areas of practice
appellate law
Both Civil and Criminal litigation are adversarial processes. One party wins and one party loses. What do you do next? Many people think that the trial is the end of the road. However, that is not always the case. In most, but not all cases, there is the option to appeal the conviction or judgment. Pursuing an appeal is a complex and involved process. The assistance of a competent and experienced appellate advocate attorney is vital. Ashley is experienced in both Civil and Criminal appeals and can help you review your case to determine if there are any appellate options for you to pursue.
post judgment/conviction
Appeals are not the only option for redress of an unfavorable and disliked outcome in court. There are several options that a potential appellant can attempt before undertaking a full appeal. These items can be considered “appeal light” or are formally known post judgment motions.
For Civil matters, these motions have varying timelines, some as early as 10 days after the judgment. These motions are often pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure and are designed to more expeditiously correct errors at the trial level than the longer process of a full appeal.
For Criminal matters, these motions can also be brought at different times dependant on the type of conviction and the method for seeking redress.
These motions are often highly technical in nature and the assistance of a competent and knowledgable attorney is essential. Ashley has experience in handling post judgment and post conviction matters at the trial level.
motions for appropriate relief
A Motion for Appropriate Relief is a specific statutory mechanism for challenging a criminal conviction, including convictions that resulted from a guilty plea. Motions for Appropriate Relief or “MARs” as they are commonly referred to are used to address errors in the trial procedure and even errors related to the entry of a guilty plea by the court.
There are two types of MARs, the first must be filed within 10 days of the entry of the Judgment, and the second can be brought at any time after the conviction. The caveat to this second type of MAR is that only errors that have been specifically outlined in the statute can be addressed.
MARs and the MAR process can be convoluted and highly involved. Utilizing an attorney experienced in MAR evaluations is crucial. Ashley is ready to discuss your case and evaluate its potential for seeking relief through an MAR.
family law litigation
Divorce. Child Custody. Child Support. Alimony. Spousal Support. Property Divsion or Equitable Distribution. These are all common themes that are found in family law litigation. Ashley is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law and has years of experience handling a range of family law matters, from simple divorces to complex, involved and highly contentious matters.
Family Law requires an unparalleled trust in your attorney as the intimate and sometimes uncomfortable portions of your life will need to be shared. Ashley has developed a reputation for sensitivity and understanding with her clients as well as a natural ability to zealously advocate for her clients in all areas, whether that be at the mediation table or in the courtroom.
domestic violence
Most relationships are happy and cohesive. Sometimes things go sideways and result in lost tempers. Unfortunately, these lost tempers can sometimes turn in the mental, physical, emotional or financial abuse.
North Carolina has a statutory process for addressing Domestic Violence through the entry of Domestic Violence Protective Orders.
Ashley has extensive experience representing Domestic Violence victims as well as defending those wrongfully accused of Domestic Violence. Ashley understands that Domestic Violence is a serious matter and needs to be handled with upmost care and attention.
termination of parental rights and dss matters
Parents and caregivers are some of the most important jobs in the world. For this reason, the law provides specific mechanisms for the protection of vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Sometimes, a person finds themselves involved with their local Department of Social Services. DSS matters, especially those involving juveniles, operate under a special set of rules and guidelines. Having a attorney who understands thess rules and can help you navigate the guidelines makes a difficult and arduous process more managable.
Ashley has handled many cases involving DSS and is ready and willing to help you navigate the complicated minefield of DSS involvement.
spousal agreements
Prenuptial. Postnuptial. Separation. Support. Property.
Contracts between spouses, potential spouses and former spouses are governed by specific rules and requirements.
Whether you are looking to pre-ordain items prior to a marriage, memorialize post marital issues, or amicably handle the dissolution of a marriage, the guidance and assistance of an knowledgeable attorney can be invaluable.
Ashley has years of experience handling all types of spousal agreements and is happy to work with you to develop the appropriate agreement to meet your needs.
absolute divorce
So you have been separated for a year and one day, what’s next?
To make the status change official from a married couple to single persons, you must obtain a Judgment of Absolute Divorce. This is separate and apart from all the trappings of “divorce” and “separation” such as property division, child issues and spousal support.
Ashley is happy to help you with obtaining this final piece of the martial dissolution puzzle.