felony charges

Can I Get DWI Charges Dismissed?

Published on: May 17, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Get DWI Charges Dismissed?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious charge in North Carolina and across the country. If you are found guilty, you will face numerous penalties that could have a negative impact on your life for years to come. Getting arrested for DWI is likely one of the worst experiences of your life. DWI laws are tough and are meant to deter people from getting behind the wheel when they are impaired. With such high stakes, you may realize that one of the best ways to resolve your DWI case is by getting the charges dismissed.

Understanding DWI Charges

How Can I Appeal a Guilty Conviction?

Published on: May 10, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Appeal a Guilty Conviction?

A conviction in a criminal case can be devastating. A conviction could result in serious penalties that could have a lasting impact on you and your family. When found guilty of a crime, you will face the sentence that a judge imposes based on the severity of the crime. You may hear that many people appeal their convictions, and some of them are successful. There is a legal method in place to file an appeal. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help guide the appeal process.

Does My Case Qualify for Appeal?

I Was Charged With a Crime: Should I Plead Not Guilty?

Published on: May 3, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

I Was Charged With a Crime: Should I Plead Not Guilty?

Criminal charges are almost always serious. While some offenses are misdemeanors, others are felonies. Misdemeanors often carry fewer penalties, while felonies have stronger punishments, depending on the crime. If you are charged with a crime, one of the first things that happens is a first appearance. The judge will tell you what you are charged with, and you will need to enter a plea. The plea you enter will make a difference in the way your case progresses. The plea you make could have a long-term impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones. It is advisable to talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney before you enter a plea.

https://youtu.be/JkXdKeM3anU

What is Resisting Arrest?

Published on: April 26, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Resisting Arrest?

When you are arrested for a crime in North Carolina, you could face additional charges for resisting. Resisting arrest occurs when you take evasive actions that are against the directions of a law officer. Resisting arrest takes various forms and is usually charged in conjunction with another crime or crime, which was the original charge. If you are charged with resisting arrest, you need to take it seriously because you will face penalties if convicted. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help defend these charges as well as the original charges.

https://youtu.be/ehW6zBQyBlA

Capital Punishment in North Carolina

Published on: April 19, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Capital Punishment in North Carolina

North Carolina has various punishments for different crime convictions. The most serious of all crimes have the most severe penalties. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty is only to be used for crimes that result in death, such as murder. Only about half the states have capital punishment in place. Capital punishment is a penalty for first-degree murder in North Carolina.

What is Capital Punishment?

Gun Permits No Longer Required in North Carolina

Published on: April 12, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Gun Permits No Longer Required in North Carolina

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives citizens the right to bear arms. Many federal, state, and local laws are in place to govern gun ownership across the country. Recent legislation has removed the requirement for gun permits in North Carolina. This means that residents may purchase and own a handgun without having to obtain a permit from the local sheriff. This is a change to a permit requirement that was previously in place. The change takes effect immediately.

Handgun Permit Repeal

Can I Carry a Gun in My Car?

Published on: March 29, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Carry a Gun in My Car?

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides all citizens with the right to bear arms. North Carolina has a gun ownership rate of 45.8%, which means that almost half the adults in the state own firearms. While it is your right to own a firearm, firearm owners must follow the law. Responsible gun owners need to know the laws to ensure that they are not charged with a gun crime. There are various laws in place that pertain to gun ownership in North Carolina.

Gun Ownership Laws

Assault on a Police Officer in North Carolina

Published on: December 14, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Assault on a Police Officer in North Carolina

Assault is a serious crime, but it is even more serious when you assault a police officer. A relatively minor crime will quickly escalate to a felony if you assault a member of law enforcement. Sometimes, assault on a police officer happens during an arrest. If you resist arrest and assault a police officer, you will be charged accordingly. What started out as one offense may have become several or more serious charges. Assault of a police officer or other protected person is a felony in North Carolina.

Who is a Protected Person?

These are the Most Famous Criminal Defense Cases

Published on: January 26, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?”

When someone is charged with a crime, it is up to that individual’s criminal defense attorney to prove to the court that the charges levied against the defendant are not substantial enough to warrant a conviction. While criminal defense attorneys help all kinds of cases, some of these cases garner national attention. Read on for information on some of the most famous criminal defense cases.

New Death Penalty Study Finds it an Unpopular Option

Published on: October 13, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?”

A recent report from an Appalachian State University professor sheds light on the death penalty in North Carolina. Government and judicial studies professor Matthew Robinson published the report in June. In the report, professor Robinson examines data to help determine whether the state should continue to maintain the death penalty policy. Under state law, a person can be sentenced to death if convicted of a first-degree murder and meet at least one of a list of aggravating circumstances. When someone is sentenced to the death penalty they will wait in prison until their execution.