Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

How Speed Limits are Determined May Change

Published on: August 27, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Speed Limits are Determined May Change

Speeding is one of the most common causes or contributing factors to vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost a third of fatal crashes are due to speeding. Driving too fast can result in losing control of a vehicle and puts other drivers and pedestrians at risk. Most roads and highways have posted speed limits. Speed limits are designed to allow drivers to travel safely on roadways. However, the method used to set speed limits may soon be considered obsolete.

What is the 85th Percentile Rule?

What is the Difference Between Criminal and Civil Liability?

Published on: August 20, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Difference Between Criminal and Civil Liability?

The legal system can be complex, with various types of charges and penalties in place for those who do something wrong. Federal, state, and local laws are in place to ensure that people do not harm others through their actions. These laws generally provide for criminal penalties such as a jail sentence and more. Sometimes, a person may cause harm to another, even when the action is not considered a crime. It is helpful to understand the differences between criminal and civil liability as well as the overlap that may occur in some situations.

Criminal Charges

Domestic Violence in North Carolina – FAQ

Published on: August 13, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Domestic Violence in North Carolina – FAQ

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence includes a violent crime against a person with whom you have a personal relationship. According to North Carolina law, this includes a spouse or former spouse, romantic partner or former romantic partner, a person with whom you share a child, a family member, or a roommate. Family members generally include parents and siblings, but may include other family members, particularly if you live with them.

Understanding Citizen’s Arrest

Published on: August 6, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding Citizen’s Arrest

There are state and federal laws in place to protect citizens. Law enforcement agencies are in place at both the federal and state levels to ensure that people follow the law. For the most part, we leave arrests up to the professionals who are there to uphold the rules. Although the police are in place to handle unlawful situations, there may be times when a regular citizen is authorized to make an arrest. So, what exactly is a citizen’s arrest, and is it legal?

What is a Citizen’s Arrest?

North Carolina Campaign Cracks Down on Speeders

Published on: July 30, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

North Carolina Campaign Cracks Down on Speeders

Speeding is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents. Driving too quickly can endanger the driver, passengers, and other vehicles on the roads. Speed is a factor in many accidents that result in injuries or fatalities. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were almost 400 deaths and thousands of injuries that were attributed to speeding last year. These accidents, injuries, and deaths are preventable. A new campaign is in place to crack down on North Carolina speeders.

https://youtu.be/mcoAB8pDGRY?si=PF9iPPsUwV6YH1Ys

How Can I Protect My Rights if I am Arrested?

Published on: July 23, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Protect My Rights if I am Arrested?

Getting arrested can be a stressful and traumatic situation for anyone. Whether the arrest comes as a surprise or not, you may be feeling unsure of what you should and should not do to protect your rights. Although law enforcement will guide the process, there are some things you must do in order to ensure the best possible results for your case. Whether you feel you are innocent or not, speaking to the police can cause problems later. It is best to speak to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

https://youtu.be/0zjT4EGewAI?si=1BfP9oe5wf8vFqO7

Defending Simple Affray Charges in North Carolina

Published on: July 16, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Defending Simple Affray Charges in North Carolina

If you have been involved in a fight, you may have been charged with simple affray. These charges are often associated with bar brawls or fist fights between people, often in public places. Although a bar fight may not seem very serious, it can have some legal consequences if you are found guilty of these charges. If you have been charged with simple affray, you will want to vigorously defend the charges to seek the best possible outcome.

https://youtu.be/jm2k_esFGkM?si=0nLZPqFFjOQe2knW

North Carolina Could Lower the Legal Blood Alcohol Limit For Drivers

Published on: July 9, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

North Carolina Could Lower the Legal Blood Alcohol Limit For Drivers

Driving while impaired is a criminal offense. If you are found guilty of DWI, you could face a number of penalties such as fines, jail time, probation, community service, and more. You will also lose your driving privileges for a period of time. Currently, the legal limit for impairment is 0.08% BAC. While that is the law in most states, some states are considering lowering the BAC level for impaired driving. North Carolina legislators are considering a bill that would make the legal limit 0.05% BAC.

https://youtu.be/6Bw93Q_XE-o

How Long Does a Criminal Conviction Remain On My Record?

Published on: July 2, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Long Does a Criminal Conviction Remain On My Record?

A criminal conviction can cause a lot of problems in your life. You may find it difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or attend college, among other things. A conviction may be easily found through a background check or other online resources. If you have a conviction, you will want to know how long it will remain on your record and whether you may be able to have it removed. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney provides guidance and answers your questions regarding a conviction.

https://youtu.be/ZK97Fyg2Kkk

Appealing a Criminal Conviction FAQ

Published on: June 25, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Appealing a Criminal Conviction FAQ

When you have been found guilty of a crime, you will face a number of penalties that could include fines, probation, community service, and jail time, among other punishments. If you feel you were wrongly convicted, you may be able to appeal it. You likely have some questions about the appeal process and whether you can appeal your conviction.

What Are the Grounds for Appealing a Criminal Conviction?