Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

Can My Text Messages Be Used as Evidence in Court?

Published on: January 14, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can My Text Messages Be Used as Evidence in Court?

If you have been charged with a crime, you are likely wondering what evidence can be gathered and how it can impact your case. Almost everyone has a cell phone and utilizes it for communication by text and voice calls. Is the information on your phone considered private, and if not, how can or will it be used against you in court? Likewise, you may also wonder if some of the information on your phone can be used to defend your case. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you understand how your phone data could be important based on the facts of your case.

Is My Phone Data Private?

Can I Be Charged With DUI if My BAC is Below the Legal Limit?

Published on: January 7, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Be Charged With DUI if My BAC is Below the Legal Limit?

One minute you are driving along as usual, and the next you are being pulled over by law enforcement for a traffic violation. Suddenly, it seems as if you are being accused of DWI, driving while impaired. In an instant, you are trying to defend yourself, while you could face some serious penalties if you are found guilty. It is helpful to understand the laws regarding DUI and how to defend yourself if you are charged with DUI in North Carolina.

What is Driving While Impaired?

Can I Refuse Field Sobriety Tests?

Published on: December 31, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Refuse Field Sobriety Tests?

Driving while impaired (DWI) occurs when a person gets behind the wheel after having consumed alcohol or drugs that impair them. DWI is a serious offense and one that comes with significant penalties if convicted. DWI charges may come after a driver has been found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In order to charge a driver, the police must first determine that a driver is impaired. This is often done using field sobriety tests.

What are Field Sobriety Tests?

What Does the Reclassification of Marijuana Mean to North Carolinians?

Published on: December 24, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Does the Reclassification of Marijuana Mean to North Carolinians?

Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug. This classification is the same as other drugs, including heroin, ecstasy, and LSD. President Trump recently signed an executive order requesting Attorney General Pam Bondi to change the classification of marijuana. The order calls for reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule 3 drug. The change will allow for federally funded research because cannabis would be considered to have some legitimate medical purposes. There is no date yet determined for when the change will go into effect.

Drug Classifications

Iryna’s Law Goes into Effect in North Carolina

Published on: December 17, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Iryna’s Law Goes into Effect in North Carolina

New legislation has taken effect as of December 1, 2025. The new law is known as Iryna’s law. The law is named after a woman named Iryna, who was killed in a train stabbing in Charlotte. According to reports, the attacker had a long criminal history and was out on bail when the latest incident happened. The new law addresses cashless bail and the release of defendants of some types of crimes while awaiting trial.

What is Iryna’s Law?

Santa Can’t Make That Ticket Disappear

Published on: December 16, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

A Holiday Reality Check for North Carolina Drivers

The holidays are a time for celebration—but they’re also one of the busiest seasons of the year for law enforcement across North Carolina.

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, police agencies increase patrols, set up checkpoints, and closely monitor highways and local roads. As a result, speeding tickets, DWIs, and traffic charges spike dramatically during the holiday season.

Do I Qualify for Electronic Monitoring Instead of Jail?

Published on: December 10, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Qualify for Electronic Monitoring Instead of Jail?

If you are convicted of a crime, you will face a variety of potential penalties. The sentence may include fines, jail time, education classes, rehab, community service, and probation, among others. The judge usually has some discretion when it comes to sentencing. Rather than spend time in confinement, you may wonder whether you are able to remain out of jail with a restriction of electronic monitoring instead. An experienced criminal defense attorney not only helps to defend your case but also assists with representation through sentencing.

What is Electronic Monitoring?

Why Does the Risk of DWI Increase Around the Holidays?

Published on: December 3, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Why Does the Risk of DWI Increase Around the Holidays?

The holidays are wonderful times of fun gatherings with friends, family get-togethers, and office parties. The season gives us plenty of opportunities to celebrate, but along with the festivities comes an increased risk of getting charged with DWI (driving while impaired). DWI charges have severe penalties, so if you are facing DWI charges, you will want to present a vigorous defense. Many people wonder why the risk of getting a DWI increases around the holidays.

More Parties and Gatherings

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in North Carolina

Published on: November 26, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in North Carolina

Driving while impaired is illegal in North Carolina and elsewhere. Impaired driving includes anything that causes a driver to be impaired and unable to properly operate a motor vehicle on the road. Driving under the influence of drugs is a crime that is the same as driving under the influence of alcohol. Both drunk driving and drugged driving are considered dangerous and, therefore, are punishable crimes. If you have been charged with drugged driving, you will want to vigorously defend the charges and protect your rights with help from an experienced attorney.

What is Drugged Driving?

Understanding Bail in North Carolina

Published on: November 19, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding Bail in North Carolina

When a person is charged with a crime, they will be arrested. The defendant will go in front of a judge who will state the charges and determine bail. Some crimes are so egregious that the court may deny bail completely and require the person to be held in jail until the disposition of their case. Most of the time, the judge will set bail that will allow a defendant to get out of jail until their case is resolved. Bail can be an important factor because it may be the difference between whether you remain in jail or are allowed to go home until trial.

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