Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

Can a Parent Be Charged for a Child’s Gun Crime?

Published on: May 27, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Parent Be Charged for a Child’s Gun Crime?

School shootings and mass casualty events are unfortunately becoming more common in today’s society. Ever since Columbine, schools have put procedures in place to prevent violence, protect students, and respond. Children who commit crimes of gun violence may often be charged as adults. In recent years, however, the parents of children who commit gun crimes have also been charged and convicted. While parents are not automatically responsible for the actions of their children, a parent may be held accountable if their actions or lack of action were negligent.

Are Parents Responsible if Their Child Shoots Someone?

How Does an Indictment Work in North Carolina?

Published on: May 20, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Does an Indictment Work in North Carolina?

When law enforcement believes that a crime has been committed, they may charge a person immediately. In some cases, particularly in the case of felonies or other serious charges, the prosecutor may seek an indictment through a grand jury. When this happens, the defendant is charged with a crime after the grand jury has reviewed the evidence from the prosecutor and decides that the person should face charges

What is an Indictment?

What Happens if I Leave the Scene of a DUI Accident?

Published on: May 13, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Happens if I Leave the Scene of a DUI Accident?

Accidents occur very frequently. It is probable that you will be involved in an accident at one time or another in your life. When an accident happens, drivers are required to stop and exchange information with the other driver. When a driver leaves the scene of a crash, it is also called a hit-and-run. A hit-and-run can occur with another vehicle on the road, with a pedestrian, or with a parked car, building, or stationary object.

What is a Hit and Run?

How to Get Your Name Removed From the Sex Offender Registry in North Carolina

Published on: April 29, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How to Get Your Name Removed From the Sex Offender Registry in North Carolina

If you have been convicted of a serious offense, you may be required to register as a sex offender. Being on the sex offender registry can disrupt your life and can limit your ability to get a job and rent an apartment. The sex offender registry is available for public review and carries a negative stigma that may be difficult to overcome. It is helpful to understand when and how you are able to get your name removed from the sex offender registry. A knowledgeable North Carolina attorney will help you through the process.

Eligibility for Removal from Sex Offender Registry

Juvenile Delinquency

Published on: April 22, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Juvenile Delinquency

Children are minors under the age of 18. Once a child reaches their 18th birthday, they become an adult. Minors often break the law, but when they do, it is usually considered juvenile delinquency. If your child was charged with a crime, such as theft, they will likely go through the juvenile court system. An experienced juvenile delinquency defense attorney can explain what to expect and the potential consequences if your son or daughter is facing charges in North Carolina.

What is Juvenile Delinquency?

Understanding Probation in North Carolina

Published on: April 15, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding Probation in North Carolina

If you have been convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced to punishment. In many cases, probation is a part of sentencing, either instead of a sentence or in conjunction with other punishments. It is helpful to learn more about probation and how it could impact your life. Probation may last for months or years, and if you violate the terms of probation, you will be subject to negative consequences. There are many variations of probation that could be part of your sentence.

What is Probation?

Is Marijuana Legal in North Carolina?

Published on: April 8, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is Marijuana Legal in North Carolina?

Marijuana is a common drug in the United States and elsewhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 52 million Americans have used cannabis at least once. That equals about 19% of the population. Although marijuana is quite popular, it is considered a controlled substance. The use of marijuana is illegal both federally and in the state of North Carolina. It is helpful to understand the laws that govern the use, possession, and sale of marijuana, and the penalties for violating the law.

What is Marijuana?

Distracted Driving FAQ

Published on: April 1, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Distracted Driving FAQ

With almost 10 million registered vehicles in North Carolina, it is no surprise that the roads are becoming more and more crowded. At the same time, technology continues to improve, allowing access to cell phones, GPS, and more, even when we are behind the wheel. Distractions while driving are common, and there are laws in place to protect road safety. Law enforcement may issue a ticket for someone who is driving while distracted.

What is Distracted Driving?

What are Super Speeder Laws in North Carolina?

Published on: March 25, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are Super Speeder Laws in North Carolina?

Almost everyone drives over the speed limit from time to time. Driving just a few miles per hour over the limit is usually not much of a problem. Speeding can take on a different and more dangerous problem when a vehicle is driving more than 15 mph above the limit. Most states have laws in place to address super speeders. North Carolina does have legislation in place that applies to those who are driving at excessive speeds.

What is “Super Speeding”?

Types of Pleas – Which One is Best for My Criminal Case?

Published on: March 18, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Types of Pleas – Which One is Best for My Criminal Case?

As a defendant in a criminal case, you are facing one or more charges. The legal process will proceed based on the type of charges as well as your plea to them. Generally, the judge will ask for the defendant’s plea at the time of the first hearing or arraignment. There are three main types of pleas in North Carolina.

Not Guilty: A plea of not guilty is a complete denial of the charges. A not guilty plea will result in a trial to resolve the matter. A trial may be either a bench trial, in front of a judge, or a jury trial.