Attorney

What are the Most Common Blue-Collar Crimes?

Published on: July 5, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Most Common Blue-Collar Crimes?

Crime is generally categorized into white-collar and blue-collar. White-collar crimes are non-violent and include such things as embezzlement, health care fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and similar crimes. Blue-collar crime, although not a legal term, usually refers to any crimes other than white-collar crimes and may have a distinct victim and could be violent. Blue-collar crimes are more common, often because they are easier to see and prosecute.

DWI

What Happens if I Violate Probation?

Published on: June 28, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Happens if I Violate Probation?

If you have been placed on probation by the judge, you must follow the rules that the court provided. Probation allows you some freedom and is often a much better alternative than spending time in prison. Sometimes, a probationary period follows a period of incarceration as part of the sentence. Probation can be restrictive, and you could find yourself in violation of your probation. You may wonder what will happen if you violate probation.

Types of Probation

Auto Theft in North Carolina

Published on: June 21, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Auto Theft in North Carolina

Auto theft is another term for stealing a car. Car theft is a serious crime, and it pertains to all types of motorized vehicles. Auto theft crimes in North Carolina fall under the general category of larceny. If you are convicted of an auto theft crime, you could face numerous penalties, and it could limit your ability to get a job, obtain a scholarship, get an apartment, seek a loan, and more. It is critical to vigorously defend auto theft charges with help from a qualified North Carolina criminal defense attorney.

What is Larceny?

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me With DWI Charges?

Published on: June 14, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me With DWI Charges?

DWI, or driving while impaired, is a serious charge. You may be pulled over for a traffic infraction and suddenly find yourself performing roadside field sobriety tests. The next thing you know, the police test your BAC and take you to jail. Now you are facing severe penalties if you are convicted. These penalties could cause problems for you for many years to come. You may wonder whether you can defend yourself without having to hire an attorney. Be careful here, as going it alone might put your future in jeopardy. An experienced DWI attorney will help you vigorously defend the charges and assist you in getting the best possible outcome.

DWI Charges are Serious

BAC Explained

Published on: June 7, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

BAC Explained

One of the most serious offenses that a driver may be charged with is driving while impaired, DWI. All states have DWI laws in place to restrict driving a motor vehicle while impaired due to the use of drugs or alcohol. In North Carolina, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. The police may arrest a driver when their BAC is 0.08% or higher, or they are suspected of driving while impaired. Some people think there is a magic number of drinks they can consume before they reach impairment, but that is not true.

How the Body Utilizes Alcohol

Do I Have to Identify Myself to the Police?

Published on: May 31, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Have to Identify Myself to the Police?

Many people watch police reality shows on television and notice that the police always ask for identification. In fact, it is usually the first thing they do when they approach someone. If you have been stopped by the police while driving, you know that the officer likely immediately asked for your name. Some people wonder whether they are required to identify themselves to the police. If you were charged with a crime, it is helpful to seek legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney in North Carolina.

Must I Identify Myself to the Police?

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.

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.