search warrants

Search Warrants in North Carolina

Published on: June 11, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Search Warrants in North Carolina

People have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their everyday lives. Although generally you can expect to go about your life in private, there are times when police may have the right to conduct a search. If a search is conducted improperly, you may be able to exclude anything they found as evidence against you in a criminal case. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you defend charges and assist in resolving matters that include illegal searches.

https://youtu.be/udqe4UMYP_w

Do I Need a Criminal Attorney?

Published on: July 17, 2019 | 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?”

The prospect of having to hire a criminal attorney can be terrifying. No one wants to be in a position to have to figure out whether or not they need legal representation. It is one question you never hope to answer, but is also one of those scenarios in which if you have to ask, you probably do.

When Does a Search Warrant Authorize a Strip Search?

Published on: August 29, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

When law enforcement suspects that a person is in possession of contraband, a stolen item, or some other type of illegal substance/item, they will often obtain a search warrant to find that item. In North Carolina, a search warrant is defined as, “a court order and process directing a law enforcement officer to search designated premises, vehicles, or persons.” This definition gives potential for a location, vehicle, or even persons being subject to a search. Most commonly, search warrants are for places like homes, vehicles, etc. It is not as common for a search warrant to be executed for the search of an individual person.