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Raleigh’s first quarter crime report for 2025 shows a mix of progress and concern. Some categories are improving, while others are heading in the opposite direction. These shifts matter not only for your sense of safety but also for how charges are investigated and prosecuted in Wake County. The report breaks down which offenses have climbed and which have dropped, giving you a clearer view of the changes shaping daily life in the city. Homicides rise while arrests remain high The city recorded 11 homicides in the first three months of 2025, compared to 9 during the same period in 2024. Police arrested suspects in most of those cases, and prosecutors treated one as self-defense. These results show how quickly law enforcement responds in serious cases and how much depends on the details. If you ever face such a charge, everything from witness statements to claims of self-defense could decide your future. Vehicle thefts see a sharp drop Vehicle thefts fell from 592 cases in early 2024 to 477 in early 2025. Stronger prevention efforts and targeted enforcement drove that decrease. Still, if prosecutors accuse you of being involved in a stolen vehicle case, they will examine intent, recovery of property and whether the evidence truly connects to you. Even with numbers trending down, your individual case carries serious weight. Assaults decline but robberies edge upward Aggravated assaults, including those involving firearms, dropped in the first quarter of 2025. At the same time, robberies increased slightly by one case. Small shifts like this can influence how prosecutors approach charges. If police arrest you for one of these offenses, you need a defense that accounts for both the law and the current enforcement climate. Community policing continues to expand Raleigh police also highlighted programs such as “Cops on the Block,” designed to build stronger ties between officers and residents. These efforts help many people feel safer, but they also create more frequent contact between the community and law enforcement. That extra contact can trigger more cases from small encounters. If officers charge you after one of these interactions, it helps to understand how community policing shapes the process. Taking the next step if you face charges Crime reports give you a snapshot of citywide trends, but if your name ends up in one, the focus shifts entirely to your case. What you do in those first moments can change your path forward. If you are charged in Raleigh or Wake County, make sure you have experienced guidance on your side to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.

Imagine you've had a few drinks and decide to sleep it off in your car. Maybe you pull over in a parking lot with the keys in the ignition, but the engine off. You’re not driving, so you think you’re being safe, right? However, you can still face a DWI while parked in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina DWI law has a very broad definition of what it means to be in control of a vehicle. This can be as simple as having your keys in the ignition while intoxicated. Why you can be charged with a DWI while parked in Raleigh, NC The concept of "actual physical control" is what makes a DWI possible without the car being in motion. It means you are able to operate the vehicle at any moment. This is why having your keys in the ignition or even just in your possession while in the driver's seat can be enough for a DWI charge. The law still views this as a public safety risk. What happens if officers believe you are intoxicated? If a police officer approaches your car, they will likely ask you to perform a preliminary breath test and a series of field sobriety tests. You have the right to refuse these tests before an arrest. However, this will not prevent an officer from arresting you if they have a reasonable suspicion of impairment and probable cause for stopping you. Once police arrest you, the situation changes. The officer will ask you to take an evidentiary breath test or a blood or urine test. In North Carolina, you have already given "implied consent" to these tests by driving on public roads. Refusing them after an arrest can have serious consequences. What happens if arrested for DWI in Raleigh, NC? Your driver's license will be immediately suspended for 30 days. This suspension can extend to one year, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case. An officer can also get a warrant to compel you to provide a sample. Steps to take after a DWI arrest in Raleigh, NC The moments following a DWI arrest can be confusing and frightening. It's essential to remain calm. Do not resist the police officer. Be polite and respectful. You have the right to remain silent and should exercise that right. Providing information beyond your name and address could be used against you later. A DWI conviction in North Carolina can have long-lasting effects. Your driver's license could be suspended for a year for a first offense. You may face mandatory fines and jail time. The court may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Having a record can also create problems with jobs, education and housing. Having an attorney on your side is critical. An experienced DWI defense lawyer in Raleigh, NC, can help you understand the situation and work to minimize the consequences, including getting the charges dropped.

