fines

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

Can I Face Criminal Charges After a Traffic Accident?

Published on: September 4, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Face Criminal Charges After a Traffic Accident?

Accidents happen very regularly, and most people get into a fender-bender situation at some point in their lives. While, typically, vehicle accidents are civil matters that parties work out between their insurance companies, there are some circumstances that may result in criminal charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help you resolve issues that end up in court.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

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?

Defending Manslaughter Charges

Published on: July 31, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Defending Manslaughter Charges

Manslaughter is the killing of another person without forethought or malice. It differs from the charge of murder in that murder is the killing of another person with intent. There are several types of manslaughter charges that might apply. Although manslaughter is generally a felony, the penalties are usually less severe than the penalties for a murder conviction. If you have been charged with manslaughter, you will want to vigorously defend the charges to seek an acquittal or the lowest sentence possible. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will guide you through the legal process.

https://youtu.be/ThFE8uR5EsQ?si=-VHKW2ZB24tV_40E

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?

What is a Certificate of Relief?

Published on: January 11, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a Certificate of Relief?

When you are convicted of a crime, the judge orders penalties, which may include jail time, community service, loss of driver’s license, fines, and more. Although you completed the sentence that was handed down, your conviction continues to have a negative impact on your life. One way to resolve your criminal conviction is with a Certificate of Relief. This is a way to improve your life following a conviction. If you qualify, an experienced criminal defense attorney will assist you in working to obtain a Certificate of Relief.

Basics of a Certificate of Relief

Shoplifting Charges: What You Need to Know

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

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?”

More and more stores are adding extra technology that enables them to catch shoplifters in their establishments. If you are charged with shoplifting it can have a negative impact on your life for years in the future. A shoplifting conviction can result in a variety of penalties such as fines, community service, probation, and more. In some cases, you might even end up with a jail sentence. Worst of all, a conviction will be on your record, which may cause you problems with finding employment, renting an apartment, and more. If you are charged with shoplifting, you can fight the charges with help from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Criminal Diversion Programs

Published on: June 29, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “I was found not guilty of a charge, buy my record still shows the charge. What is going on?”

What are Criminal Diversion Programs?

Can I Get My Vehicle Back After Seizure?

Published on: April 27, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

Your vehicle is one of the most important necessities of life. You may need a vehicle to get to school or work, to drive family to appointments, to run errands, and more. Life is certainly more difficult and complicated when you do not have a car. Although you may have worked hard to get your car, it can be taken away by the police in a vehicle seizure. When that happens, you need to act quickly in order to try to get your vehicle back. An experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney can assist you in the process of how you may be able to get your car returned after a vehicle seizure.