criminal defense attorney

Can I Carry a Gun in My Car?

Published on: March 29, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Carry a Gun in My Car?

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides all citizens with the right to bear arms. North Carolina has a gun ownership rate of 45.8%, which means that almost half the adults in the state own firearms. While it is your right to own a firearm, firearm owners must follow the law. Responsible gun owners need to know the laws to ensure that they are not charged with a gun crime. There are various laws in place that pertain to gun ownership in North Carolina.

Gun Ownership Laws

Does North Carolina Have a Stand Your Ground Law?

Published on: March 22, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Does North Carolina Have a Stand Your Ground Law?

Residents have a right to defend themselves and their property. The ability to protect and defend your home has been in the news over the last decade. More and more states have enacted “stand your ground” laws to clarify your rights and provide guidance for how and when it is legal to use force to protect yourself. At least half the states have such a law on the books. North Carolina has had a “stand your ground” law in place since 2011. An experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney will answer your questions and defend against your charges.

What Does it Mean to Stand Your Ground?

What is the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission?

Published on: March 15, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission?

If you were wrongfully convicted of a crime in North Carolina, there is something you can do about it. Besides filing an appeal, your case might qualify for review by the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission. The Commission has the legal authority to evaluate and make a determination of innocence based on new information or evidence. The NCIIC recently celebrated its 15th anniversary.

What is the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission?

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Published on: March 8, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Car manufacturers have been steadily improving the safety of vehicles over the years. As a result, cars are safer than ever before. Unfortunately, accidents are still occurring at a rising rate. One of the reasons for an increase in accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving increased with the increased use of cell phones. Although it is illegal to use a handheld device while driving, many people still use their phones to text. Texting and other examples of distractions can result in accidents. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What is Distracted Driving?

How Can I Defend Against Child Abuse Charges?

Published on: January 18, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Defend Against Child Abuse Charges?

Your children are the most important parts of your life, and you will do anything you can to protect them from harm. Sometimes, a problem occurs, and you find that you are charged with child abuse. Child abuse charges are serious, and if convicted, you will face severe penalties. You may also lose your right to spend time with your children, and you might even end up behind bars. If you were charged with child abuse, you must vigorously defend the charges and protect your rights. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you through the legal process and defend against the charges brought against you.

What is Abuse?

What is a Certificate of Relief?

Published on: January 11, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a Certificate of Relief?

When you are convicted of a crime, the judge orders penalties, which may include jail time, community service, loss of driver’s license, fines, and more. Although you completed the sentence that was handed down, your conviction continues to have a negative impact on your life. One way to resolve your criminal conviction is with a Certificate of Relief. This is a way to improve your life following a conviction. If you qualify, an experienced criminal defense attorney will assist you in working to obtain a Certificate of Relief.

Basics of a Certificate of Relief

What are the Most Common Crimes?

Published on: January 4, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Most Common Crimes?

Crimes occur on a regular basis. Some are considered more serious than others, but if you are charged with a crime, you need to take immediate action to defend yourself. If you are convicted or found guilty of a crime, you could face serious penalties that might have a negative impact on your life for years.

Larceny

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Published on: December 28, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges can often be serious, and they could result in harsh punishments if you are found guilty. A criminal conviction could have a negative impact on all aspects of your life. When you face criminal charges, regardless of how minor, you will want to seek help from an attorney. A local criminal defense attorney has lots of experience handling all types of charges and has the resources to help you resolve the matter in the best possible way. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best criminal defense attorney.

Check for Practice Areas

How Can I Get Out of Jail After an Arrest?

Published on: December 21, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Get Out of Jail After an Arrest?

Getting arrested can be a traumatic and difficult experience. If you have been arrested you will likely find yourself in jail, awaiting your first hearing. Your main priority will be getting out of jail until you can resolve the matter completely. The judge or magistrate will set an amount of bail that you must post to get out of jail while you are awaiting the resolution of your case. A skilled criminal defense attorney will help you through the legal process and answer any questions you have.

What is Bond?

Habitual Impaired Driving in North Carolina

Published on: November 30, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Habitual Impaired Driving in North Carolina

Driving while impaired or intoxicated is an offense that law enforcement officers take seriously. The laws and penalties are designed to deter people from driving while intoxicated. A DWI conviction could result in a sentence that includes jail time, fines, community service, alcohol education classes, probation, and suspension of your driving privileges.

The penalties for DWI increase substantially for repeat offenses. Habitual impaired driving will result in the revocation of your driver’s license, among other penalties. If you were charged with a repeat offense of DWI, it is important to actively fight the charges with help from an experienced DWI attorney in North Carolina.