Criminal Defense

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.

Can My Text Messages Be Used as Evidence in Court?

Published on: January 14, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can My Text Messages Be Used as Evidence in Court?

If you have been charged with a crime, you are likely wondering what evidence can be gathered and how it can impact your case. Almost everyone has a cell phone and utilizes it for communication by text and voice calls. Is the information on your phone considered private, and if not, how can or will it be used against you in court? Likewise, you may also wonder if some of the information on your phone can be used to defend your case. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you understand how your phone data could be important based on the facts of your case.

Is My Phone Data Private?

Iryna’s Law Goes into Effect in North Carolina

Published on: December 17, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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?

Santa Can’t Make That Ticket Disappear

Published on: December 16, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

A Holiday Reality Check for North Carolina Drivers

The 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?

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?

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