C. 211 over the Honey Island Swamp will have intermittent lane closures in order for crews to realign the roadway and replace both bridges and approaches;
• Third Street in New Hanover County is closed for a bridge replacement with a signed detour;
• I-85 southbound between the Virginia state line and the U.S. 1 interchange will have lane closures in place day and night as crews work to strengthen the shoulders and patch concrete; and
• I-73 in Guilford County is reduced to two lanes in each direction between Wendover Avenue and I-85.

Today, the NCDOT launched its “Click It or Ticket” campaign. This campaign reminds drivers and passengers alike that everyone in the vehicle must properly wear their seat belts at all times. Not wearing a seat belt is unsafe and costly; court costs for this infraction are typically around $160.00.

With most activities that occur during the holiday, adults will be drinking alcoholic beverages. Please remember to have a designated driver if you plan on drinking. According to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving accident.

If you will be in the waterway’s this weekend, remember to wear proper life jackets. In 2013, the U.S. Coast Guard counted 4,062 accidents, 560 deaths, 2,620 injuries, and approximately $39 million dollars of property damage as a result of recreational boating accidents. Where cause of death was known, 77% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims, 84% were not wearing a life jacket.

May is also Motorcycle Awareness Month. Be sure to share the road and check all areas surrounding your vehicle before changing lanes.

If you or someone you know have been hurt in a boating or motorcycle accident, or is seeking representation in a criminal or traffic matter, please call the professionals at Collins Law Firm for a confidential consultation at 910-793-9000.

By: Brittany Bryant, Legal Assistant

With an improved economy and gas prices at a five year low, we will experience an increase in Thanksgiving travel this year.  AAA Carolinas expects the increase to be of more than 4 percent compared to Thanksgiving of 2013.

Travel however will be impacted by a major winter storm which will initially spread heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms across the Florida peninsula but will move north and northeast, paralleling the east coast beginning Tuesday night.

Therefore, in order to ensure safe travel, we should be aware of the road rules.  Besides the requirements to follow the speed limit, wear your seatbelt, and burn your headlights, there are some more rules which appear not to be known so well:

• The Fender Bender Law

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 20-161 motorists are required to move their vehicles to the shoulder of the road following a minor, non-injury crash.  The failure to do so could result in a $110 fine and court costs.

• The Move over Law

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 20-157 motorists are required to:

• Move the vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest the parked or standing authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until it is safe to clear the authorized emergency vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has at least two lanes for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle and if the approaching vehicle may change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
• Slow the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the vehicle at a reduced speed and be prepared to stop until completely past the authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle or if the approaching vehicle may not change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.

A failure to obey by this law could result in a $500 fine.

• The Keep Right  Law

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §20-146(b) vehicles traveling a multi-lane roadway at less than the legal maximum speed limit shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for thru traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the highway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn.  A violation of this law is an infraction pursuant to N.C.G.S. §20-176 (a) and if convicted, North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicle would assess 2 driver’s license points pursuant to N.C.G.S. §20-16 (c), or 3 driver’s license points if the violation occurred during the operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

• Cellphone Use by Drivers Younger than 18

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §20-11 drivers under the age of 18 may not use a cellphone when operating a motor vehicle except in case of an emergency to call 9-1-1.  Violators may have to pay a $25 fine.

• Texting While Driving

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 20-137.4A motorists are prohibited from using their mobile telephone for text messaging or electronic mail.  A violation of this law may result in a $100 fine.

We wish you all safe travel and Happy Thanksgiving!

However, should you or someone you know receive a citation for a traffic violation in Southeastern North Carolina, in or around Wilmington, NC in New Hanover County, Brunswick County, or Pender County, contact Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation.

By Jana Collins

While preferences vary when it comes to transportation, everyone is a pedestrian at some time, and most know to keep their distance from moving traffic. Unfortunately, according to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 69,000 pedestrians got hurt and 4,432 were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2011. This means that on average every two hours a pedestrian was killed and about every eight minutes, a pedestrian got hurt in traffic in 2011.

