North Carolina felony murder law

I Was Charged With a Crime: Should I Plead Not Guilty?

Published on: May 3, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

I Was Charged With a Crime: Should I Plead Not Guilty?

Criminal charges are almost always serious. While some offenses are misdemeanors, others are felonies. Misdemeanors often carry fewer penalties, while felonies have stronger punishments, depending on the crime. If you are charged with a crime, one of the first things that happens is a first appearance. The judge will tell you what you are charged with, and you will need to enter a plea. The plea you enter will make a difference in the way your case progresses. The plea you make could have a long-term impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones. It is advisable to talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney before you enter a plea.

https://youtu.be/JkXdKeM3anU

What is Resisting Arrest?

Published on: April 26, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Resisting Arrest?

When you are arrested for a crime in North Carolina, you could face additional charges for resisting. Resisting arrest occurs when you take evasive actions that are against the directions of a law officer. Resisting arrest takes various forms and is usually charged in conjunction with another crime or crime, which was the original charge. If you are charged with resisting arrest, you need to take it seriously because you will face penalties if convicted. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help defend these charges as well as the original charges.

https://youtu.be/ehW6zBQyBlA

Capital Punishment in North Carolina

Published on: April 19, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Capital Punishment in North Carolina

North Carolina has various punishments for different crime convictions. The most serious of all crimes have the most severe penalties. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty is only to be used for crimes that result in death, such as murder. Only about half the states have capital punishment in place. Capital punishment is a penalty for first-degree murder in North Carolina.

What is Capital Punishment?

Supreme Court Case Presents Possibility of Parole For Young North Carolina Offenders

Published on: February 16, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI and Criminal Defense Attorney J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC responds to: “I was found not guilty of a charge, but my record still shows the charge.”

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling will have an important impact on dozens of people currently serving life sentences in North Carolina prisons. The ruling will require courts to reconsider their sentences as the inmates were all under 18 years old at the time of their crimes. Whether the life sentences without the possibility of parole are ultimately tossed out depends in part of the nature of the original crime and on the leniency of the judges presiding over the new hearings.