Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

The Science Behind DUI Breath Tests

Published on: February 11, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

The Science Behind DUI Breath Tests

DWI is a serious offense and one that comes with severe punishments if convicted. When you face DWI charges, you will want to vigorously defend yourself. One of the most important pieces of evidence used to convict in DWI cases is your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). It is helpful to understand the science behind breath tests that are used as evidence so you can defend the charges and avoid conviction. There are possible problems with the accuracy of the results, which you can utilize as part of your defense against the charges.

How Does a Breathalyzer Work?

Can You Carry a Firearm in North Carolina?

Published on: February 4, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can You Carry a Firearm in North Carolina?

The 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives all Americans the right to bear arms. People in North Carolina and across the country have the inherent right to own a firearm in order to defend themselves. When you reside in North Carolina, you must comply with state and federal firearms laws. If you disregard firearms laws, you could face criminal charges. It is helpful to understand how to remain compliant with the current gun laws of our state.

What are the Requirements to Own a Gun in North Carolina?

Vehicle Registration Violations in North Carolina

Published on: January 28, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Vehicle Registration Violations in North Carolina

North Carolina, like other states, requires all vehicle owners to properly register their vehicles. Every vehicle that travels on public roadways must have a current registration. In order to register a vehicle you must meet specific criteria. Vehicle registration is a sticker tag that is affixed to the rear license plate. The failure to display a current vehicle registration sticker could result in penalties. Generally, these violations are minor but in some circumstances, they could actually turn into a misdemeanor criminal violation.

Vehicle Registration Guidelines

13-Year-Old South Carolina Boy May Be Prosecuted as an Adult for Murder

Published on: January 22, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

13-Year-Old South Carolina Boy May Be Prosecuted as an Adult for Murder

A 13-year-old boy in South Carolina is facing charges for murder and may be prosecuted as an adult. He is accused of fatally stabbing another teenager to death. Local authorities and legal experts are weighing the implications of charging him as an adult, considering the severity of the crime and his young age. The incident occurred while the suspect and victim were riding in a vehicle driven by the suspect’s sister. The suspect allegedly stabbed the victim, who was sitting in the front seat, from the backseat. A fight occurred after the stabbing, and the victim died at the hospital.

This case has raised questions about how the justice system handles young offenders, especially in serious felony cases. The community is grappling with the tragedy, reflecting on the challenges of addressing youth crime and the impact on families and society. The defendant’s public defense attorney has claimed that the suspect may have been trying to protect himself when the stabbing happened.

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.