Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

White-Collar Crime

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

White-collar crimes are some of the most common types of crimes in the country. White-collar crimes are more than an inconvenience to the company or entity involved. These crimes can result in significant financial loss and, therefore, have serious penalties upon conviction. White-collar crimes are often complex and lengthy as they may require investigations and forensic analysis. If you were charged with a white-collar crime, seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

What are White-Collar Crimes?

White-collar crimes are non-violent crimes that are typically motivated by money. These types of crimes are usually committed by those in business or governmental positions. The term “white-collar crime” was first coined in 1939. The term simply means that these types of crimes are not meant to physically harm someone, but instead, are financial crimes. White-collar crimes happen in business situations but may also include identity fraud, forgery, and other personal crimes.

Can I Get Criminal Charges Dropped?

Published on: July 15, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

If you are facing criminal charges, you know that it can be a terrifying experience. The criminal justice system is complex, and throughout the process, you need to protect your rights. The prosecutor will review the details and evidence in the case to determine how to proceed. At the same time, your attorney will evaluate the information in the preparation of your defense. Sometimes, the state’s attorney may reduce or even drop some or all of the charges. Many people wonder how they can get the charges against them dropped in North Carolina.

Lack of Evidence

The prosecutor reviews the charges and evidence to determine whether the evidence is strong enough to obtain a conviction. Keep in mind that the prosecutor must be able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They must prove every element of the charges using the evidence they have available. If there is not enough evidence or if some evidence is inadmissible, the prosecutor may decide not to move forward with the case.

What is the Move-Over Law in North Carolina?

Published on: July 8, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Our roads and highways are busier than ever. Thousands of vehicles travel in North Carolina every day. Often, emergencies require vehicles to pull to the side of the road. Police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, repair vehicles, utility trucks, and others are often working along the shoulder. The law requires motorists to move over or slow down when they approach emergency vehicles on the side of the road. This is called the move-over law.

Move Over Law in North Carolina

The move over law in North Carolina (G.S. 20-157) requires vehicles to move over when they see an emergency vehicle on the shoulder. Specifically, the law states that a driver must “move the vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest to the parked or standing authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear…”.

Violation of Domestic Violence Protective Order

Published on: July 1, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

A person involved in a domestic relationship may experience an instance of violence. If the person is hurt by a spouse, domestic partner, or family member, they may request a protective order. A domestic violence protective order, DVPO, is a court order that protects a victim by keeping a potentially dangerous person away.

Basics of a Domestic Violence Protective Order

A domestic violence protective order is also called a 50B order. A victim of domestic abuse may file for a protective order against someone to keep them from harming or threatening harm.

What to Know About Ignition Interlock Devices in North Carolina

Published on: June 24, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What to Know About Ignition Interlock Devices in North Carolina

Driving while impaired is a serious charge, and a DWI conviction comes with severe consequences. In some cases, you could lose your driver’s license for a period of time, face fines, and points on your license. In some cases, you will be required to install a breathalyzer device in your vehicle before you can get behind the wheel. What is an ignition interlock device, and when is it necessary in North Carolina?

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

What is Extradition?

Published on: June 17, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Extradition?

If you have outstanding criminal charges from another jurisdiction, the police could take you into custody and deliver you to another location where you will face the consequences. You could therefore be held in custody and will go through the legal prosecution process. Not all charges are extraditable and sometimes jurisdictions will not require extradition if the charges are minor. Extradition may take place between jurisdictions within the United States or even outside the country.

What is Extradition?

Concealed Carry Laws in North Carolina

Published on: June 10, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Concealed Carry Laws in North Carolina

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to bear arms. With few exceptions, North Carolina residents are allowed to own firearms. A firearm is a “handgun, shotgun, or rifle which expels a projectile by action of an explosion. When you own a firearm in North Carolina, you must obtain a concealed carry permit if you wish to keep it in a concealed manner. Concealment could be in a pocket or purse, glove compartment, under the seat of a vehicle, in your waistband under clothing, or any other place where it is not readily seen by others.

North Carolina Law Allows Concealed Carry

Can I Be Charged With Public Intoxication?

Published on: June 3, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Be Charged With Public Intoxication?

A night out with friends can be fun, but it can get crazy if you have too much to drink. You may be so intoxicated that you wander down the sidewalks or in other public areas, creating a nuisance. When that happens, the police may become involved. In North Carolina, public intoxication on its own is not a criminal offense; however, it is often associated with disorderly behavior, which is a crime.

What is Public Intoxication?

Can a Parent Be Charged for a Child’s Gun Crime?

Published on: May 27, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Parent Be Charged for a Child’s Gun Crime?

School shootings and mass casualty events are unfortunately becoming more common in today’s society. Ever since Columbine, schools have put procedures in place to prevent violence, protect students, and respond. Children who commit crimes of gun violence may often be charged as adults. In recent years, however, the parents of children who commit gun crimes have also been charged and convicted. While parents are not automatically responsible for the actions of their children, a parent may be held accountable if their actions or lack of action were negligent.

Are Parents Responsible if Their Child Shoots Someone?

How Does an Indictment Work in North Carolina?

Published on: May 20, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Does an Indictment Work in North Carolina?

When law enforcement believes that a crime has been committed, they may charge a person immediately. In some cases, particularly in the case of felonies or other serious charges, the prosecutor may seek an indictment through a grand jury. When this happens, the defendant is charged with a crime after the grand jury has reviewed the evidence from the prosecutor and decides that the person should face charges

What is an Indictment?