drug dealer

What are the Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Charges?

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

What are the Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Charges?

There are many laws in place that include both state and federal charges. Most of the crimes that people commit are state laws, while some crimes are federal. When someone is arrested, the court will determine whether they are accused of committing a state or federal crime. Then, the appropriate charges will apply. There are some differences between state and federal criminal charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney will handle all types of criminal charges, including state and federal.

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Is it Legal to Possess Marijuana in North Carolina?

Published on: June 5, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is it Legal to Possess Marijuana in North Carolina?

Marijuana has been considered an illegal drug for years. Possessing, selling, or distributing marijuana is a criminal offense, and if convicted, you could face a sentence that might include fines, community service, confinement, and more. Many states have loosened the laws regarding marijuana, and in some states, the recreational use of marijuana is no longer illegal. In North Carolina, you could still be charged with possession of an illegal drug if you are found with marijuana.

What are the Marijuana Laws in North Carolina?

What is the Difference Between Physical and Constructive Drug Possession?

Published on: April 24, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Difference Between Physical and Constructive Drug Possession?

Drug possession charges can be serious. If you have been arrested on drug charges you could be facing some severe consequences, depending on the circumstances. If you are in possession of enough quantity of a substance, you could even be looking at drug distribution charges. It is helpful to understand the difference between physical and constructive drug possession in North Carolina. An experienced criminal defense attorney will assist in providing a strong defense against drug charges.

Physical Possession

New Drug Trafficking Penalties in Effect in North Carolina

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

New Drug Trafficking Penalties in Effect in North Carolina

Drug charges are serious, and penalties may be severe if you are found guilty. The law makes some drug crimes more dangerous, and therefore, they come with stronger penalties. Drug possession is generally a much less severe crime than possession with intent to sell or distribute. New changes to the law recently went into effect that allow for more stringent penalties for drug trafficking convictions in North Carolina.

Changes to Drug Trafficking Penalties

How You Can Help Your Attorney With Your Criminal Defense

Published on: August 30, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How You Can Help Your Attorney With Your Criminal Defense

When you are charged with a crime, it is probably one of the most difficult and challenging times in your life. Regardless of whether you were charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you could be facing some serious penalties that may include a jail sentence, fines, community service, and more. If you are found guilty, you will have a criminal record that could restrict your ability to buy a home, rent an apartment, enter college, and more.

You will want to partner with an experienced criminal defense attorney to vigorously defend the charges and get the best possible outcome. While your attorney will handle the many legal issues, there are some things you can do to help make the process easier and to assist your attorney throughout your defense.

Defending Discipline of a Professional License

Published on: August 23, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Defending Discipline of a Professional License

A professional license allows you to be employed in your field, and it gives you the ability to make a living in your chosen career. Obtaining a professional license can be a long and difficult process. It takes years of education and training, along with some experience, in order to pass a professional license test. Once you have your license, you need to do everything possible to protect it. Unfortunately, circumstances can arise that could cause your license to be in jeopardy. When that happens, you will want to seek legal guidance to defend discipline that could result in the suspension or loss of your license.

Types of Professional Licenses

What to Do if Your Gun is Lost or Stolen

Published on: August 16, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What to Do if Your Gun is Lost or Stolen

When you own a firearm, it is important to be responsible. When you find that your gun is lost or stolen, you need to take steps to recover it and protect yourself against potential criminal liability. If someone else uses your gun in the commission of a crime, it could cause you to get into trouble with law enforcement. It is important to understand how to prevent your gun from being stolen or used without your permission and what to do if your firearm goes missing.

Gun Registration

What Questions Should I Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Published on: August 9, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Questions Should I Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney?

When you have been charged with a crime, you want to take the charges seriously. If convicted of a crime, you may face a number of penalties that could even include a jail sentence, among other punishments. You will want to seek legal guidance from a skilled criminal defense attorney to guide you through the legal process and help you defend the charges against you. When you seek a criminal defense lawyer, there are some questions you can ask to help you make the decision to choose a specific attorney and law firm.

What is Your Education and Experience?

State and Federal Drug Charges: What is the Difference?

Published on: August 2, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

State and Federal Drug Charges: What is the Difference?

When you have been charged with a drug crime, the offense is likely serious. You could face a number of severe penalties if you are found guilty. Drug charges can be confusing, especially because there are various state or federal drug charges that could apply in your case. It is helpful to understand the types of charges and potential penalties for drug crimes in North Carolina.

Types of Controlled Substances

Court of Appeals Rules on Race and Voluntary Consent of Searches

Published on: October 31, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What am I obligated to do if I’ve been pulled for Drinking and Driving?”

Throughout the country, we often hear a lot of debate about an individual, or his or her property, being subjected to search by law enforcement. The Fourth Amendment of the constitution gives us the right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures. While there are many cases and court opinions that detail when law enforcement is able to search an individual, or his or her property, we often forget that an individual is able to voluntarily consent to a search. With voluntary consent to search comes a whole host of questions. Can a voluntary search be inferred? Are there particular factors that indicate a person has consented to a search? In the recent case of State v. Bartlett, the North Carolina Court of Appeals found that an individual’s race may be a factor in deciding whether or not a person has voluntarily consented to a search.