Iryna’s Law Goes into Effect in North Carolina
New legislation has taken effect as of December 1, 2025. The new law is known as Iryna’s law. The law is named after a woman named Iryna, who was killed in a train stabbing in Charlotte. According to reports, the attacker had a long criminal history and was out on bail when the latest incident happened. The new law addresses cashless bail and the release of defendants of some types of crimes while awaiting trial.
What is Iryna’s Law?
A Holiday Reality Check for North Carolina DriversThe holidays are a time for celebration—but they’re also one of the busiest seasons of the year for law enforcement across North Carolina.
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, police agencies increase patrols, set up checkpoints, and closely monitor highways and local roads. As a result, speeding tickets, DWIs, and traffic charges spike dramatically during the holiday season.
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?
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
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
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:
Stalking Charges in North Carolina
People make connections with other people throughout their lives, including online and in person, as well as through others. When someone follows or harasses someone else, it can be considered stalking. Stalking is a serious offense, and if convicted, it comes with harsh penalties. It is helpful to understand stalking charges and sentences. If you have been charged with stalking, you will want to defend the charges with assistance from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
What is Stalking?
Are You Safe From Public Intoxication Charges in a Social District?
Many people enjoy meeting friends and having fun at bars and clubs. Pub or bar crawls have become popular social trends. A bar crawl is a term to describe going from bar to bar during the evening. These are fun, social events that allow people to meet others and enjoy beer or other alcoholic beverages with friends. However, there are some concerns that people could have if they are found to be drunk in public. Public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges sometimes go hand-in-hand in cases where a drunk person is involved in a fight.
Public Intoxication Is Not A Crime
Criminal Trespass Charges
There is a difference between public and private property. Public property includes spaces that are open for public use, while private property belongs to a person or company. To access someone’s private property, you must be invited by the owner or a representative of the owner. Entering someone else’s property without being invited may be a crime in North Carolina and elsewhere. Private property may include both outdoor and indoor spaces. Trespassing takes on several forms; however, if you are charged with criminal trespass, you will want to seek legal guidance to defend the charges.
First-Degree Trespass
Prescription Fraud Charges in North Carolina
There are thousands of types of medications that are designed for a multitude of ailments. Doctors prescribe medications that are not available over the counter. These prescription medications are supposed to be used to treat specific ailments and for a defined period of time. Unfortunately, many prescription medications can be addictive, and patients may want to continue taking the drugs even after their initial medical problem has been resolved. Laws are in place to prevent prescription fraud. If you have been charged with prescription fraud you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
What is Prescription Fraud?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog