An App For Everything

It appears there is a cell phone app for just about everything. There is an app on the market that notifies cell phone users of DWI checkpoints in the local area. I read about this feature in a recent article in the USA Today. Several US Senators were not pleased about this new technology and sent a letter to major cell phone manufacturers asking them to disable the feature. So far only one company, Research In Motion, has responded to the request.

Technology continues to be an ongoing factor for police- USA Today ran an article several months ago on the effects of twitter on DWI checkpoints. Police contend these social networking sites sabotage their efforts to combat drunk driving. However, some police departments are using social networking sites, including Facebook to highlight certain DWI cases.




Criminal Law Updates Provided by The Law Office of Carilyn Ibsen PLLC (888)543-2427

The Unexpected Probation Violation

Any domestic violence case is complicated- especially when someone is convicted. North Carolina sentencing guidelines permit judges to impose a jail sentence and suspend that jail sentence for a term of probation. Many defendant's choose this option because it avoids immediate jail time. However, to the surprise of many, if one violates probation by not doing a court ordered program, fails to pay mandatory court fines or commits a new offense, that jail sentence can be imposed.

Well known singer Chris Brown was on Good Morning America this morning. Many are reporting that he became angry after questions were posed to him by Robin Roberts about his domestic violence case. He allegedly left the set after singing only one song, proceeded to break a window and cause a general disturbance. Now there is a possibility that his probation could be revoked and he would be sent back to jail. The interview is below.

The point is that it's important for people to understand that probation does not mean the case is over. A case is not closed when you are on probation. The only time a case is truly over is when the case is dismissed.



Criminal Law Updates Provided by The Law Office of Carilyn Ibsen PLLC (888)543-2427