larceny

What is Self Defense?

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

What is Self Defense?

When you are faced with danger, you want to defend yourself. When you end up seriously hurting or killing the other person as a result, you might be charged with a crime. You may defend the charges with a claim of self-defense. Self-defense is an affirmative defense to a crime. In other words, you do not dispute that the situation occurred, but it happened because you were defending yourself or your property. However, you cannot claim self-defense in every situation. The law provides for the use of force under specific circumstances.

When Can You Use Force?

Reckless Driving Charges in North Carolina

Published on: September 27, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Reckless Driving Charges in North Carolina

When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you must follow the rules of the road. If you fail to adhere to the rules you might be pulled over and the officer may give you a traffic ticket. Most times, traffic infractions have penalties that include points against your license and fines. However, sometimes a moving violation is considered much more serious and therefore, it also has criminal penalties as well. If you are charged with reckless driving, you may need to seek legal help from a skilled criminal defense attorney in North Carolina.

What is Reckless Driving?

Can I Record a Traffic Stop?

Published on: September 20, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Record a Traffic Stop?

We live in the digital age, where everyone has a phone that takes photos and videos. Because of this, people have access to recordings everywhere they go. You are likely aware of the many postings of traffic stops and police encounters that are posted on a regular basis on social media sites. Allegations of law enforcement misconduct and even unwarranted violence are common. You may feel that you should record your police interactions. However, the ability to record something does not necessarily mean that it is legal to do so. Many people wonder whether they have the right to record a traffic stop in North Carolina.

Recording in Public Spaces

Evidence in Criminal Cases

Published on: September 13, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Evidence in Criminal Cases

When you are charged with a crime, you are likely unsure of the process and what to expect in the course of your case. One of the most important aspects of your case is the evidence that will be utilized in court. Evidence includes a number of items and you will want to understand how it will impact the outcome of your case. Your attorney will handle the review of evidence and will work to defend your criminal charges every step of the way.

Discovery

Do I Have to Enroll in a Treatment Program After a DWI?

Published on: September 6, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Have to Enroll in a Treatment Program After a DWI?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious charge, and if you are convicted, you will face some penalties. When you get pulled over and subsequently charged with DWI, you may feel as though your life will never be the same again. In some ways, a DWI conviction will seriously impact your life. You may have your driving privileges suspended, making it harder to get to and from work. You might face some jail time, and you will likely have to pay some fines. In addition, you may need to attend a treatment program.

What is a Treatment Program?

How You Can Help Your Attorney With Your Criminal Defense

Published on: August 30, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How You Can Help Your Attorney With Your Criminal Defense

When you are charged with a crime, it is probably one of the most difficult and challenging times in your life. Regardless of whether you were charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you could be facing some serious penalties that may include a jail sentence, fines, community service, and more. If you are found guilty, you will have a criminal record that could restrict your ability to buy a home, rent an apartment, enter college, and more.

You will want to partner with an experienced criminal defense attorney to vigorously defend the charges and get the best possible outcome. While your attorney will handle the many legal issues, there are some things you can do to help make the process easier and to assist your attorney throughout your defense.

Defending Discipline of a Professional License

Published on: August 23, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Defending Discipline of a Professional License

A professional license allows you to be employed in your field, and it gives you the ability to make a living in your chosen career. Obtaining a professional license can be a long and difficult process. It takes years of education and training, along with some experience, in order to pass a professional license test. Once you have your license, you need to do everything possible to protect it. Unfortunately, circumstances can arise that could cause your license to be in jeopardy. When that happens, you will want to seek legal guidance to defend discipline that could result in the suspension or loss of your license.

Types of Professional Licenses

What to Do if Your Gun is Lost or Stolen

Published on: August 16, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What to Do if Your Gun is Lost or Stolen

When you own a firearm, it is important to be responsible. When you find that your gun is lost or stolen, you need to take steps to recover it and protect yourself against potential criminal liability. If someone else uses your gun in the commission of a crime, it could cause you to get into trouble with law enforcement. It is important to understand how to prevent your gun from being stolen or used without your permission and what to do if your firearm goes missing.

Gun Registration

What Questions Should I Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Published on: August 9, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Questions Should I Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney?

When you have been charged with a crime, you want to take the charges seriously. If convicted of a crime, you may face a number of penalties that could even include a jail sentence, among other punishments. You will want to seek legal guidance from a skilled criminal defense attorney to guide you through the legal process and help you defend the charges against you. When you seek a criminal defense lawyer, there are some questions you can ask to help you make the decision to choose a specific attorney and law firm.

What is Your Education and Experience?

State and Federal Drug Charges: What is the Difference?

Published on: August 2, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

State and Federal Drug Charges: What is the Difference?

When you have been charged with a drug crime, the offense is likely serious. You could face a number of severe penalties if you are found guilty. Drug charges can be confusing, especially because there are various state or federal drug charges that could apply in your case. It is helpful to understand the types of charges and potential penalties for drug crimes in North Carolina.

Types of Controlled Substances