Attorney

Law Enforcement Checkpoints: What to Do and What Not to Do

Published on: November 29, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Law Enforcement Checkpoints: What to Do and What Not to Do

The holidays are here, and that means that more people will be traveling on the roads. The police will be out in full force, ensuring traffic safety. In addition, law enforcement may utilize roadside checks to verify sobriety, especially during holiday celebratory times. The goal of checkpoints is to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road. This, in turn, will reduce the number of accidents and injuries due to collisions.

What are Roadside Checkpoints?

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

Robbery Vs. Burglary: What is the Difference?

Published on: November 8, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Robbery Vs. Burglary: What is the Difference?

Theft is a common crime in North Carolina and across the country. Theft is the taking of property that does not belong to you. A person may be charged with theft if they are accused of stealing items from a store, taking a car, or grabbing a purse. There are various types of theft charges and depending on the severity, the charge could be either a misdemeanor or a felony. While most people use the terms “robbery” and “burglary” interchangeably, they are different crimes and one is more serious than the other. If you are charged with theft, you will want to vigorously defend the charges with help from a North Carolina criminal defense attorney.

Definition of Robbery

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?

What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and Felony?

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

What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and Felony?

When you are charged with a crime it may be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Regardless, any criminal charges against you are serious and could result in severe consequences. Some penalties could include a prison sentence, fines, probation, community service, suspension of your driver’s license, and more, depending on the charges. There are some important differences between misdemeanor and felony charges, and you will want to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Misdemeanors and Felonies

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

Reckless Driving Charges in North Carolina

Published on: September 27, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Reckless Driving Charges in North Carolina

When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you must follow the rules of the road. If you fail to adhere to the rules you might be pulled over and the officer may give you a traffic ticket. Most times, traffic infractions have penalties that include points against your license and fines. However, sometimes a moving violation is considered much more serious and therefore, it also has criminal penalties as well. If you are charged with reckless driving, you may need to seek legal help from a skilled criminal defense attorney in North Carolina.

What is Reckless Driving?

Can I Record a Traffic Stop?

Published on: September 20, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Record a Traffic Stop?

We live in the digital age, where everyone has a phone that takes photos and videos. Because of this, people have access to recordings everywhere they go. You are likely aware of the many postings of traffic stops and police encounters that are posted on a regular basis on social media sites. Allegations of law enforcement misconduct and even unwarranted violence are common. You may feel that you should record your police interactions. However, the ability to record something does not necessarily mean that it is legal to do so. Many people wonder whether they have the right to record a traffic stop in North Carolina.

Recording in Public Spaces