federal charges

Arrest Warrants

Published on: August 28, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Arrest Warrants

Thousands of people in North Carolina face arrest warrants each year. If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you could be sent to jail at almost any time. Sometimes, you may not even realize that you have an active warrant. Getting arrested can be distressing and embarrassing, especially if it happens in front of others or while you are at work. It is helpful to understand the types of arrest warrants in North Carolina and how you should handle the situation if it happens to you.

What is an Arrest Warrant?

How Can I Get an Expungement in North Carolina?

Published on: August 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Get an Expungement in North Carolina?

Having a criminal record can wreak havoc on all aspects of your life. When you are convicted of a crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, you will have a criminal record that will remain forever. Your record will also show that you were charged with a crime. There are some types of crimes that are eligible for sealing or expungement. If you have a criminal conviction on your record, you may want to speak to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to learn whether you may be able to get an expungement.

https://youtu.be/lMcGLBliR40?si=gmXgSzH3592ahltf

Understanding the Castle Doctrine (Stand Your Ground)

Published on: August 14, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding the Castle Doctrine (Stand Your Ground)

You are sitting on your back patio when you suddenly see someone you do not know making their way onto your property. The stranger is getting closer and is heading towards your side door with the possible intent of breaking inside. Do you have the right to defend against the intruder? The Castle Doctrine may allow you to take action, but it is best to understand how the doctrine works and what you are able to do to defend yourself, your family, and your property.

What is the Castle Doctrine?

What Criminal Diversion Programs are Available in North Carolina?

Published on: August 7, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Criminal Diversion Programs are Available in North Carolina?

If you are charged with a crime, you know that you are likely facing a difficult legal process that could result in a conviction. If convicted, you may face penalties that could include fines, probation, and a prison sentence. North Carolina offers criminal diversion programs to help those who are eligible. Diversion programs typically target first-time offenders. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you through the legal process.

What is a Criminal Diversion Program?

What are the Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Charges?

Published on: July 10, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Charges?

There are many laws in place that include both state and federal charges. Most of the crimes that people commit are state laws, while some crimes are federal. When someone is arrested, the court will determine whether they are accused of committing a state or federal crime. Then, the appropriate charges will apply. There are some differences between state and federal criminal charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney will handle all types of criminal charges, including state and federal.

https://youtu.be/NK9gGmLwAhk

What are the Consequences of a Felony Conviction in North Carolina?

Published on: June 19, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Consequences of a Felony Conviction in North Carolina?

A felony conviction will result in a variety of punishments that may include a jail sentence, fines, probation, and community service, among other things. Besides the legal consequences involved, a person convicted of a felony will also suffer consequences that can impact your life for years to come. A felony conviction might cause you difficulties in your ability to get employment, in your education, and even in your personal relationships.

Loss of Some Civil Rights

Is it Legal to Possess Marijuana in North Carolina?

Published on: June 5, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is it Legal to Possess Marijuana in North Carolina?

Marijuana has been considered an illegal drug for years. Possessing, selling, or distributing marijuana is a criminal offense, and if convicted, you could face a sentence that might include fines, community service, confinement, and more. Many states have loosened the laws regarding marijuana, and in some states, the recreational use of marijuana is no longer illegal. In North Carolina, you could still be charged with possession of an illegal drug if you are found with marijuana.

What are the Marijuana Laws in North Carolina?

What is the Difference Between Physical and Constructive Drug Possession?

Published on: April 24, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Difference Between Physical and Constructive Drug Possession?

Drug possession charges can be serious. If you have been arrested on drug charges you could be facing some severe consequences, depending on the circumstances. If you are in possession of enough quantity of a substance, you could even be looking at drug distribution charges. It is helpful to understand the difference between physical and constructive drug possession in North Carolina. An experienced criminal defense attorney will assist in providing a strong defense against drug charges.

Physical Possession

What is the Pretrial Integrity Act?

Published on: February 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Pretrial Integrity Act?

After you are arrested, you will go before a judge. When you are in court, you will learn the charges against you, and the judge will typically set bond. Bond means that the defendant will be allowed to stay out of jail but must appear in court for their upcoming case or will forfeit the bail they provided. There are also often some conditions for remaining out of jail. Recently, the Pretrial Integrity Act went into effect, which changes how bond is set for some types of criminal charges.

Pretrial Integrity Act

Habitual Felons in North Carolina

Published on: February 14, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Habitual Felons in North Carolina

Felonies are usually serious charges that can result in severe penalties if convicted. The penalties are designed to deter people from committing crimes in the future. Sometimes, a convicted felon commits another crime. Most states have laws in place that require stiffer penalties when someone has previously been convicted of a felony. These laws are often called “three-strike” laws and pertain to people who have two prior felony convictions. These people are known as habitual felons.

What is a Habitual Felon?