In North Carolina alone more than 2,400 pedestrians are hit by vehicles each year, about 160 out of this number are killed. This number represents about 12% of all traffic fatalities that occur on North Carolina roads.

While Pedestrians should not rely on their rights in traffic being observed by drivers, drivers need to be aware of pedestrians’ rights and the traffic laws protecting the weakest of our road users, and drivers need to pay attention especially to young children and older adults, because they are more likely to stray outside crosswalks and not pay attention to traffic signals or the traffic in general.

Pedestrians’ rights and duties are addressed in Chapter 20, Article 3, Part 11 of the North Carolina General Statutes (hereinafter N.C.G.S.).

N.C.G.S. § 20-172 Pedestrians subject to traffic-control signals.

(a) The Board of Transportation, with reference to State highways, and local authorities, with reference to highways under their jurisdiction, are hereby authorized to erect or install, at intersections or other appropriate places, special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words or symbols “WALK” or “DON’T WALK” as a part of a system of traffic-control signals or devices.

(b) Whenever special pedestrian-control signals are in place, such signals shall indicate as follows:

(1) WALK. – Pedestrians facing such signal may proceed across the highway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles.

(2) DON’T WALK. – No pedestrian shall start to cross the highway in the direction of such signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed his crossing on the “WALK” signal shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the “DON’T WALK” signal is showing.

(c) Where a system of traffic-control signals or devices does not include special pedestrian-control signals, pedestrians shall be subject to the vehicular traffic-control signals or devices as they apply to pedestrian traffic.

(d) At places without traffic-control signals or devices, pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in Part 11 of this Article.

N.C.G.S. § 20-173 Pedestrians’ right-of-way at crosswalks

(a) Where traffic-control signals are not in place or in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at or near an intersection, except as otherwise provided in Part 11 of this Article.

(b) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.

(c) The driver of a vehicle emerging from or entering an alley, building entrance, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian, or person riding a bicycle, approaching on any sidewalk or walkway extending across such alley, building entrance, road, or driveway.

N.C.G.S. § 20-174 Crossing at other than crosswalks; walking along highway

(a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(b) Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(c) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.

(d) Where sidewalks are provided, it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the extreme left of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction. Such pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to approaching traffic.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway, and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary, and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway.

Failure to obey any these laws is an infraction pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 20-176 (a) and if convicted, punishable to pay a fine of up to one hundred dollars ($100) pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 20-176 (b).

If you or someone you know is charged with an infraction in Southeastern North Carolina, in or around Wilmington, NC in New Hanover County, Brunswick County, or Pender County, and call the experienced team at Collins Law Firm for a confidential consultation at:  910-793-9000.

By Jana H. Collins, Office Manager

The U.S. prison population is six to ten times as high as in most Western European nations and many say that this is because of the Unites States War on Drugs. More than 749,000 people were arrested in the United States for marijuana-related offenses alone in the year 2012.

However, while the use, sale, and possession of marijuana in the United States is still illegal, the federal government has declared that a state may pass a law to decriminalize cannabis for recreational use, as long as they have a regulation system in place. Many states have decriminalized the substance to certain degrees, other states have created exemptions specifically for medical marijuana, and some have done both. Colorado and Washington are two states that have legalized the recreational use of cannabis following the approval of state referendum in the 2012 elections.

In April 2013, North Carolina State Representative Kelly Alexander, who earlier in 2013 pushed unsuccessfully for medical marijuana, introduced a new bill: House Bill 637. Alexander has said that it would bring North Carolina in line with a number of other states; but marijuana decriminalization bills have not fared too well in North Carolina in the past.  House Bill 637 is a part of North Carolina’s Marijuana Policy Project and has passed its first reading and is now set to be heard by the state Judiciary Committee which will carry over from 2013 to 2014 when the legislature reconvenes.

