court hearings

Arrest Warrants

Published on: August 28, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Arrest Warrants

Thousands of people in North Carolina face arrest warrants each year. If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you could be sent to jail at almost any time. Sometimes, you may not even realize that you have an active warrant. Getting arrested can be distressing and embarrassing, especially if it happens in front of others or while you are at work. It is helpful to understand the types of arrest warrants in North Carolina and how you should handle the situation if it happens to you.

What is an Arrest Warrant?

How Can I Get an Expungement in North Carolina?

Published on: August 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Get an Expungement in North Carolina?

Having a criminal record can wreak havoc on all aspects of your life. When you are convicted of a crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, you will have a criminal record that will remain forever. Your record will also show that you were charged with a crime. There are some types of crimes that are eligible for sealing or expungement. If you have a criminal conviction on your record, you may want to speak to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to learn whether you may be able to get an expungement.

https://youtu.be/lMcGLBliR40?si=gmXgSzH3592ahltf

Understanding the Castle Doctrine (Stand Your Ground)

Published on: August 14, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding the Castle Doctrine (Stand Your Ground)

You are sitting on your back patio when you suddenly see someone you do not know making their way onto your property. The stranger is getting closer and is heading towards your side door with the possible intent of breaking inside. Do you have the right to defend against the intruder? The Castle Doctrine may allow you to take action, but it is best to understand how the doctrine works and what you are able to do to defend yourself, your family, and your property.

What is the Castle Doctrine?

What Criminal Diversion Programs are Available in North Carolina?

Published on: August 7, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Criminal Diversion Programs are Available in North Carolina?

If you are charged with a crime, you know that you are likely facing a difficult legal process that could result in a conviction. If convicted, you may face penalties that could include fines, probation, and a prison sentence. North Carolina offers criminal diversion programs to help those who are eligible. Diversion programs typically target first-time offenders. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you through the legal process.

What is a Criminal Diversion Program?

What are the Consequences of a Felony Conviction in North Carolina?

Published on: June 19, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Consequences of a Felony Conviction in North Carolina?

A felony conviction will result in a variety of punishments that may include a jail sentence, fines, probation, and community service, among other things. Besides the legal consequences involved, a person convicted of a felony will also suffer consequences that can impact your life for years to come. A felony conviction might cause you difficulties in your ability to get employment, in your education, and even in your personal relationships.

Loss of Some Civil Rights

What is the Pretrial Integrity Act?

Published on: February 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Pretrial Integrity Act?

After you are arrested, you will go before a judge. When you are in court, you will learn the charges against you, and the judge will typically set bond. Bond means that the defendant will be allowed to stay out of jail but must appear in court for their upcoming case or will forfeit the bail they provided. There are also often some conditions for remaining out of jail. Recently, the Pretrial Integrity Act went into effect, which changes how bond is set for some types of criminal charges.

Pretrial Integrity Act

Habitual Felons in North Carolina

Published on: February 14, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Habitual Felons in North Carolina

Felonies are usually serious charges that can result in severe penalties if convicted. The penalties are designed to deter people from committing crimes in the future. Sometimes, a convicted felon commits another crime. Most states have laws in place that require stiffer penalties when someone has previously been convicted of a felony. These laws are often called “three-strike” laws and pertain to people who have two prior felony convictions. These people are known as habitual felons.

What is a Habitual Felon?

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

New Legislation Requires In-Vehicle Breathalyzers by 2026

Published on: January 10, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

New Legislation Requires In-Vehicle Breathalyzers by 2026

Impaired driving is an ongoing problem in every state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately a million drunk driving arrests in the United States every year. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in North Carolina is 0.08%. If the police suspect you are driving while impaired, they may ask you to perform some field sobriety tests as well as take part in a breathalyzer test. If you are over the limit, you will likely be facing DWI charges in North Carolina.

What are Breathalyzer Tests?

New License Plate Reader Program Takes Effect in 2024

Published on: January 3, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

New License Plate Reader Program Takes Effect in 2024

More and more police departments are using automated license plate readers to assist them with law enforcement. There has been controversy surrounding the use of these devices and concern about what law enforcement does with the data. In Charlotte, for instance, the law requires police to purge data after 18 months. In Raleigh, police have to purge data after six months, as long as it is not being used as part of an investigation. A new law in effect allows for the addition of more license plate readers in 2024.

What are Automated License Plate Readers?