More police tape is showing up across Raleigh and Durham. Headlines report new shootings, assaults and arrests. That rise in violence is changing how cases move through the system. Officers act faster, prosecutors file charges sooner and the window to explain your side closes quickly. Raleigh reported 22% increase in homicides during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Durham also reported more aggravated assaults and sex offenses than in 2023. These alarming statistics are reshaping how the entire criminal justice system functions across North Carolina. What Happens When Prosecutors File Charges Faster When facing pressure to address rising crime rates, officers may feel pressure to arrest anyone loosely tied to the scene. In many cases, proximity alone leads to a charge, even without a clear link to the offense. Knowing the wrong person or being in the wrong place can still result in a serious accusation. Furthermore, prosecutors tend to respond to high-crime rates by filing charges more quickly and pushing for stronger penalties. As a result, bond amounts increase, particularly in cases involving firearms or serious injuries. This approach can affect everyone in the system. For instance, even first-time defendants may receive the same treatment as repeat offenders. Why Crime Rates in NC Are Affecting Your Legal Rights Rising violence shapes how the justice system operates. Judges assess risk more strictly, and prosecutors apply more pressure. The system may treat the same criminal charge much differently in areas with lower crime rates. These changes in how the system responds do not just play out in court. It begins the moment you are charged. You could lose your job, face court restrictions or fall behind on rent before your case even reaches trial. Understanding how crime rates influence the legal response helps you anticipate how the system reacts and what that means for your case. How to Protect Yourself if You’ve Been Arrested in Raleigh or Durham It is important to take steps to protect your rights after an arrest in Raleigh or Durham. First, remain calm and respectful during interactions with law enforcement, as this can help prevent further complications. Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid discussing details of your case until you have legal representation. Contact an attorney with experience in this area of law as soon as possible; they can provide guidance specific to your situation and help navigate the legal system effectively. Make sure to document everything related to your arrest, including the time, location, and any interactions with officers, as this information can be helpful when building your defense. If you’ve been arrested or charged, don’t wait. Call Frasier and Griffin today for a consultation. Your defense starts now.

There are many types of crimes that occur in North Carolina. Young adults may get in trouble for shoplifting or experimenting with drugs. Adults can face a variety of criminal charges, with violent criminal charges often being the most serious. Those accused of injuring other people may face criminal charges. Not only do they have to worry about the penalties that the courts may impose, but they also have to consider the impact that a violent criminal record could have on everything from their employment to their housing options. Statistics about violent crime in North Carolina, specifically in Wake County, can help people understand law enforcement priorities and may play a role in the establishment of a criminal defense strategy. Wake County sees quite a bit of crime Wake County is home to a major airport and one of the biggest cities in the state. Wake County has relatively high crime rates when compared with much of the rest of the state. Both property offenses and violent crimes occur at a higher rate in Wake County than in most other counties. According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Wake County saw many more arrests in 2023 than most other counties in North Carolina. There were 25,984 crimes reported. There were 46 murders reported in Wake County in 2023, as well as 264 rapes. Authorities also responded to 2,709 aggravated assault cases. Property crimes were also relatively common. There were 569 robberies, 2,668 burglaries and  16,947 larceny crimes reported in Wake County in 2023. Mecklenburg County was the only county with higher reported crime rates. In some cases, attempts to solve a crime might result in law enforcement professionals and prosecutors jumping to the wrong conclusion. Public pressure combined with job expectations can lead to professionals arresting and prosecuting the wrong party just to maintain high arrest and conviction rates. There are options available to those facing serious criminal charges. The best defense strategy depends on the nature of the offense and the evidence that the state intends to present in court. Reviewing crime statistics and the state's evidence with a skilled legal team can help criminal defendants plan a reasonable defense strategy based on the charges they’re facing.

There are many ways for people in North Carolina to break the law. They could steal from other people or hurt them. They could decide to drive home after drinking with friends at a bar. Unlawful possession or distribution of drugs is also a criminal offense. Many people cannot even imagine intentionally stealing from others or harming them through physical violence. They may avoid drugs, impaired driving and other types of conduct that might open them up to criminal prosecution. However, even intelligent and ethical people sometimes find themselves accused of fraud. There are many different types of fraud prosecuted at the state level in North Carolina. There are also certain types of fraud, such as mortgage fraud and wire fraud, that could lead to federal criminal charges. People who understand how the state defines fraud can avoid conduct that could put them at risk of prosecution. What behaviors constitute fraud? North Carolina State statutes very clearly define fraud. Intentionally making a false statement about a material fact for the purposes of economic gain could lead to fraud charges. Fraud can also involve the intentional misrepresentation of material facts. Lying about personal financial circumstances to acquire a loan could constitute fraud. Misrepresenting a company's prospects when it is on the edge of bankruptcy to lure in investors could also constitute fraud. Even intentionally misrepresenting the state of a product for sale, such as a motor vehicle, by covering up defects with cosmetic repairs could constitute fraud. State-level fraud allegations can lead to Class 1 misdemeanor charges. However, if the goods or capital involved add up to more than $1,000, then the state could potentially pursue Class H felony charges. In some cases, people may face allegations of specific types of fraud that are more serious. Fraud involving interstate infrastructure, financial institutions or government entities could lead to federal charges. Health care fraud allegations could result from something as simple as separating bundled medical services to bill for each one separately. Lying about income and personal assets to secure a mortgage could lead to mortgage fraud charges. Anyone accused of a white-collar crime at the state or federal level may need help fighting back to avoid a conviction. Understanding how the state defines fraud can help people determine if the criminal charges they’re facing are appropriate and how to counter them effectively.

