Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

Do I Have the Right to a Trial?

Published on: August 31, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?”

American citizens are afforded many rights. The United States Constitution Bill of Rights provides us with some fundamental rights. We have the right to bear arms, we have the right to free speech, and many others. Part of our unique judicial system is the right to a fair trial. When you are charged with a crime, you are presumed innocent unless and until you are found guilty in a court of law. If you have been arrested for a crime, you need to understand your rights, including the request for a trial, to determine the outcome of your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help guide your case, protect your rights, and assist you in defending the charges.

What is the Difference Between Drug Possession and Trafficking?

Published on: August 24, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?”

https://youtu.be/OXhr7O-8PVA

If you get stopped for a traffic violation or have your home searched, it could result in police finding illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia. The possession of illegal drugs is a crime that itself could be serious, but sometimes a person faces drug trafficking charges. Drug trafficking charges are more severe than possession charges and come with harsh penalties if you are found guilty. If the police charge you with any type of drug charge, you will want to seek legal guidance from an experienced criminal attorney.

What Happens After an Arrest in North Carolina?

Published on: August 17, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Am I allowed to videotape an interaction with police? Can they make me stop filming?”

After an arrest, you are probably terrified and wondering exactly what to expect. During an arrest, you likely feel extremely stressed, and your emotions are running high. The police may not always explain things to you, and you could be left with questions about what will happen next in the process. When someone is arrested, various steps occur. It is helpful to understand the legal process so you can better prepare for your situation. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help guide you and help you defend the charges.

Should I Make a Statement to Police After My Arrest?

Published on: August 10, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?”

A police arrest can be a traumatic experience. When the police make an arrest, there is often some urgency and sometimes confusion. You may be trying to help your case or do not realize what you said, but you made a statement to the police. Now, you are unsure whether you made a big mistake and how you can help resolve your case favorably. While giving a statement might not be helpful to your criminal case, there may be some things your defense attorney can do to improve the situation.

DWI in North Carolina: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Published on: August 3, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers callers’ questions during a 30-minute radio interview with the Legal Forum. Recorded in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Driving while impaired, DWI is a severe offense in North Carolina and elsewhere. If you are found guilty of DWI charges, you could face severe penalties, including jail time, fines, education, community service, and more. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a new campaign targeting the end of summer. The new initiative is called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and aims to educate drivers about the negative impact of driving while impaired.

Speeding to Elude Arrest in North Carolina

Published on: July 27, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?”

The police take traffic stops and other encounters very seriously. If law enforcement attempts to pull you over, you are required by law to pull over and stop. If you fail to stop for a police officer, you could be charged with speeding to elude arrest. Speeding to elude arrest is also commonly called fleeing. A person may try to elude arrest for a variety of reasons, such as having an outstanding warrant or trying to escape from another crime. The charge of speeding to elude arrest is a serious one that can result in severe consequences if you are found guilty.

North Carolina Suspended Driver’s License

Published on: July 20, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “When can I post on Social media about my ongoing case?”

Driving a vehicle is a privilege that comes with some responsibilities. North Carolina has many driving laws that you must follow or risk getting a ticket. A moving violation is an infraction of traffic laws while you are behind the wheel. While everyone likely receives a ticket for a minor violation at some time in their lives, if you accumulate too many tickets it can result in a loss of your driver’s license. It is often beneficial to fight tickets in court. You want to make sure that you maintain a clean driving record so you keep your license.