appear in court

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

What is the Kia Challenge?

Published on: November 22, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Kia Challenge?

Social media is a daily way of life for most people. People of all ages use social media on a regular basis. Some social media sites are more popular than others. Among people in their teens and twenties, TikTok is likely one of the most common sources of information online. There are many different challenges online. Some are designed to get donations for good causes, while others are for fun. Some challenges are dangerous and even illegal. The Kia challenge is one that is both dangerous and illegal. It challenges someone to steal a car.

Kia Challenge

Five Ways to Help Win Your Criminal Case

Published on: November 15, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Five Ways to Help Win Your Criminal Case

Having criminal charges filed against you can create one of the most stressful situations of your life. Whether you are charged with a serious felony or a minor misdemeanor, the consequences could be serious. If you are found guilty of a crime, you could face penalties that might include fines, community service, jail time, and more. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help you resolve the situation in the best way possible. There are some things you can do to assist your attorney through the process.

Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

What is the Difference Between Detainment and Arrest?

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

What is the Difference Between Detainment and Arrest?

If you watch any of the reality police shows on television, you may notice that police sometimes place people in handcuffs rather quickly. Sometimes they tell the person that they are not being arrested, but instead are being detained. You may wonder what the difference is and when detainment turns into arrest. You will want to understand in case you find yourself in this particular situation.

What is Detainment?

Pretrial Integrity Act Now in Effect

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

Pretrial Integrity Act Now in Effect

A new law is in place in North Carolina. The Pretrial Integrity Act went into effect on October 1, 2023. The bill was initially introduced as House 813 and was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on July 1, 2023. The law is designed to allow judges the ability to make decisions regarding setting bonds for defendants. Proponents of the bill wanted legislation in place to ensure that dangerous criminals would be kept in jail pending their trials.

Bond in Criminal Cases

Mecklenburg County Courts Going Digital – Delays are Expected

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

Mecklenburg County Courts Going Digital – Delays are Expected

We all like efficiency and there is a need to bring all of our governmental processes into the digital age. With this in mind, the court system in North Carolina has been undergoing a transition to digital. The new system is designed to improve the court system with a software package of applications called eCourts. The state-wide implementation of the digital system is expected to cost about $100 million. The system will provide more online access to court activities and allow judges and clerks to complete more of their work from their computers.

Planned Transition Was Postponed

Evidence in Criminal Cases

Published on: September 13, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Evidence in Criminal Cases

When you are charged with a crime, you are likely unsure of the process and what to expect in the course of your case. One of the most important aspects of your case is the evidence that will be utilized in court. Evidence includes a number of items and you will want to understand how it will impact the outcome of your case. Your attorney will handle the review of evidence and will work to defend your criminal charges every step of the way.

Discovery

How You Can Help Your Attorney With Your Criminal Defense

Published on: August 30, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How You Can Help Your Attorney With Your Criminal Defense

When you are charged with a crime, it is probably one of the most difficult and challenging times in your life. Regardless of whether you were charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you could be facing some serious penalties that may include a jail sentence, fines, community service, and more. If you are found guilty, you will have a criminal record that could restrict your ability to buy a home, rent an apartment, enter college, and more.

You will want to partner with an experienced criminal defense attorney to vigorously defend the charges and get the best possible outcome. While your attorney will handle the many legal issues, there are some things you can do to help make the process easier and to assist your attorney throughout your defense.

Can My Criminal Defense Attorney Appear in Court on My Behalf?

Published on: August 12, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

If the mere thought of standing in front of a judge in court is too overwhelming or scary, you may wonder whether your criminal defense lawyer can appear in court for you. If, for some reason, you cannot or do not want to show up at a court hearing in person, can your attorney appear on your behalf so that you do not have to reschedule the upcoming hearing?