If the government has contacted you regarding acquiring your property for public use or a public works project, you might be feeling confused, stressed, and overwhelmed. Both the United States Constitution and North Carolina law provide the federal and state governments with the power of eminent domain — and condemnation. This is the legal procedure by which the government may… Read More

Eminent domain refers to the government’s right to take private property in cases where it is deemed necessary for public use, in exchange for just compensation. If you are a landowner and your land is being seized by a federal, state, or local government entity, it’s important to understand that you have rights. The following are three essential things all… Read More

Under North Carolina statute and federal law, a government entity — such as the North Carolina Department of Transportation — may take an easement in your property under eminent domain. While an easement doesn’t give the entity full ownership rights, it provides them with a nonpossessory interest in a portion of your property. For instance, they may use your property… Read More

Although the federal or state government may have a right to take an individual’s property for public use under eminent domain laws, one of the requirements is providing the land owner with “just compensation.” While this is a protection guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, determining just compensation for the government taking land can be extremely complex. It’s important for property… Read More