When 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was killed on a Charlotte light-rail train in August 2025, the tragedy sent shockwaves through North Carolina. Lawmakers moved quickly and questioned whether existing pretrial release laws were doing enough to protect the public. The result was Iryna’s Law, which took effect December 1, 2025. The new legislation dramatically alters how the state approaches bond and pretrial release; especially in cases involving alleged violent crimes. What Is Iryna’s Law? Also known as House Bill 307, Iryna’s Law amends North Carolina’s pretrial release statutes to give [...]

When most people hear “DWI,” their mind immediately jumps to "alcohol" and for good reason. Approximately 75% of DWI arrests involve some level of blood alcohol content. But in North Carolina, you don’t have to be drunk to be charged with impaired driving. In fact, many residents are surprised to learn that legal medications, over-the-counter cold medicine, or even extreme fatigue can put them at risk. If you’ve been arrested for a DWI and weren’t drinking, you’re not alone (and you may still have options.) North Carolina DWI Laws [...]

The holiday season has a way of lowering defenses. One drink turns into two, a family argument escalates, and a quick errand becomes a rushed decision. In December, small moments have a way of turning into big legal problems. Here at the Gross Law Group, we see the same patterns play out every year. Certain charges spike around Christmas, catching otherwise law-abiding people off guard. Knowing where legal trouble tends to arise can help you stay ahead of it (and know what to do if things go wrong). Drinking, [...]

For many people, the night before Thanksgiving is a chance to relax, reunite with old friends, and unwind before the holiday. But for law enforcement across North Carolina (especially Wilmington), it’s one of the busiest nights of the entire year. Commonly referred to as “Blackout Wednesday,” the night before Thanksgiving consistently sees spikes in DWI arrests, public intoxication calls, and late-night disturbances. If you or someone you care about is heading out for a night on the town, understanding why this time is so active with trouble can make [...]

Imagine you’re driving home from work and get pulled over for a routine traffic stop. The officer spots a small bottle of pills in your bag...but your name isn’t on the label. What might feel like a simple misunderstanding can quickly spiral into handcuffs, criminal charges, and a legal battle against the state of North Carolina. This isn’t just a legal problem; it’s a personal one. We’ve watched clients face the weight of criminal charges and the stress that follows. If you or someone you love is caught in [...]

If you’re facing criminal charges in North Carolina, there’s a chance a plea deal will come up during your case. And when it does, you’ll be faced with one of the most important decisions of your life: whether or not to take it. Here, at the Gross Law Group, we know how overwhelming and uncertain this process can feel. The stakes are high, the legal wording is intimidating, and the pressure to make the “right” choice can be paralyzing. That’s why we’re breaking down how plea deals actually work [...]

If you're living in North Carolina and still think you need a permit from the sheriff to buy a pistol, you're not alone. We’ve had several community members bring it up lately, and it turns out that many people haven’t heard the news. So let’s clear this up: as of March 29, 2023, you no longer need a sheriff-issued permit to purchase a handgun in North Carolina. Here at the Gross Law Group, we like to stay ahead of the curve, but we also know how easy it is [...]

No matter the reason, getting pulled over by police is a stressful experience. But if your license is suspended, that simple traffic stop can turn into something far more serious, fast. The Gross Law Group team understands how overwhelming it can be to face a charge like this, and we’re here to help guide you through it. If you’ve been charged with driving while your license was suspended or revoked in North Carolina, here’s what you need to know: What Does It Mean to Drive on a Suspended License? [...]

Few moments are more stressful than being pulled over, especially when law enforcement pushes to search your car. At the Gross Law Group, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Can police search my car for drugs without a warrant?” The short answer? Yes, under certain circumstances. But that doesn’t mean every search is legal, or that the evidence they find will hold up in court. Let’s break down your rights, the exceptions, and what you should do if you're pulled over in North Carolina: Your Car Is [...]

College is a time for new experiences, independence, and, let’s be honest, a few questionable decisions. But when those choices involve underage drinking or a fake ID, the consequences in North Carolina can be more serious than you might think. State laws are tough on underage alcohol offenses, and a conviction could lead to fines, a suspended license, or even a criminal record. Don’t let a fun night out turn into a long-term legal headache. Here’s all you need to know about NC’s underage drinking and fake ID laws—and, what [...]