criminal record

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.

How DWI Charges Get Dismissed in North Carolina

Published on: March 24, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “How can an attorney help me with my DWI?”

Given the negative consequences and social stigma associated with a driving while impaired charge in North Carolina, many people who have been arrested for DWI wonder, “How can I get my DWI charges dismissed?”

What are Criminal Penalties for Violating North Carolina’s COVID-19 Curfew?

Published on: December 23, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “The person that called the police doesn’t want to press charges, can I still be prosecuted?”

North Carolina’s statewide curfew took effect on December 11, 2020, as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise and break new records. Under the state’s modified Stay-at-Home order, residents must stay at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. What if you violate the order?

Long-Awaited Criminal Justice Reforms Take Effect in North Carolina

Published on: December 16, 2020 | 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?”

New North Carolina laws as part of the state’s criminal justice reform went into effect on December 1, 2020. As a result, more North Carolinians are eligible to apply for expungement of their criminal record to eliminate barriers to employment, housing, education, benefits, and voting.

Building a Defense When Facing Felony Drug Charges in North Carolina

Published on: March 18, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?”

In North Carolina, felony drug charges are one of the most serious crimes an individual can face. A conviction could lead to hefty fines and decades in prison, not to mention that a drug conviction on your criminal record will impact your ability to find a job, go to college, and even find a place to live, among other consequences.

Charlotte Police Creates Map of Violent Crime ‘Hot Spots’ in the City

Published on: January 15, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?”

After 108 homicides in Charlotte last year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department prepared a map of violent crime “hot spots” in the city. The map was shown to members of the Charlotte City Council. The department told council members that it would use all available data to address crime as a public health issue. However, CMPD also complained that it would not be able to lower violent crime on its own, as reported by WFAE.

Armed Robbery Charges in Charlotte, North Carolina

Published on: October 23, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

An arrest for robbery entails serious felony charges in North Carolina. Those arrested for robbery risk losing their freedom and getting a criminal record with permanent negative consequences for their career, reputation, and quality of life.

Can I Clean Up My Criminal Record?

Published on: April 3, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question:”A past conviction is keeping me from finding work. What can I do?”

We have all done things in our past that we would like to forget. Unfortunately, if what you want to forget was a conviction for a crime, your criminal record will make that difficult. However, some crimes might be able to be wiped from your criminal record. There are different tools that might be used to clean up a person’s criminal record, but one of the most common is expungement.