Criminal Defense

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

Arnold & Smith, PLLC Named Charlotte’s Best in Criminal Defense 2025

Published on: October 26, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

Published on: October 8, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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?

Published on: October 1, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

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

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

Published on: September 10, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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?

What is Implied Consent in North Carolina?

Published on: September 3, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Implied Consent in North Carolina?

When you obtain a driver’s license in North Carolina, you have some privileges as well as obligations. A license gives you the right to drive as long as you follow the rules and laws. If you get too many violations, the DMV could suspend or revoke your license. One of the most serious driving violations you may face is driving while impaired (DWI). If you are suspected of DWI in North Carolina, law enforcement will ask you to submit to a test to determine your level of impairment. As part of your driver’s license agreement, you consent to complete chemical tests for DWI.

Implied Consent in North Carolina

What is the Difference Between Criminal and Civil Liability?

Published on: August 20, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Difference Between Criminal and Civil Liability?

The legal system can be complex, with various types of charges and penalties in place for those who do something wrong. Federal, state, and local laws are in place to ensure that people do not harm others through their actions. These laws generally provide for criminal penalties such as a jail sentence and more. Sometimes, a person may cause harm to another, even when the action is not considered a crime. It is helpful to understand the differences between criminal and civil liability as well as the overlap that may occur in some situations.

Criminal Charges

Understanding Citizen’s Arrest

Published on: August 6, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding Citizen’s Arrest

There are state and federal laws in place to protect citizens. Law enforcement agencies are in place at both the federal and state levels to ensure that people follow the law. For the most part, we leave arrests up to the professionals who are there to uphold the rules. Although the police are in place to handle unlawful situations, there may be times when a regular citizen is authorized to make an arrest. So, what exactly is a citizen’s arrest, and is it legal?

What is a Citizen’s Arrest?