The last thing you want to see on the road ahead is a sobriety checkpoint. Even if you have not been drinking, it can be a stressful process. Here are three important details to understand regarding these checkpoints. 1. The police must follow the rules As we have mentioned in previous blog posts, the police must follow strict rules in many situations. Sobriety checkpoints are no exception. North Carolina law requires them to: Place checkpoints randomly, though they can be informed by drunk driving statistics Warn drivers of a checkpoint ahead Follow set policies or procedures they established ahead of time It is critical for drivers to understand the rules of a sobriety checkpoint as well. Then they will know what to expect, and understand if the police do not follow the rules. 2. You can turn around It is not against the law for you to turn around if you see a sign warning you of a checkpoint ahead. However, you must take extra care to: Do so safely Avoid violating traffic laws An illegal turn can give the police reason to pull you over – even outside of the checkpoint. So, while it is in your power to turn around, you must be aware of and avoid the risks involved. 3. Be prepared for an increase Historically, the number of checkpoints increases during the summer and around the holidays. This is because people are likely to drink in these situations. In turn, the risk of drunk driving increases. Law enforcement often increases the number of checkpoints to counter that. With Memorial Day barbecues and Fourth of July celebrations just around the corner, it is likely you will see more sobriety checkpoints arise across the state. You must be prepared, so you can protect yourself against the risk of potential DWI charges.

Most road users are likely aware that drunk driving is a major public safety concern. Many motorists have encountered devastating accidents and sustained catastrophic injuries due to drunk driving. For this reason, it is important to raise awareness about the factors that contribute to driving under the influence. Understanding the types of vehicles most commonly associated with drunk driving is a good place to start. Passenger cars Passenger cars are the vehicles most associated with drunk driving incidents. This is primarily because they make up the largest share of vehicles on the road. These vehicles include sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs. Passenger vehicles are typically used for daily commutes, social gatherings and leisure activities. These situations happen to be where alcohol consumption might be more prevalent. Younger drivers in passenger cars are particularly prone to DUIs, often due to peer pressure, lower experience levels or a higher tendency to underestimate the risks of driving under the influence. Younger drivers might not understand just how quickly alcohol can slow down their reaction times, compromise their decision-making and undermine their coordination. Pickup trucks Pickup trucks are frequently linked to DUI cases because drivers of these vehicles are often involved in late-night activities and live in rural settings. In such activities and areas, alcohol use tends to be more common. Male drivers, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, statistically dominate DUI cases involving pickup trucks. The association may be, in part, due to cultural perceptions, as pickups are often linked with rugged, carefree lifestyles.  Such lifestyles may be linked to risk-taking behavior, including drinking and driving. Motorcycles Motorcycles are also disproportionately associated with fatal drunk driving accidents. Motorcycles have unique risks due to their lack of protective structures and the precision required to operate them safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can severely impact a motorcyclist’s ability to maintain balance, respond to road hazards and make quick decisions. Riders under the influence are less likely to wear helmets or adhere to traffic laws. Such reckless behavior further increases the severity of a crash. The culture surrounding motorcycles, including social gatherings like biker rallies, may also contribute to higher rates of drinking and riding. No matter what vehicle an individual drives, they have the responsibility to consider the safety of other road users when they get behind the wheel. Therefore, when a driver operates their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, they should be held accountable for any damages caused.

