Criminal Defense

Defending Theft Charges in North Carolina

Published on: May 29, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Defending Theft Charges in North Carolina

Theft is one of the most common crime charges in North Carolina. Theft is often called larceny. There are a variety of different theft crimes and they could be misdemeanors or felonies. Regardless of whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you could face serious consequences if convicted. A conviction may make it difficult to obtain employment and find housing. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help defend the charges and protect your rights.

Types of Larceny Crimes

Fleeing and Eluding Charges in North Carolina

Published on: May 22, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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 the traffic stop or not, you must still follow the law. If you fail to stop, the police will believe that you are fleeing and eluding. You will likely face charges of fleeing and eluding along with any other charges that might arise from the traffic stop.

What is Fleeing and Eluding?

What You Need to Know About Probation Violations

Published on: April 10, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What You Need to Know About Probation Violations

Probation is often included in the sentencing for many varied crimes in North Carolina. Both misdemeanors and felonies may include some form of probation as part of the sentence. When you are placed on probation it means that you must obey the requirements of the court order. If you violate the terms of your probation, it could be revoked, and you might end up in jail. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you resolve matters of probation violation.

What is Probation?

What is My Right to a Speedy Trial?

Published on: April 3, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is My Right to a Speedy Trial?

You have probably heard that defendants have the right to a speedy trial, but you may be unsure what it means. The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to a speedy trial. This means that a person who is charged with a federal crime must go to trial no later than 70 days after indictment. The law ensures that you are treated fairly and are not held too long before you get a trial.

How Do I Invoke My Right to a Speedy Trial?

What are Violent Crimes in North Carolina?

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

What are Violent Crimes in North Carolina?

Being charged with a crime can be frightening, but if you are charged with a violent crime, it can make the situation even more difficult. Violent crimes are generally more serious than other crimes, and if convicted, the sentences are usually severe. It is essential to defend your criminal charges with help from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. It is helpful to understand which crimes are considered violent in North Carolina.

Violent Crimes in North Carolina

Do I Need an Attorney for a First DWI Charge?

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

Do I Need an Attorney for a First DWI Charge?

In North Carolina, the legal limit for a driver age 21 or older is 0.08% BAC. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more is considered impaired. If you are stopped by police and the officer thinks you might have been drinking, they will ask you to do some field sobriety tests and may ask you to take a breath test. You could face DWI charges. Driving while impaired, DWI is a serious charge and one that will negatively impact your life if you are found guilty. You will want to consult with an experienced DWI attorney as soon as possible.

https://youtu.be/2YsaLKA4NMo?si=9SJ85ZyLVQ9vrvqK

Can I Appeal a Criminal Conviction in North Carolina?

Published on: March 6, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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 cases, you may be able to appeal a criminal conviction in North Carolina. It is helpful to know that there are different rules that may apply to appealing a case in federal court.

Reasons to Appeal a State Conviction

What is the Pretrial Integrity Act?

Published on: February 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Pretrial Integrity Act?

After you are arrested, you will go before a judge. When you are in court, you will learn the charges against you, and the judge will typically set bond. Bond means that the defendant will be allowed to stay out of jail but must appear in court for their upcoming case or will forfeit the bail they provided. There are also often some conditions for remaining out of jail. Recently, the Pretrial Integrity Act went into effect, which changes how bond is set for some types of criminal charges.

Pretrial Integrity Act

Habitual Felons in North Carolina

Published on: February 14, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Habitual Felons in North Carolina

Felonies are usually serious charges that can result in severe penalties if convicted. The penalties are designed to deter people from committing crimes in the future. Sometimes, a convicted felon commits another crime. Most states have laws in place that require stiffer penalties when someone has previously been convicted of a felony. These laws are often called “three-strike” laws and pertain to people who have two prior felony convictions. These people are known as habitual felons.

What is a Habitual Felon?

What Should I Do After an Arrest?

Published on: January 31, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Should I Do After an Arrest?

If you were arrested for a crime, you may be worried and afraid, especially if this is your first arrest. The legal system can seem daunting, and you may feel completely alone and terrified. You do not want to do anything that could damage your case and cause you further harm. Yet, you want to try to help your case and hopefully get yourself out of hot water. If you have been arrested or detained, you will want to seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you through the process and protect your rights.

Listen to Law Enforcement