Currently in North Carolina, the law is that it is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana (including small amounts for personal use). Penalties vary according to the amount possessed. (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 90-95.) The penalties include:

•                         Up to one half of an ounce – a fine of up to $200, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

•                         Between one half ounce and one and a half ounces – a fine of up to $500, between one and 120 days in jail, or both. The judge may order probation or community service in addition to, or  in lieu of some or all of the jail time.

•                         One-and-a-half ounces or more – a fine of $500 or more, up to one year in jail, or both.

It will also be a criminal conviction on a person’s record.

Under House Bill 637, being charged with possession of less than an ounce of marijuana would only be considered a civil infraction with a fine – no longer would a sentencing history nor a criminal record interfere with one’s forthcoming in life. This bill would also allow past offenders to be able to have their records expunged.

Many North Carolina residents are in favor of the proposed bill and hope that it will get passed. A Public Policy Poll taken in March, 2013 indicated that 56 percent of those surveyed in North Carolina think the penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana should be decriminalized.

For the sake of patients, North Carolina lawmakers should at least consider to study medical marijuana as suggested by another bill introduced by Republican Alexander on April 11, 2014 – bill H941 – A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT REQUIRING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY ISSUES RELATED TO THE MEDICAL USE OF CANNABIS.

At Collins Law Firm we handle marijuana related and other drug charges in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender County, and we have successfully defended clients charged with all types of drug and alcohol offenses. The experienced and compassionate team at Collins Law Firm is here for you – just a phone call away at 910-793-9000.

By Rachel R. Reynolds, Paralegal at Collins Law Firm

Driving slowly in the left hand lane is not just a pet peeve, but causes a hazard by negatively impacting the flow of traffic.

This forces faster moving traffic to pass in the right hand lane. Drivers hoping to pass a slow left hand lane driver often signal a lane change toward the center median, flash headlights, or drive very close to the bumper to the slow left hand lane driver, which is known as tailgating.

The left hand lane which is also referred to as the fast lane, inside lane, or passing lane is reserved for faster moving vehicles wishing to pass or overtake. The United States Uniform Vehicle Code states the following: “Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic.”

Some states, including North Carolina, have made it illegal to drive slowly in the left hand lane and fail to yield to traffic that seeks to overtake.

In North Carolina, travel on a multi-lane roadway is governed by N.C.G.S. §20-146(b):

Upon all highways any vehicle proceeding at less than the legal maximum speed limit shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for thru traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the highway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn.

A violation of this law is an infraction pursuant to N.C.G.S. §20-176 (a) and if convicted, North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicle would assess 2 drivers license points pursuant to N.C.G.S. §20-16 (c), or 3drivers license points if the violation occurred during the operation of a commercial motor vehicle.

Most of the laws prohibiting driving slowly in the left hand lane however seem to only be enforced to stop suspicious vehicles or passengers.

Generally, one should always be aware of their surroundings especially while driving and move lanes if they find themselves holding up traffic – the choice to travel in the right hand lane should be made already out of consideration for other travelers, to increase traffic safety, to reduce traffic congestion, and to improve emergency response.

By Jana H. Collins, Office Manager

When Americans get into their car for their commute to work, to drop the kids off for school, or for any other reason, they are likely to either talk on their cell phone or use text messaging. Just this morning when our summer intern drove the 55 miles from Sunset Beach, NC (Brunswick County) to Wilmington, NC (New Hanover County) on Highway 17 passing through Ocean Isle and Bolivia, he told me he counted twenty-two people who were texting on their cell phone.

Texting while driving is quite dangerous for three reasons: 1) You are taking your eyes of the road; 2) You are taking your hands off the wheel; and 3) You are taking your mind off what you’re doing.  A study released by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that truck drivers who were texting were 23 times more at risk of a crash or a near crash event than drivers who were not distracted.  Additionally, the study found that texting took a driver’s focus away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, which is enough time to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph.

