Criminal Defense

What to Do if You are Stopped By the Police

Published on: March 1, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What to Do if You are Stopped By the Police

When the police are not handling major crimes, they are often roving around on the lookout for traffic violations and minor offenses. The police may stop you for any number of reasons. If you have ever been stopped, you know that you might get very scared, even if you did not do anything wrong. Your heart rate may go up, and you could experience other signs of anxiety. You might become flustered when you speak with the officer. It is helpful to know what you should and should not do when you get stopped by the police.

Slow Down and Pull Over – As soon as you see police lights or hear the siren behind you, it is your duty to pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. You will want to choose a safe spot, but you must slow down so the police know that it is your intention to stop. You do not want to provoke a chase or get charged with failure to heed.

Types of Sobriety Tests

Published on: February 1, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Types of Sobriety Tests

Law enforcement takes drunk driving very seriously. North Carolina law restricts driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. When police officers pull a vehicle over for a traffic stop, they may think that the driver is intoxicated. Field sobriety tests are the method that officers use to try to determine whether a driver is over the legal drinking limit. Tests are done with a driver to assess their level of impairment. Many people wonder what types of sobriety tests are used and whether they must comply with a request to complete them.

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

What Are My Fifth Amendment Rights?

Published on: January 25, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Are My Fifth Amendment Rights?

One of the unique things about living in the United States is the U.S. Constitution. As U.S. citizens, we have many rights that are part of our lives. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are rights that apply to everyone. These rights apply to us, particularly when we have been arrested or charged with a crime. Here are the most common Fifth Amendment rights that typically apply to defendants.

Double Jeopardy Clause

How Can I Defend Against Child Abuse Charges?

Published on: January 18, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Defend Against Child Abuse Charges?

Your children are the most important parts of your life, and you will do anything you can to protect them from harm. Sometimes, a problem occurs, and you find that you are charged with child abuse. Child abuse charges are serious, and if convicted, you will face severe penalties. You may also lose your right to spend time with your children, and you might even end up behind bars. If you were charged with child abuse, you must vigorously defend the charges and protect your rights. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you through the legal process and defend against the charges brought against you.

What is Abuse?

What is a Certificate of Relief?

Published on: January 11, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a Certificate of Relief?

When you are convicted of a crime, the judge orders penalties, which may include jail time, community service, loss of driver’s license, fines, and more. Although you completed the sentence that was handed down, your conviction continues to have a negative impact on your life. One way to resolve your criminal conviction is with a Certificate of Relief. This is a way to improve your life following a conviction. If you qualify, an experienced criminal defense attorney will assist you in working to obtain a Certificate of Relief.

Basics of a Certificate of Relief

What are the Most Common Crimes?

Published on: January 4, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Most Common Crimes?

Crimes occur on a regular basis. Some are considered more serious than others, but if you are charged with a crime, you need to take immediate action to defend yourself. If you are convicted or found guilty of a crime, you could face serious penalties that might have a negative impact on your life for years.

Larceny

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Published on: December 28, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges can often be serious, and they could result in harsh punishments if you are found guilty. A criminal conviction could have a negative impact on all aspects of your life. When you face criminal charges, regardless of how minor, you will want to seek help from an attorney. A local criminal defense attorney has lots of experience handling all types of charges and has the resources to help you resolve the matter in the best possible way. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best criminal defense attorney.

Check for Practice Areas

How Can I Get Out of Jail After an Arrest?

Published on: December 21, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Get Out of Jail After an Arrest?

Getting arrested can be a traumatic and difficult experience. If you have been arrested you will likely find yourself in jail, awaiting your first hearing. Your main priority will be getting out of jail until you can resolve the matter completely. The judge or magistrate will set an amount of bail that you must post to get out of jail while you are awaiting the resolution of your case. A skilled criminal defense attorney will help you through the legal process and answer any questions you have.

What is Bond?

Assault on a Police Officer in North Carolina

Published on: December 14, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Assault on a Police Officer in North Carolina

Assault is a serious crime, but it is even more serious when you assault a police officer. A relatively minor crime will quickly escalate to a felony if you assault a member of law enforcement. Sometimes, assault on a police officer happens during an arrest. If you resist arrest and assault a police officer, you will be charged accordingly. What started out as one offense may have become several or more serious charges. Assault of a police officer or other protected person is a felony in North Carolina.

Who is a Protected Person?

Should I Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court?

Published on: December 7, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Should I Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court?

Speeding is a common traffic offense. One minute you are driving along, happy that traffic is light, and the next, you are being pulled over by a police vehicle with a siren and flashing lights. If you get a speeding ticket, it may be annoying. It can also have some other negative impacts on your life. While speeding doesn’t seem to be the most serious problem in the world, it can have a negative impact now and in the future. It may be very worthwhile to fight a speeding ticket or other traffic tickets in court with help from a knowledgeable defense attorney.

Benefits of a Clean Driving Record