Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

Do I Qualify for Electronic Monitoring Instead of Jail?

Published on: December 10, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Qualify for Electronic Monitoring Instead of Jail?

If you are convicted of a crime, you will face a variety of potential penalties. The sentence may include fines, jail time, education classes, rehab, community service, and probation, among others. The judge usually has some discretion when it comes to sentencing. Rather than spend time in confinement, you may wonder whether you are able to remain out of jail with a restriction of electronic monitoring instead. An experienced criminal defense attorney not only helps to defend your case but also assists with representation through sentencing.

What is Electronic Monitoring?

Why Does the Risk of DWI Increase Around the Holidays?

Published on: December 3, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Why Does the Risk of DWI Increase Around the Holidays?

The holidays are wonderful times of fun gatherings with friends, family get-togethers, and office parties. The season gives us plenty of opportunities to celebrate, but along with the festivities comes an increased risk of getting charged with DWI (driving while impaired). DWI charges have severe penalties, so if you are facing DWI charges, you will want to present a vigorous defense. Many people wonder why the risk of getting a DWI increases around the holidays.

More Parties and Gatherings

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in North Carolina

Published on: November 26, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in North Carolina

Driving while impaired is illegal in North Carolina and elsewhere. Impaired driving includes anything that causes a driver to be impaired and unable to properly operate a motor vehicle on the road. Driving under the influence of drugs is a crime that is the same as driving under the influence of alcohol. Both drunk driving and drugged driving are considered dangerous and, therefore, are punishable crimes. If you have been charged with drugged driving, you will want to vigorously defend the charges and protect your rights with help from an experienced attorney.

What is Drugged Driving?

Understanding Bail in North Carolina

Published on: November 19, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding Bail in North Carolina

When a person is charged with a crime, they will be arrested. The defendant will go in front of a judge who will state the charges and determine bail. Some crimes are so egregious that the court may deny bail completely and require the person to be held in jail until the disposition of their case. Most of the time, the judge will set bail that will allow a defendant to get out of jail until their case is resolved. Bail can be an important factor because it may be the difference between whether you remain in jail or are allowed to go home until trial.

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Understanding the New Sentencing Law in North Carolina

Published on: November 12, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding the New Sentencing Law in North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed a new law that applies to North Carolina sentencing rules. The law changes a longstanding rule that judges typically followed regarding how multiple sentences are to be served. The law applies to those who are facing more than one sentence, such as for multiple convictions. The new law allows for consecutive sentences and could impact the length of a defendant’s sentence, possibly by many years. The new law takes effect on December 1, 2025, for crimes committed on or after that date.

Multiple Convictions

Consequences of DUI Refusal in North Carolina

Published on: November 5, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Consequences of DUI Refusal in North Carolina

Police officers are focused on public and road safety and are required to enforce the law. If you are pulled over for a traffic violation, the police may want to determine whether you are impaired. The legal limit in North Carolina is 0.08% BAC. Blood alcohol content (BAC) is a measurement of the concentration of alcohol in your system. The police may have you perform some standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs), and they may also ask you to take a preliminary breath test to help determine whether you are impaired. They may then transport you to the police station, where they conduct an evidentiary DUI test.

Understanding Implied Consent

Breaking and Entering Charges in North Carolina

Published on: October 29, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Breaking and Entering Charges in North Carolina

Entering a business or another person’s home without permission is a crime. The laws regarding breaking and entering in North Carolina are strict. If you are convicted of this type of crime, you could face severe consequences, including fines, a prison sentence, and more. Even if you have no previous breaking and entering convictions, the penalties generally still include jail time. You will want to vigorously defend the charges with help from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

What is Breaking and Entering?

Is it Legal to Have a Fake Firearm?

Published on: October 29, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is it Legal to Have a Fake Firearm?

The United States Constitution provides people with many rights. Specifically, the Second Amendment gives people the right to keep and bear arms. Since it was ratified in 1791, the law ensures that citizens are allowed to own a weapon. The law was first intended to help people defend themselves in an era before police departments were established. Firearms have changed over the years, including the addition of fake or replica guns. Although it is legal for most people to own guns, is it legal to own fake firearms?

What are Fake Firearms?

Arnold & Smith, PLLC Named Charlotte’s Best in Criminal Defense 2025

Published on: October 26, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Arnold & Smith, PLLC Named Charlotte’s Best in Criminal Defense 2025

For another consecutive year, Arnold & Smith, PLLC has been recognized as Charlotte’s Best in Criminal Defense 2025, reinforcing our commitment to delivering top-tier legal defense throughout the region.

This award reflects:

Felon Firearms Possession Charges

Published on: October 15, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Felon Firearms Possession Charges

The U.S. Constitution allows citizens to own firearms. However, if someone is convicted of a felony, they lose some of their constitutional rights. A felon is not allowed to own a firearm or to have one in their possession. If you are found to have a gun and are a felon, you could face serious felony firearms charges. If convicted of these charges, you could face a number of penalties, including the possibility of jail time.

Definition of Firearm