Studies like these have caused state legislatures across the country to pass legislation banning text messaging while driving. In June 2009, the North Carolina Governor signed new legislation, § 20-137.4A, which banned text messaging by all drivers who operate a vehicle on a public street, highway, or public vehicular area.  This bill makes it unlawful to read email, text message, use your camera, or look up information on the internet.  However, the law has a number of exceptions where it does not apply: 1) If you are parked, 2) If you are a law enforcement officer, a member of a fire department, or the operator of a public or private ambulance; 3) If you are using a factory-installed or aftermarket GPS or wireless communications devices used to transmit or receive data as part of a digital dispatch system; and 4) If you are using a voice operated technology.

Since December 1, 2009, a violation of this law shall be an infraction and shall be punishable by a fine of $100 plus court fees.  The violation will not add points to your driving record and an insurance surcharge will not be assessed.  Additionally, failure to comply with the provisions shall not constitute negligence per se or contributory negligence per se by the operator in any action for the recovery of damages arising out of the operation of a vehicle.

The new law is quite difficult to enforce.  WWAY News Channel 3 reported that Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous said, “You assume that someone’s texting, when in fact they could just be dialing a phone number, which technically is legal.”  In the first six months of the new law only 300 tickets had been given to drivers in North Carolina.  In New Hanover County only 12 had been issued.  The Wilmington Police Chief believes the law is “dumb” and said, “we ought to ban the use of cell phones – period.”

If you have been issued a citation because you were texting while driving, or have been charged with any other traffic violation or crime in Southeastern North Carolina, in Wilmington, NC, New Hanover County, or the surrounding areas including Bolivia, NC, Brunswick County, Burgaw, NC, or Pender County, you should contact a lawyer or attorney at Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a consultation.

The elections are over and we are very excited that all of our friends whom we supported in their races in the Southeastern North Carolina counties surrounding Wilmington NC (Brunswick County and New Hanover County) won their elections! This was an historic election, and for the first time since 1898, the Republicans hold the majority of both houses of the North Carolina legislature.

Jon David will be the new District Attorney in North Carolina’s 13th prosecutorial district, which includes Brunswick County, Columbus County, and Bladen County. Mr. David’s office will prosecute all state crimes including infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Jon David has over ten years experience as a prosecutor, and has been prosecuting cases for years with his brother, Ben David, who is the District Attorney in the Fifth Prosecutorial District (which includes New Hanover County and Pender County). We know Mr. David will make an outstanding District Attorney and will work hard to seek justice in all the cases his office will handle.

Thom Goolsby will be New Hanover County’s new State Senator. Mr. Goolsby is a Wilmington, NC lawyer who practices personal injury and criminal defense in Wilmington, North Carolina. He is a conservative and will focus on creating jobs by limiting government in Raleigh. He holds both a Juris Doctor, and Master of Business Administration, and has been managing his law firm for years, so he understands business, and will make an excellent law maker.

Jay Hockenbury will continue one of our Superior Court Judges in New Hanover County and Pender County. Judge Hockenbury was challenged in this election, and soundly defeated his opponent. He also is a Republican, and he is a fair and impartial judge. He hears civil cases as well as all types of criminal cases in including misdemeanors and felonies. We are glad Judge Hockenbury will continue to be one of our excellent Superior Court Judges.

Chad Hogston, also a Wilmington attorney, will be our newest District Court Judge. Mr. Hogston has been practicing law in Wilmington for almost a decade and a half. He has experience in both civil and criminal cases, and we are sure he will be an outstanding fair and impartial District Court Judge.

Jan Kennedy will be our new Clerk of Court in New Hanover County. She has almost two decades experience in the clerk’s office, and we are confident she will make an excellent Clerk of Court, and she will make sure that the courts continue to run smoothly and efficiently. The clerk’s office manages all the files in State court including civil matters as well as all criminal matters – including all infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies.