Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

expos-819x1024Defending 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?

boy-819x102413-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.

texts-819x1024Can 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-819x1024Iryna’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?

ticket-819x1024A 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.

ankle-819x1024Do 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?

bailUnderstanding 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-819x1024Understanding 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

2025crim-819x1024Arnold & 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-819x1024Stalking 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?

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