felonies

North Carolina Gun Charges

Published on: April 20, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?”

The U.S. Constitution and amendments provide citizens with the right to bear arms. Although you generally have the right to own a gun, there are many federal and state laws that govern gun ownership. You must abide by these laws or you could face charges or have your gun taken away. A person could face gun charges alone or associated with another crime. For instance, someone might be charged with using a weapon while committing a crime. Gun charges may be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the specific circumstances. If you are charged with a gun crime it is advisable to seek legal guidance from a criminal defense attorney.

What are Misdemeanor Charges in North Carolina?

Published on: December 29, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?”

In North Carolina, as in other states, there are two main categories of crimes that include misdemeanors and felonies. Although you might be charged with a misdemeanor, it does not mean you should not take the charges seriously. Even misdemeanor convictions result in severe punishments and could negatively impact your life for many years. If you are charged with a crime, regardless of the classification, it is usually in your best interest to seek guidance from a qualified criminal defense attorney in North Carolina. Your attorney will protect your rights and strongly defend the charges.

What are Misdemeanors in North Carolina?

Published on: September 29, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?”

When you are charged with a crime, it is important to understand the severity of the charges and potential penalties. There are two main classifications of crimes including misdemeanors and felonies. Felony crimes are generally more serious and therefore they include more substantial consequences if convicted. Misdemeanors are usually less serious in nature and if convicted you will be subject to less harsh penalties than felonies. It is helpful to explore misdemeanor crimes to learn more about them and their sentences.

Misdemeanors in North Carolina

Published on: September 15, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?”

When individuals commit crimes, how should they be sentenced? Since the founding of this nation, this question has been posed to governments both big and small. As any criminal defense attorney will tell you, having a sound body of law that is applied to all cases is essential for the development and maintenance of a fair society.

Classes of Felonies in North Carolina

Published on: September 8, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?”

In states all across America, average residents in need of legal advice must be able to trust the information and resources of professionals such as criminal defense attorneys. In today’s digital age, resources such as blogs and informational websites provide interested readers with the opportunity to develop a basic understanding of the legal system as it pertains to their unique needs.

Is There Gender Bias When Sentencing Female Teachers Who Have Sex with Male Students?

Published on: January 22, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What should parents tell their children to do when interacting with police officers?”

Charlotte Police Creates Map of Violent Crime ‘Hot Spots’ in the City

Published on: January 15, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?”

After 108 homicides in Charlotte last year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department prepared a map of violent crime “hot spots” in the city. The map was shown to members of the Charlotte City Council. The department told council members that it would use all available data to address crime as a public health issue. However, CMPD also complained that it would not be able to lower violent crime on its own, as reported by WFAE.

Can Criminal Charges be Dropped?

Published on: October 24, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “The person that called the police doesn’t want to press charges, can I still be prosecuted?”

The prospect of facing criminal charges can lead to anxiety and uncertainty, regardless if the crime is a felony or a misdemeanor. You might think that the only possible outcome is being found guilty or innocent. However, in North Carolina there are additional results for criminal charges. It is important to note that there is no guarantee of any outcome in a criminal charge. Instead, it is helpful to know all of the possible outcomes for your case. Criminal convictions can have life-altering consequences that follow you for years to come. The following are alternatives to a finding of guilt or innocence in a criminal charge.

Florida Court Decides Whether Cars Count As Deadly Weapons

Published on: December 6, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?”

When you think of deadly weapons most people imagine the classics: guns and knives. Crimes that include heightened penalties for being committed with deadly weapons thus typically involve defendants who had a gun or knife in their possession at the time. Though this is true in many cases, there are plenty of other items that have been deemed deadly weapons. The Florida Supreme Court will soon weigh in on this issue and decide whether an automobile ought to be deemed a deadly weapon.

Certificates of Relief

Published on: November 22, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question:”What is an expungement?”

We have previously discussed the important changes that will soon go into effect regarding expungements in North Carolina. The law is set to change and will make it easier for more people to wipe the slate clean, deleting from their criminal history certain one-time mistakes that have continued to haunt them years into the future. But what if you do not qualify for expungement? Even though the laws have been loosened to allow more people to experience the benefit of expungement, there are still numerous restrictions that exclude many people in North Carolina.