We are a small town law firm that provides big city service in the areas of criminal and traffic law as well as in the appellate courts of North Carolina. Mike Reece is certified as a Specialist in State Criminal Law by the North Carolina State Bar. Mary McCullers Reece has appeared as counsel of record in over 275 appeals and has argued before the North Carolina Supreme Court and North Carolina Court of Appeals.
The State Superior Court is divided into eight divisions and 46 districts. This trial court hears felony criminal cases, as well as misdemeanor and infraction appeals from District Court. The Superior Court hears civil cases where more than $10,000 is in controversy. North Carolina District Courts are divided into four categories: civil, criminal, juvenile, and magistrate. Like the Superior Court, the District Court sits in the county seat. Civil cases involving less than $10,000 are heard in District Court, as are divorce, custody, and child support matters. The District Court also hears criminal matters involving misdemeanors, infractions without a jury and juvenile cases. A magistrate system is used to take guilty pleas in minor misdemeanors and traffic violations.
Child Custody and Visitation
Mary McCullers Reece is an experienced Smithfield attorney who brings to clients more than 28 years of experience in civil and criminal law at both the trial and appellate levels. In recent years, she has focused her practice on representing clients on direct appeal. Representing clients from counties across the state, she has argued in both the Supreme Court of North Carolina and the North Carolina Court of Appeals. She has handled more than 300 appeals from 73 of North Carolina's 100 counties, including criminal convictions, probation revocations, pleas, sentencing matters, equitable distributions, child custody and support, alimony, contempt, attorney’s fees, terminations of parental rights, and more. In addition to representing clients in the appellate courts, she regularly consults with trial attorneys to review proposed orders and suggest changes that will increase the chances of success on appeal.
Archer Lodge has had a volunteer Fire Department since 1958. The Archer Lodge Fire Department operates with funds provided by fire tax, fundraisers, donations from the community, and funding from Johnston County. Police protection is, and will continue to be, contracted with the Johnston County Sheriff's Office. In Archer Lodge, North Carolina, you'll find two trial courts that hear criminal cases: the Superior Court and District Court. Archer Lodge utilizes the Johnston County Courthouse, located at 207 East Johnston Street in Smithfield. If you’re confused about the terms you hear in court, you may find this listing of criminal law terms helpful.
DUI/DWI
The Kenly Police Department provides professional law enforcement services for Kenly, North Carolina. As of 2008, the Town of Kenly did not allow liquor to be sold by the drink within the town limits. While possibly hindering the opening of new restaurants in Kenly, this program was designed to reduce DUI- and DWI-related accidents within the town.
Traffic Violations
Like many of the reviews here on Google, I also give Reece and Reece a 5 star review. Reece and Reece was able to reduce my "over 20 mph" speeding ticket to an infraction that didn't give me points on my license. They were very responsive - the office staff answered and returned calls and emails promptly AND the case was handled over a month before the court date. Reece and Reece made the process seamless and stress free. They told me what I needed to do to get the ticket reduced, what the cost was (and did not over-charge or have any hidden costs), and when the case was resolved, they sent me a closure email. It was honestly that simple! If you find yourself with a speeding ticket or any other matter in the NC area, I highly recommend that you trust Reece and Reece to handle your situation.
Sex Crimes
Robbery
Burglary
Theft
Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is considered a “lesser offense†than a felony. That’s because the punishment for a felony can be much more severe. Still, a misdemeanor is nothing to treat lightly. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor in North Carolina, you can face fines, jail or probation. The conviction on your record might also keep you from getting the job you want, going to the school of your choice or securing a loan that you need to buy a home. Your driver’s license might be taken away from you as well. If you are facing a misdemeanor charge, it is important that you enlist the assistance of skilled misdemeanor defense attorneys.
Embezzlement
Drug Crimes
North Carolina is home to some of the stiffest drug crime laws in the country. A conviction for possession, distribution or trafficking in drugs can carry a major fine and a mandatory prison sentence that could cost you your freedom for several months or years. The Johnston County drug crime defense attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law, know what’s at stake if you are facing a drug crime conviction. If you have been accused of a drug crime, we will work hard to protect your rights and reach the best possible outcome for you.
Assault
Murder
The Court of Appeals in Raleigh is NC's only intermediate appellate court. Fifteen judges sit in rotating panels of three, deciding questions of law on every case appealed from the Superior and District courts with the exception of death penalty cases. Appeals can range from a parking ticket case to a murder case. Cases where there is a dissent in the Court of Appeals go to the Supreme Court, as do those that the Supreme Court accepts for review through petition. Court of Appeals judges serve eight-year terms.
Probation Violation
Probation can be a positive alternative to prison for many people. Instead of going to jail, a person on probation can work at a job, receive counseling, undergo substance abuse treatment or perform community service. However, if you violate any of the terms of your probation, things could quickly turn negative. There is a risk that your probation could be modified and additional requirements imposed. For some violations, you could receive jail time. This can range from a day in jail to a 90 day commitment to the state prison system to revocation of your probation and service of your entire suspended sentence. If you have violated your probation, it is critical to seek the counsel of experienced probation violation lawyers.
Identity Theft
Homicide
Arson
Shoplifting
Forgery
Kidnapping
Manslaughter
Felonies range from Class A (the most severe) to Class I. In addition to court costs, fines and other fees, a felony could result in anywhere from three months in prison to life without parole, depending on the class of offense and your prior conviction record. If you have a record of three felonies, a fourth conviction could lead to an enhanced “habitual felon†sentence.
Felonies generally are the same types of crimes as misdemeanors. However, a felony involves a higher amount of money or drugs, or else a greater level of injury or property damage, than a misdemeanor. The penalties for a felony are greater as well.