A look at our web page makes it apparent that it has been some time since I have blogged.  To my millions of loyal followers out there, who must be asking, “why has this slacker not been blogging”, I’m writing this quick blog to offer my excuse and to show that my lack of attention to this noble cause is not out of sheer laziness.

For the past several months my attentions have shifted to studying for the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization’s Criminal Law Specialist Exam.  An explanation of what this is can be found here.  In essence to this point I had to get a whole lot of referrals from colleagues and Judges.  Next, I have a six hour exam that upon passing, will allow me to put myself out to potential clients as a “specialist” in the area of criminal defense.  Since criminal defense is the bulk of what I do, I figured it might be a good idea to be good at it.

The exam covers all facets of criminal defense and criminal trials including:

• North Carolina DWI law
• North Carolina evidence law
• Traffic and speeding tickets
• North Carolina felony offenses and defenses
• Felony sentencing in North Carolina
• Probation and post release supervision in North Carolina
• Jury selection
• Criminal trial strategy

The exam is the first weekend in November so we are reaching crunch time.  I must say, pass or fail, I have learned a lot of things I did not know before now.  This time of studying has also given me some great ideas for future blog postings that I think will be interesting.  So, hang in there loyal followers (or follower, thanks mom), and I promise to get back in the blogging routine around mid- November.  Hopefully, when I do return, Ill be able to sign off as “Hayes S. Ludlum, Criminal Law Specialist”.  Until then, wish me luck.