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Brent D. Ratchford

Brent D. Ratchford, sole proprietor of The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford, is a Gastonia-based attorney with more than 25 years of experience in personal injury, criminal defense, and traffic violation cases. Admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 1996, he holds a J.D. from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law and a B.S. in Accounting from Campbell University.

LATEST ARTICLES BY: Brent D. Ratchford

Common North Carolina Traffic Violations and Penalties
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Last Modified on Jan 08, 2025

Navigating North Carolina roads can be tricky. Even the most careful drivers can end up with a traffic violation. While some violations are minor, others can come with severe fines and consequences. If you or someone…

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First-Degree Murder Charges in North Carolina – All You Need to Know
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Last Modified on Mar 06, 2024

Facing a first-degree murder charge is incredibly serious. Traversing the legal landscape alone can be overwhelming. If you or someone you know is facing this charge in North Carolina, it is a good idea to seek…

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How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in NC?
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Last Modified on Jan 08, 2025

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime, there are probably a great many things that you’re thinking about. Not only is your reputation on the line, but so is your family and your livelihood.…

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How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in NC?
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Last Modified on Feb 23, 2024

Every road in North Carolina has a posted speed limit for a reason. It indicates that the nature of that specific road, and the setting in which it resides, mean that it is not safe to…

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What Is the Difference Between Homicide, Murder, and Manslaughter in NC?
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Last Modified on Mar 06, 2024

Homicide, murder, and manslaughter are all serious criminal offenses under North Carolina law. They each involve someone’s life being taken by another person. All these offenses can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment and, in particularly egregious…

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North Carolina DUI / DWI Laws and Penalties
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Last Modified on Jan 08, 2025

Facing criminal charges is often a difficult and stressful reality. Navigating the legal system on your own is overwhelming and often futile. DUI charges can be particularly difficult because they carry such heavy penalties at every…

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Issues surrounding bankruptcy fraud
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Last Modified on May 21, 2023

While people struggling financially might not wish to file for bankruptcy, the proceedings could provide a viable pathway out of a challenging fiscal situation. Bankruptcy proceedings occur in federal court, so any North Carolina resident who…

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How can you challenge Breathalyzer results in North Carolina?
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Last Modified on May 21, 2023

If you have been arrested and charged with DWI, you may start feeling overwhelmed. One thing that you may want to consider is challenging the breath test results. Some of the most common ways to do…

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Bail process for domestic violence charges
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Last Modified on May 21, 2023

Those accused of domestic violence in Gaston County, North Carolina, may be eligible for bail. The possibility of bail depends on several factors that a judge will have to consider. Domestic violence bail process A defendant…

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The different types of field sobriety tests in North Carolina
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Last Modified on Jun 01, 2022

When a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of driving under the influence in North Carolina, they will likely ask you to take a field sobriety test to determine whether or not you are impaired.…

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