People get arrested every day in North Carolina for driving while impaired (DWI) offenses. In some of those cases, the state has chemical evidence showing that the driver was over the legal limit. Other times, a crash or poor driving might be the reason that police officers decide to arrest a motorist. Generally speaking, anyone who is over the legal limit for their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at risk of DWI charges. For most adults, that limit is 0.08%. It takes multiple drinks in a short amount of time to reach that high of a BAC. However, police officers may sometimes arrest people even after test results show that they are not over that limit. Can the state prosecute someone for a DWI if a chemical test did not show that they were over the limit? Yes, DWI prosecution is still possible Chemical test results on their own can be justification for DWI prosecution. Even drivers who seem totally sober can be at risk of charges if they fail a breath test. However, a failed breath test is not always necessary for a successful DWI case. The state can bring charges even in cases where people refuse chemical tests. State law also allows prosecutors to bring charges against commercial drivers who have a BAC above 0.04% and standard drivers with a BAC above 0.08%. The courts can consider secondary evidence in addition to the chemical test results when evaluating whether the defendant drove in an impaired state. Factors including performance on field sobriety tests and involvement in a crash could contribute to the state's case. Video footage secured by a police cruiser's dashboard camera could affirm allegations that the driver displayed impaired ability while on the road. Every person has different tolerance levels for alcohol based on factors ranging from their sex and weight to their medical condition. Simply achieving a test result under the legal limit is not necessarily enough to avoid DWI charges. Thankfully, a test under the limit gives a driver many opportunities to fight DWI charges. Reviewing the situation that led to an arrest can help a driver determine how to respond to drunk driving allegations. The right strategy can help a motorist avoid jail time, fines and a driver's license suspension.

Ralph Kennedy Frasier, born on September 16, 1938, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and passing away on May 8, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, led a remarkable life dedicated to justice, equality and corporate leadership. Attorney and executive Ralph Kennedy Frasier's journey to the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law is a significant chapter in civil rights history. In 1955, Frasier, his brother LeRoy, Jr. and John Brandon applied to the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, only to be denied admission under the "separate but equal" doctrine established by the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision. In response, Frasier and his peers filed a class action lawsuit against the UNC Board of Trustees, challenging the exclusion of African Americans from UNC's undergraduate programs. This lawsuit argued that the Board's actions violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The case, Frasier, et al. vs. University of North Carolina, sought to extend the principles of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, which had begun dismantling segregation in primary and secondary education, to higher education. Prominent civil rights attorneys, including NCCU Law School alumni and notable figures like Thurgood Marshall, represented Frasier and his co-plaintiffs. Despite opposition from North Carolina's political and educational leadership, the case marked a pivotal moment in the fight for educational equality, leading to significant legal victories that contributed to the broader civil rights movement. After serving in the army, Frasier received a bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, from NCCU. Ralph's professional journey led him to become the first African American in a management role at Wachovia Bank, where he was the founding member of its Legal Department, serving over ten years in roles such as Legal Counsel and Vice President. His leadership and influence in banking regulation in North Carolina drew the attention of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. In 1975, after a national search, he became their General Counsel, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary. In 1975, Huntington Bancshares Incorporated recruited Frasier to move to Columbus, Ohio, where he enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning more than 30 years as General Counsel, Senior Counsel, Executive Vice President and Director of Diversified Financial Institution. After retiring in 1998, Frasier continued to influence the legal field at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, L.L.P., advocating for diversity and corporate governance until his retirement in 2005. His legacy is marked by his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing equality and diversity. Ralph Kennedy Frasier dedicated his life to serving numerous non-profit and public institutions across North Carolina, Ohio and Nevada. He held leadership roles such as Chairman of the Winston-Salem Transit Authority, Vice Chair of North Carolina Central University and Trustee of the Columbus Urban League and the Ohio Board of Regents, among others. From 2002 to 2003, Ralph served as Of Counsel to his children's law firm, Frasier & Alston, P.A. and later to Frasier & Griffin, L.L.C. A Life Member of the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Ralph was also a W.E.B. Du Bois Fellow. He mentored young professionals, earning the nickname "Mufasa" for his wise and courageous leadership. Ralph's legacy of resilience, integrity and service continues to inspire many. Ralph Frasier is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeannine Marie Quick-Frasier (Jacksonville, FL); his children, Kären Denise Frasier (Abu Dhabi, UAE), Gail Spaulding Cox (Ira; Charlotte, NC), Ralph Kennedy Frasier, Jr. (Durham, NC), Keith Lowery Frasier (Jocelyn; Chesapeake, VA), Marie Kennedy-Frasier Coleman (Columbus, OH) and Rochelle Doar Frasier (Marlon; Columbus, OH).

