A Kinston physician must surrender his license as a part of his sentencing for drug trafficking charges.

Dr. Douglas Elry Watford, 60, of Kinston, had already gotten into hot water in March 2015 after he was disciplined by the North Carolina Medical board for violating controlled substance regulations. That same March, he was charged with violating federal regulations. Then he was arrested in April on six counts of illegally distributing hydrocodone and Xanax. The drugs are considered Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances, respectively.

On April 8 of this year, [...]

Gun laws in North Carolina could see some big changes, and it might not be in the way you expect.

The massacre of 49 people at an Orlando nightclub in June became a catalyst for heated gun rights debates throughout the country. Many people were moved to speak to local lawmakers and political leaders about how gun restrictions (or loosening gun restrictions) can prevent another mass shooting. The next day, the North Carolina House of Representatives introduced HB 1148, an amendment that would eliminate the requirement to have a concealed carry permit.

You [...]

North Carolina takes driving while impaired (DWI) very seriously. If you are caught with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit, you will be arrested and charged with DWI – even if you are a member of law enforcement.

If there was ever any doubt about that last part, recent events have removed all questions. How so? Stephanie Pellicer, a detective who works for the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested and charged on an early Sunday morning in late June for driving while impaired.

Pellicer, who has a 15-year history working [...]

Getting caught with a traffic violation is usually just a pain in the butt. If you get pulled over, you probably just expect a ticket and a more stressful commute to work. And who knows? There’s always the chance you might be able to talk your way out of it.

But not all offenses can be solved so easily. You may be surprised to know some traffic offenses can land you in criminal court – and certain ones may even get you jail time.

What are they? How do they work?

Failing to [...]

Summer is here! It’s time for beach trips, barbecues, and some much-needed relaxation.

And since everyone in North Carolina is going to be thinking the exact same thing, now is also the best time to refresh your memory on ways to stay safe behind the wheel – because our roads are about to get a lot more crowded!

Unfortunately, our friends and neighbors don’t have the best reputation for safe driving already. And summertime is one of the most dangerous times for traffic-related accidents and fatalities.

So how do you avoid injuries and [...]