Fleeing and Eluding Charges in North Carolina When police lights and sirens are behind you, signaling you to pull over, North Carolina law requires you to stop. You must pull to the side of the road and bring your vehicle to a full stop. Regardless of whether you agree with…
Can I Appeal a Criminal Conviction in North Carolina? A state criminal conviction may seem like the worst thing that could have happened, but there may be something you can do about it. A criminal conviction does not necessarily mean that your fight to defend yourself is over. In some…
How Can I Appeal a Guilty Conviction? A conviction in a criminal case can be devastating. A conviction could result in serious penalties that could have a lasting impact on you and your family. When found guilty of a crime, you will face the sentence that a judge imposes based…
I Was Charged With a Crime: Should I Plead Not Guilty? Criminal charges are almost always serious. While some offenses are misdemeanors, others are felonies. Misdemeanors often carry fewer penalties, while felonies have stronger punishments, depending on the crime. If you are charged with a crime, one of the first…
What is Resisting Arrest? When you are arrested for a crime in North Carolina, you could face additional charges for resisting. Resisting arrest occurs when you take evasive actions that are against the directions of a law officer. Resisting arrest takes various forms and is usually charged in conjunction with…
Capital Punishment in North Carolina North Carolina has various punishments for different crime convictions. The most serious of all crimes have the most severe penalties. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty is only to be used for crimes that result in death, such as murder. Only…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” RICO stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal law created in the 1970s to fight organized crime. Law enforcement agencies devote extensive resources to prosecute and convict…
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” The prosecution of a former New York City police officer who federal prosecutors say participated in “a concerted criminal plot to kidnap and eat women” has raised concerns that his…