Some police searches occur because the state already has evidence of criminal activity. If police officers have gathered information conducting a particular individual or location to criminal activity, they can go to a judge to request a warrant. That being said, many criminal cases develop spontaneously because of something that police officers notice in public locations. What they observe about a person's behavior may make the officer suspect them of criminal activities. Police officers might search an individual based on suspicion of illegal drug activity and might then arrest them accordingly. What gives a police officer probable cause to conduct a search without a warrant if they suspect someone of drug possession or a similar offense? The smell of drugs Many intoxicating substances have very distinct aromas. Police officers who have smelt burning crack cocaine or methamphetamine previously may know exactly what chemical they smell when they interact with someone who is under the influence or carrying a substance on their person. When police officers have an articulable suspicion based on a specific smell, they can potentially conduct a search to look for certain types of drugs. Signs of chemical intoxication Many possession offenses involve an individual possessing a drug by consuming it. When people are out in public and display clear signs of chemical intoxication, their behavior, speech or appearance may give police officers the probable cause they need to conduct a search looking for evidence of drug crimes. Signs of illicit transactions Sometimes, police officers witness two people handing off drugs and money to one another. In scenarios where officers witness a drug deal occur, they can potentially use the behavior they witnessed as a justification to search one or both of the parties involved in the alleged transaction. Probable cause typically means that a police officer can articulate their suspicions of a specific criminal violation, not just overall questionable behavior. Officers need to establish a reasonable explanation for why they stopped or searched an individual. Challenging a search that led to drug charges based on a lack of probable cause could be a workable defense strategy in some cases. The courts may exclude evidence obtained through misconduct or a violation of a defendant's civil rights.

Laws on marijuana vary from state to state in the US. Individuals over twenty-one can use the drug legally in states like California, New York, and others. Still, in North Carolina, the penalization of the drug remains to this day (August 2024). Possession can lead to criminal charges of varying degrees. Yet, the local laws on marijuana do not entirely stop its usage in the state. Marijuana statistics In 2021, approximately 19% of Americans had used marijuana at least once in their lifetime, making it the most common illegal federal drug in the country. Its use can lead to health problems, especially in individuals who start using as teens. It is estimated that three in every ten users develop cannabis disorder. The risk of becoming drug-dependent is higher for people under eighteen years old and frequent users. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 22.1% of high-school-aged youth in North Carolina had consumed marijuana in the last thirty days in 2019. Teenagers who start using the drug at an early age are also at a higher risk of developing neurological effects. Marijuana affects sections of the brain in charge of essential functions, such as: Memory Learning Attention Decision-Making Coordination Emotion Reaction time Its long-term use is also linked to a risk of psychosis or schizophrenia. It is important to note that not all persons have the same health consequences when using marijuana. Several factors determine the intensity of the sequels, as follows: The amount of THC in the drug The frequency of marijuana use The genetics and age of the user Simultaneous use of other drugs, such as tobacco and alcohol Marijuana users should be aware of the consequences of the drugs. Detecting any warning signs of early dependence can make a difference. Consequences and fighting back Even though the consumption of the drug is spread throughout the country, users in North Carolina still face sanctions for possession. If you or someone you know is facing a marijuana-related charge, you can seek legal counseling. Drug legislation in the USA is changing. Policymakers may someday legalize North Carolina marijuana usage for medical or recreational consumption. Meanwhile, users of the drug must understand the consequences of possession. It is also helpful to know your rights in case of a drug-related arrest.

There are numerous ways that accusations of domestic violence could affect someone's life. If a spouse alleges that someone is abusive, the person accused may worry about ending up in court. Domestic violence accusations can carry a stigma that can follow someone for years if they do not respond appropriately. Defendants responding to accusations of domestic violence from a spouse, roommate or family member may feel a bit confused about what those allegations might mean. People accused of domestic violence typically have to prepare for court proceedings. Can domestic violence allegations lead to someone going to trial in criminal court or facing accusations of misconduct in civil court? Either court could hear domestic violence cases In North Carolina, state prosecutors do sometimes bring criminal charges against those accused of domestic violence. When there is evidence, such as witness testimony or medical records, affirming that someone engaged in violent conduct toward a spouse, state prosecutors may take action against an individual accused of domestic violence. In fact, the state can sometimes choose to press charges even when the alleged victim does not want to participate in the prosecution. The state can charge someone with a variety of offenses over allegations of domestic violence. Domestic violence itself is not a crime, but assault, battery, stalking and harassment are. Certain factors, like the use of a weapon or strangulation, can increase the chances of felony charges. A guilty plea or conviction might mean jail time, fines or probation for the defendant. That being said, sometimes domestic violence claims lead to civil court cases instead. Those who claim they need protection orders due to domestic violence file the paperwork seeking such orders in civil court. A judge then reviews the request and the evidence of the plaintiff to decide whether the situation justifies limiting the freedoms of the person accused. Domestic violence claims can also lead to family court. People may file for divorce or may seek to modify custody orders over issues with domestic violence. Understanding the potential consequences and the legal process ahead can benefit those accused of domestic violence in North Carolina. The appropriate response to those allegations depends on what type of legal matter arises and the details of the case.