Criminal Defense

How Long Does a Criminal Conviction Remain On My Record?

Published on: July 2, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Long Does a Criminal Conviction Remain On My Record?

A criminal conviction can cause a lot of problems in your life. You may find it difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or attend college, among other things. A conviction may be easily found through a background check or other online resources. If you have a conviction, you will want to know how long it will remain on your record and whether you may be able to have it removed. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney provides guidance and answers your questions regarding a conviction.

https://youtu.be/ZK97Fyg2Kkk

Appealing a Criminal Conviction FAQ

Published on: June 25, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Appealing a Criminal Conviction FAQ

When you have been found guilty of a crime, you will face a number of penalties that could include fines, probation, community service, and jail time, among other punishments. If you feel you were wrongly convicted, you may be able to appeal it. You likely have some questions about the appeal process and whether you can appeal your conviction.

What Are the Grounds for Appealing a Criminal Conviction?

Are Tinted Windows Legal in North Carolina?

Published on: June 18, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Are Tinted Windows Legal in North Carolina?

The sun can make the inside of your vehicle extremely hot in the summer. The temperature inside your car can be much higher than the temperature outside. The sun can also be distracting when it is too bright while you are trying to drive. For these reasons and others, many people like to improve the features of their auto by installing aftermarket window tint. While window tint can be helpful, there is a limit to the level of window tint that you can use in North Carolina. If you have a window tint that is too dark, you could find yourself facing consequences.

https://youtu.be/7WpG6PL80PA

Search Warrants in North Carolina

Published on: June 11, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Search Warrants in North Carolina

People have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their everyday lives. Although generally you can expect to go about your life in private, there are times when police may have the right to conduct a search. If a search is conducted improperly, you may be able to exclude anything they found as evidence against you in a criminal case. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you defend charges and assist in resolving matters that include illegal searches.

https://youtu.be/udqe4UMYP_w

Defending Resisting Arrest Charges

Published on: June 4, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Defending Resisting Arrest Charges

The body has a built-in reaction to danger called the fight-or-flight response. When confronted with a perceived threat, a person may resort to extreme measures to protect their safety. While this reaction helped our caveman ancestors survive, it can be problematic in today’s society. When you are confronted by police or are being arrested, you may have an initial tendency to resist. If you take actual steps to fight or try to avoid officers, the police could charge you with resisting arrest.

https://youtu.be/EvVH2N0e6ho

Street Racing Charges in Charlotte

Published on: May 28, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Street Racing Charges in Charlotte

Street racing is becoming a more popular pastime among younger generations. Unfortunately, street racing is extremely dangerous and is illegal in Charlotte and cities across the country. Social media has made it possible for hundreds or more people to gather at certain times and places to participate in and watch street racing and street takeovers. While many think it is fun, it can be treacherous both for drivers and pedestrians. You could face serious charges if you are caught street racing in North Carolina.

https://youtu.be/mcoAB8pDGRY

Hidden Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

Published on: May 21, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Hidden Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

When you have been charged with a crime, you could be facing a number of serious penalties. If convicted, you could be sentenced to a variety of penalties depending on the sentencing guidelines for that particular crime, as well as other factors, such as your criminal history, and more. Depending on whether a crime is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, you may receive a sentence that includes fines, jail time, probation, community service, rehabilitative treatment, or educational courses, as well as other penalties.

Although you are typically most concerned with the sentencing you may receive if found guilty, there are other consequences that go beyond the court. In addition to the statutory penalties that will be imposed if convicted of a crime, there are other consequences that you may need to deal with as a result of the conviction.

Three Strikes Law in North Carolina

Published on: May 7, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Three Strikes Law in North Carolina

The law allows the courts some leniency, particularly when dealing with first offenders. First offenders may receive lower sentences or even qualify for a diversion program. Typically, those who committed a crime are expected to learn from their mistake by not getting involved in criminal activity in the future. The law also provides for harsher penalties for repeat offenders. North Carolina has a habitual felon statute in place that is intended to deter people from re-offending.

https://youtu.be/Q25p9ksjtq8

Shoplifting Charges in North Carolina

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

Shoplifting Charges in North Carolina

Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in the country. Theft of goods happens in all types of stores and in every retail situation. If you have been charged with shoplifting, it is something to take seriously. A conviction could mean a sentence that may include fines, community service, and jail time, among others. Most importantly, a conviction will remain on your criminal record, making it more difficult to get employment, rent an apartment, or even get into college.

https://youtu.be/uaXgSF4QDQk

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Ghost Gun Law

Published on: April 9, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Ghost Gun Law

Ghost guns have become a problem in the United States. Ghost guns may be utilized in crimes because they have no serial numbers, are not registered, and are virtually untraceable. Laws were enacted to prohibit ghost guns in an attempt to reduce or eliminate the number of these weapons on our streets. Ghost guns are responsible for a number of violent crimes across the country. The Supreme Court recently upheld the Biden-era law banning ghost guns.

https://youtu.be/hAHlAxIlgJo