Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

How to Get Your Name Removed From the Sex Offender Registry in North Carolina

Published on: April 29, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How to Get Your Name Removed From the Sex Offender Registry in North Carolina

If you have been convicted of a serious offense, you may be required to register as a sex offender. Being on the sex offender registry can disrupt your life and can limit your ability to get a job and rent an apartment. The sex offender registry is available for public review and carries a negative stigma that may be difficult to overcome. It is helpful to understand when and how you are able to get your name removed from the sex offender registry. A knowledgeable North Carolina attorney will help you through the process.

Eligibility for Removal from Sex Offender Registry

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?

Is Marijuana Legal in North Carolina?

Published on: April 8, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is Marijuana Legal in North Carolina?

Marijuana is a common drug in the United States and elsewhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 52 million Americans have used cannabis at least once. That equals about 19% of the population. Although marijuana is quite popular, it is considered a controlled substance. The use of marijuana is illegal both federally and in the state of North Carolina. It is helpful to understand the laws that govern the use, possession, and sale of marijuana, and the penalties for violating the law.

What is Marijuana?

Distracted Driving FAQ

Published on: April 1, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Distracted Driving FAQ

With almost 10 million registered vehicles in North Carolina, it is no surprise that the roads are becoming more and more crowded. At the same time, technology continues to improve, allowing access to cell phones, GPS, and more, even when we are behind the wheel. Distractions while driving are common, and there are laws in place to protect road safety. Law enforcement may issue a ticket for someone who is driving while distracted.

What is Distracted Driving?

What are Super Speeder Laws in North Carolina?

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

What are Super Speeder Laws in North Carolina?

Almost everyone drives over the speed limit from time to time. Driving just a few miles per hour over the limit is usually not much of a problem. Speeding can take on a different and more dangerous problem when a vehicle is driving more than 15 mph above the limit. Most states have laws in place to address super speeders. North Carolina does have legislation in place that applies to those who are driving at excessive speeds.

What is “Super Speeding”?

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.

Navigating DWI Charges: The Importance of Legal Representation

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

Navigating DWI Charges: The Importance of Legal Representation

Being arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be an incredibly stressful and daunting experience. The repercussions of a DWI charge can be severe, potentially resulting in hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Additionally, a DWI conviction can have long-term effects on your personal, professional, and financial life. With so much at stake, it is critical to understand the complexities of DWI laws and the vital importance of having experienced legal representation during this challenging time.

Understanding North Carolina’s DWI Laws

Moving Violation Strategies

Published on: March 11, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Moving Violation Strategies

Almost everyone has received a moving violation at some time or another. Generally, tickets are issued for minor violations, although in some cases, the violations are serious. The rules of the road are in place to protect drivers and provide safety on our roads. When a driver violates a traffic law, they could receive a ticket. If you have too many tickets or a ticket for a serious offense, it could impact your license and may even result in higher vehicle insurance costs.

Don’t Pay the Ticket

Federal DUI Charges

Published on: March 4, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Federal DUI Charges

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. Usually, DUI charges are made by local or state police under state DWI laws. Many people are unaware that there are separate DUI charges depending on exactly where you were when the incident occurred. If you are on federal property, you could be charged with a federal DUI. There are some differences between a state and federal DUI prosecution. An experienced attorney will guide you through the process.

What is a Federal DUI?