Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

What is the Difference Between a Manslaughter and Murder Charge?

Published on: January 22, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Difference Between a Manslaughter and Murder Charge?

If you are facing manslaughter or murder charges you know that you could face serious consequences if you are found guilty. These are charges that you must take seriously because you could end up behind bars for a significant period of time. Generally, murder charges are more serious because they refer to an intentional killing while manslaughter is unintentional.

A strong defense is essential, regardless of the charges against you. An experienced criminal defense attorney will vigorously protect your rights and defend the charges. It is helpful to understand the difference between manslaughter and murder charges in North Carolina.

Defending Against Juvenile Criminal Charges: What Parents Need to Know

Published on: January 15, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Defending Against Juvenile Criminal Charges: What Parents Need to Know

One of the most terrifying things to face as a parent is a phone call from the police stating that your child is in trouble. Parents want to do everything possible to help their children through this difficult experience and keep them from having severe penalties that could negatively impact the rest of their lives. When your child has been detained or is charged with a crime, parents need to know the options available and how to best handle the situation. Often, the best way to proceed is with guidance from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Juvenile Crimes

2025 Changes to DUI Hardship License Eligibility

Published on: January 8, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

2025 Changes to DUI Hardship License Eligibility

If you have been convicted of DUI, you know that it can have a profound negative impact on your life. One of the biggest problem areas is the loss of your driver’s license for a period of time. Without a license you will have difficulty getting to and from work or school, which will seriously affect your ability to make a living and to have financial stability. Changes to the laws effective in 2025 are designed to make it easier to obtain a hardship driver’s license after a DUI.

What is a Hardship License?

Signs of Intoxicated Drivers: Tips for Road Safety During the Holidays

Published on: December 25, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Signs of Intoxicated Drivers: Tips for Road Safety During the Holidays

Many of us drive to and from holiday parties during the holiday season and are busy running errands. Unfortunately, during the holiday season, drunk driving can put other drivers at risk of being injured in a car accident. Drivers may drink too much alcohol at a party or work event and decide to drive anyway, putting everyone else on the road in danger. Understanding the signs of intoxicated drivers can help you protect yourself on North Carolina roads this holiday season.

Erratic Lane Changes

Safe Driver Incentive Plan Explained

Published on: December 18, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Safe Driver Incentive Plan Explained

Safe driving results in fewer accidents and that means fewer injuries and fatalities on our roadways. Drivers face getting points on their driver’s licenses when they violate traffic laws, but many people are not aware of the impact that accidents and traffic tickets have on insurance rates. The Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) is a program that was established by law. The more points you accumulate, the more your insurance rates will rise. If you do not have any traffic violations or accidents, your insurance rates will not be impacted.

How SDIP Works

Loitering Charges in North Carolina

Published on: December 11, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Loitering Charges in North Carolina

When someone stays in a public space for too long without any reason, they may be accused of loitering. Generally, when someone is loitering, the police will ask them to leave. When a person remains in an area that does not allow loitering, they could be charged with a crime. It is most often charged in areas of high crime rates, where gang activity happens, or places where drug transactions are known to occur. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you protect your rights and resolve the matter.

What is Loitering?

Firearms Laws and Gun Owner Rights in North Carolina

Published on: December 4, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Firearms Laws and Gun Owner Rights in North Carolina

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides citizens with the right to keep and bear arms. This means that generally, adults are allowed to purchase and possess firearms as protection. Each state has various laws that pertain to the sale and ownership of guns, along with federal laws that pertain to all those who live in the United States. It is helpful for gun owners to understand the laws that apply to firearms ownership in North Carolina.

North Carolina Gun Laws

Driver Improvement Clinics

Published on: November 27, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Driver Improvement Clinics

All drivers are required to obey the law when they are operating a motor vehicle. There are dozens of laws that are designed to promote safety and prevent accidents and injuries on the roadways. Drivers who fail to obey traffic laws may receive violations with penalties that may include fines and points assessed on their driving records. When points accumulate, a driver may lose driving privileges for a period of time. In some cases, a driver may be eligible for a driver improvement clinic.

What are Driver Improvement Clinics?

What Happens to My Property if I Go to Jail?

Published on: November 20, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Happens to My Property if I Go to Jail?

One of the serious punishments that may happen to you if you are convicted of a crime is spending time in jail. When you are incarcerated, you will no longer have the freedoms you previously enjoyed, and you no longer have access to your property. Many people wonder what will happen to their property if they have to spend time in jail.

Property on Your Person

Fighting Credit Card Fraud Charges

Published on: November 13, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Fighting Credit Card Fraud Charges

Misuse of credit cards may result in criminal charges. Credit card fraud may be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the factors of the alleged crime. Any type of criminal charges are serious. If you have been accused or charged with credit card fraud, you will want to vigorously defend yourself against the charges. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help guide you through the legal process and help you defend the charges.

What is Credit Card Fraud?