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Driving on a Suspended License

Published on: June 1, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?”

North Carolina, like other states, requires all drivers to have a valid driver’s license. To obtain a driver’s license for the first time, drivers must pass written and road tests. The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) provides you with a license to drive as a privilege. Therefore, there are some circumstances in which the state may suspend or revoke your driving privileges. If you have a suspended or revoked license it means that you did something to cause the situation. An experienced North Carolina attorney will help you resolve the problem so you can legally drive once again.

What are the Most Common Juvenile Crimes?

Published on: May 25, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “As a parent, what should I be aware of when speaking to police about charges my child faces?”

https://youtu.be/PJbBSmvamxI?t=1

As a parent, you work hard to protect your children throughout their lives. Unfortunately, there may come a time when your child makes a mistake, an error in judgment, or is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. When a child under the age of 18 is charged with a crime, they are often considered a juvenile. Juvenile crimes are similar to adult crimes, but because they are committed by a minor, the consequences and penalties are different. In some cases, a juvenile might be charged as an adult, particularly when charged with a serious crime.

What Happens if the Police Do Not Read Me My Rights During an Arrest?

Published on: May 18, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

Getting detained and arrested by the police can be a traumatic experience. The situation often happens rather quickly and only later do you begin to think about how the incident unfolded. While most people understand that they have constitutional rights, they often forget about them completely when they are under the stress of being detained or questioned by law enforcement. When you watch television crime shows you may notice that when someone is arrested without their rights having been read, the judge might throw the entire case out. Although this happens on fictional programs, it is not what usually occurs in real life.

Can the Police Search My Car?

Published on: May 11, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?”

You are driving along and suddenly you see flashing red lights and hear a siren behind you. You are being pulled over by the police. Even if you are not doing anything wrong, you are likely to feel panicky and scared. When law enforcement pulls you over they will come to your window and ask for your name, your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The officer will return to the police car to check your license and will come back to your car to talk to you about the incident. In some cases, the police want to search your vehicle, but should you allow them to do so? Though you may not have anything to hide, you may not feel comfortable with the police checking the inside of your car.

What’s The Difference Between a Misdemeanor DWI And a Felony DWI?

Published on: May 4, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What steps should I be taking outside legal guidance to help my DWI case?”

Driving while impaired, DWI, is also known as drunk driving. Driving while impaired simply means operating a motor vehicle while you have a diminished or loss of capacity. Impairment is most often due to alcohol intoxication, but it may also include impairment due to illegal drugs or prescription medications. DWI is a serious offense and if found guilty, you could face numerous penalties that may harm you and your family for many years to come. If you were charged with DWI you will want to fight the charges with help from a qualified DWI attorney in North Carolina.

Can I Get My Vehicle Back After Seizure?

Published on: April 27, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?”

Your vehicle is one of the most important necessities of life. You may need a vehicle to get to school or work, to drive family to appointments, to run errands, and more. Life is certainly more difficult and complicated when you do not have a car. Although you may have worked hard to get your car, it can be taken away by the police in a vehicle seizure. When that happens, you need to act quickly in order to try to get your vehicle back. An experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney can assist you in the process of how you may be able to get your car returned after a vehicle seizure.

North Carolina Gun Charges

Published on: April 20, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?”

The U.S. Constitution and amendments provide citizens with the right to bear arms. Although you generally have the right to own a gun, there are many federal and state laws that govern gun ownership. You must abide by these laws or you could face charges or have your gun taken away. A person could face gun charges alone or associated with another crime. For instance, someone might be charged with using a weapon while committing a crime. Gun charges may be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the specific circumstances. If you are charged with a gun crime it is advisable to seek legal guidance from a criminal defense attorney.

What is Insider Trading?

Published on: April 13, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?”

A recent report indicated that Congressman Madison Cawthorn may have broken the law by participating in an alleged insider trading scheme involving cryptocurrency. Lawmakers called on Congress to investigate Rep. Cawthorn’s activities.

Breathalyzer Tests – FAQ

Published on: April 6, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Are breath test results always accurate?”

Police commonly use breathalyzer tests to determine whether a driver is impaired. In North Carolina, the legal alcohol limit is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If you are found to have a BAC higher than 0.08% you could be arrested and charged with driving while impaired (DWI). It is helpful to understand breathalyzer tests so you know your rights if you get stopped by law enforcement.

Fleeing the Scene of an Accident

Published on: March 23, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

Rules are in place to ensure that drivers are careful on the road. The law requires drivers to have liability insurance to cover any damages and injuries that occur due to their negligence in an accident. Although most accidents are minor, some are more serious and result in severe injuries. Those who are involved in accidents are required to remain on the scene. If you leave the scene of an accident, you may face criminal charges. If you face criminal charges for fleeing the scene of an accident, you may want to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.