Criminal Defense

What to Know About Ignition Interlock Devices in North Carolina

Published on: June 24, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What to Know About Ignition Interlock Devices in North Carolina

Driving while impaired is a serious charge, and a DWI conviction comes with severe consequences. In some cases, you could lose your driver’s license for a period of time, face fines, and points on your license. In some cases, you will be required to install a breathalyzer device in your vehicle before you can get behind the wheel. What is an ignition interlock device, and when is it necessary in North Carolina?

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

What is Extradition?

Published on: June 17, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Extradition?

If you have outstanding criminal charges from another jurisdiction, the police could take you into custody and deliver you to another location where you will face the consequences. You could therefore be held in custody and will go through the legal prosecution process. Not all charges are extraditable and sometimes jurisdictions will not require extradition if the charges are minor. Extradition may take place between jurisdictions within the United States or even outside the country.

What is Extradition?

Can I Be Charged With Public Intoxication?

Published on: June 3, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Be Charged With Public Intoxication?

A night out with friends can be fun, but it can get crazy if you have too much to drink. You may be so intoxicated that you wander down the sidewalks or in other public areas, creating a nuisance. When that happens, the police may become involved. In North Carolina, public intoxication on its own is not a criminal offense; however, it is often associated with disorderly behavior, which is a crime.

What is Public Intoxication?

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?

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?

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.

What Traffic Infractions Result In Criminal Charges?

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

What Traffic Infractions Result In Criminal Charges?

Driving requires you to adhere to the rules of the road. Laws are in place to ensure the safety of all vehicles. Most traffic infractions are minor in nature, and if you are in violation, you could receive a ticket. If you get too many tickets, you could face some consequences, such as the suspension of your driving privileges. However, some violations are considered so egregious that there are also potential criminal charges if you disobey them.

Hit and Run

Defending Indecent Exposure Charges

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

Defending Indecent Exposure Charges

The public space is protected by various laws. When you are in public, you must obey the laws or face the possibility of arrest. Although a charge of indecent exposure isn’t extremely serious, it can still wreak havoc on your life now and in the future. If you have been charged with indecent exposure or lewd behavior, you will want to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. You will need to protect yourself and defend the charges.

What is Indecent Exposure?

13-Year-Old South Carolina Boy May Be Prosecuted as an Adult for Murder

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

13-Year-Old South Carolina Boy May Be Prosecuted as an Adult for Murder

A 13-year-old boy in South Carolina is facing charges for murder and may be prosecuted as an adult. He is accused of fatally stabbing another teenager to death. Local authorities and legal experts are weighing the implications of charging him as an adult, considering the severity of the crime and his young age. The incident occurred while the suspect and victim were riding in a vehicle driven by the suspect’s sister. The suspect allegedly stabbed the victim, who was sitting in the front seat, from the backseat. A fight occurred after the stabbing, and the victim died at the hospital.

This case has raised questions about how the justice system handles young offenders, especially in serious felony cases. The community is grappling with the tragedy, reflecting on the challenges of addressing youth crime and the impact on families and society. The defendant’s public defense attorney has claimed that the suspect may have been trying to protect himself when the stabbing happened.