criminal record

Investigation Finds Poor Conditions in Mecklenburg County Jails

Published on: October 23, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Investigation Finds Poor Conditions in Mecklenburg County Jails

Nobody enjoys the experience of spending time in jail. When you are incarcerated, you do not expect to be treated like you are in a fancy hotel. But you also do not expect to be treated poorly or inhumanely. A recent investigation of Mecklenburg County found that the conditions are terrible and even dangerous. According to the report, there have been 18 deaths since 2019 at the detention center. The investigation sheds light on the problem and asks for something to be done to resolve it. The investigation was conducted by local defense attorneys.

Reports of Inhumane Conditions

Hit and Run Laws in North Carolina

Published on: October 2, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Hit and Run Laws in North Carolina

Vehicle accidents are common occurrences. Most accidents involve minor fender benders, although some result in serious injuries and damages. Whenever a driver is involved in a traffic accident, they must follow the law. A person who fails to stay on the scene of a crash or does not report an accident may be subject to penalties and could face criminal charges in some cases. If you have been charged, a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help guide your defense and protect your rights.

Hit and Run Law in North Carolina

Defending Theft Charges in North Carolina

Published on: May 29, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Defending Theft Charges in North Carolina

Theft is one of the most common crime charges in North Carolina. Theft is often called larceny. There are a variety of different theft crimes and they could be misdemeanors or felonies. Regardless of whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you could face serious consequences if convicted. A conviction may make it difficult to obtain employment and find housing. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help defend the charges and protect your rights.

Types of Larceny Crimes

Marijuana Possession Charges in North Carolina

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

Marijuana Possession Charges in North Carolina

Marijuana use is becoming more accepted across the country. Some states have decriminalized marijuana in some circumstances. Marijuana is a controlled substance, and possession is still a federal crime and a crime in the state of North Carolina. Generally, simple possession of a small amount of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor. If found guilty of a larger amount of marijuana, you may be charged with a felony.

If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, you may face penalties that include fines, probation, jail time, and more. A criminal record could limit your ability to get a job, seek housing, or even get into college. If you have been charged with drug possession, you will want to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

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

Defending Against Hit-and-Run Charges

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

Defending Against Hit-and-Run Charges

If you are involved in an accident in North Carolina, you must remain at the scene. If you leave the scene, it is considered a crime, and you could be charged with hit and run. Hit-and-run charges are serious, and you could face penalties that include jail time and more if you are convicted. If you are charged with hit-and-run, you will want to vigorously defend yourself to avoid conviction and a criminal record. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you achieve a favorable outcome in the case.

What is a Hit-and-Run?

Can I Get A Pardon for a Federal Marijuana Possession Conviction?

Published on: October 19, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long-term effects of being convicted of a crime?”

Marijuana possession is a charge that can result in penalties that include fines and more. Even worse than the fines is the long-term negative impact that a felony conviction can have on your life. From trying to get an apartment to looking for employment to getting into college and beyond, a felony conviction can cause you plenty of turmoil. In a recent proclamation, President Biden officially granted pardons to offenders who were convicted on federal charges of simple marijuana possession. The pardon affects thousands of people who were previously convicted of this crime in federal court.

DWI Sentencing Factors in North Carolina

Published on: June 15, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What happens if I am convicted of a DUI or DWI in Charlotte North Carolina?”

DWI, driving while impaired, is a serious charge. When a driver is stopped for DWI, they can expect to perform some roadside field sobriety tests and breathe into a breathalyzer device. If police officers believe that you are demonstrating signs of impairment, you will likely be arrested for DWI. If you are charged with DWI you will be facing a wide range of penalties if you are convicted. A knowledgeable DWI attorney will help protect your rights and will craft a defense to charges through the legal process.

Help! Police Arrested My Teenager!

Published on: June 30, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What should parents tell their children to do when interacting with police officers?”

Your teenager has been arrested by the Charlotte Police Department, and you have received a disturbing call on the phone. It is going to be tough, but try not to panic. Your child needs you to stay focused and in charge. Children make mistakes. It is our job as adults to make sure those mistakes do not become a criminal record that follows good kids for the rest of their lives. The following are some things to consider if you ever find yourself in this situation. And of course, if your son or daughter has been arrested, the best thing you can do is reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Charlotte right away.

What are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run in North Carolina?

Published on: April 28, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

In North Carolina, drivers who leave the scene of a car accident can face criminal charges for a hit-and-run. The consequences of a hit-and-run conviction in North Carolina depend on whether the crime is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor.