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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

What is voluntary manslaughter?
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Last Modified on May 21, 2023

Voluntary manslaughter is a serious felony charge in North Carolina. While it is not as serious as a murder charge, it has a longer potential sentence than a charge for involuntary manslaughter. A person who is…

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What is wire fraud, and how is a person charged with it?
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Last Modified on Nov 14, 2023

A charge of wire fraud could change the life of a North Carolina resident. It’s a white-collar crime that is considered very seriously and carries significant penalties. What is wire fraud? Wire fraud is a serious federal…

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What are the laws for assault and battery in North Carolina?
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Last Modified on Jul 26, 2023

North Carolina deems assault and battery as serious criminal charges. It’s important to know the laws surrounding the offense. How is simple assault and battery classified? North Carolina categorizes some assault and battery charges as misdemeanors. These offenses include…

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North Carolina drug laws and penalties
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Last Modified on Jun 21, 2023

Every state has controlled substance laws to regulate certain drugs because of the potential danger. North Carolina drug laws are tougher than other states, even for the first offense. A person charged with a drug crime…

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Sex offender registry removal in North Carolina
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Last Modified on Jun 01, 2022

Persons placed on a sex offender registry might find their inclusion on the list impacts their lives for years after completing a prison sentence, parole, or probation. Court challenges have led to people getting their names…

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Violating a domestic protection order
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Last Modified on May 31, 2022

When a family member or partner becomes abusive, it may be necessary to seek a domestic violence restraining order. The order issued by a judge could bar contact between the alleged abuser and the person seeking…

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Removal from sex offender registry
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Last Modified on Mar 28, 2022

Sex offenses are particular criminal issues that legislatures in North Carolina and around the country have taken a harsh stance against. Not only have the state lawmakers established fines and penalties, but continuing public safety is…

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How to claim self-defense during an assault?
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Last Modified on May 31, 2022

Assaults and violent crimes are charged as either felonies or misdemeanors in Gaston County, North Carolina. Depending on the circumstances around the incident, a common defense for assault and battery is self-defense. Claiming self-defense The most…

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A hidden cost of a DWI conviction
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Last Modified on May 31, 2022

There are a lot of costs associated with a conviction for drinking and driving: fines, the cost of getting your driver’s license reinstated, legal fees and so on. Even after you pay the penalties the judge…

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Free medical services can cause federal investigation of doctors
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Last Modified on Jun 01, 2022

Doctors or clinics in North Carolina sometimes offer free medical services as a form of community outreach and support. However, these seemingly positive actions can result in violations of federal laws. Unless conducted in careful compliance…

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