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Types of Sobriety Tests

Published on: February 1, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Types of Sobriety Tests

Law enforcement takes drunk driving very seriously. North Carolina law restricts driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. When police officers pull a vehicle over for a traffic stop, they may think that the driver is intoxicated. Field sobriety tests are the method that officers use to try to determine whether a driver is over the legal drinking limit. Tests are done with a driver to assess their level of impairment. Many people wonder what types of sobriety tests are used and whether they must comply with a request to complete them.

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

What Are My Fifth Amendment Rights?

Published on: January 25, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Are My Fifth Amendment Rights?

One of the unique things about living in the United States is the U.S. Constitution. As U.S. citizens, we have many rights that are part of our lives. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are rights that apply to everyone. These rights apply to us, particularly when we have been arrested or charged with a crime. Here are the most common Fifth Amendment rights that typically apply to defendants.

Double Jeopardy Clause

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Published on: December 28, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges can often be serious, and they could result in harsh punishments if you are found guilty. A criminal conviction could have a negative impact on all aspects of your life. When you face criminal charges, regardless of how minor, you will want to seek help from an attorney. A local criminal defense attorney has lots of experience handling all types of charges and has the resources to help you resolve the matter in the best possible way. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best criminal defense attorney.

Check for Practice Areas

How Can I Get Out of Jail After an Arrest?

Published on: December 21, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Get Out of Jail After an Arrest?

Getting arrested can be a traumatic and difficult experience. If you have been arrested you will likely find yourself in jail, awaiting your first hearing. Your main priority will be getting out of jail until you can resolve the matter completely. The judge or magistrate will set an amount of bail that you must post to get out of jail while you are awaiting the resolution of your case. A skilled criminal defense attorney will help you through the legal process and answer any questions you have.

What is Bond?

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?

Habitual Impaired Driving in North Carolina

Published on: November 30, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Habitual Impaired Driving in North Carolina

Driving while impaired or intoxicated is an offense that law enforcement officers take seriously. The laws and penalties are designed to deter people from driving while intoxicated. A DWI conviction could result in a sentence that includes jail time, fines, community service, alcohol education classes, probation, and suspension of your driving privileges.

The penalties for DWI increase substantially for repeat offenses. Habitual impaired driving will result in the revocation of your driver’s license, among other penalties. If you were charged with a repeat offense of DWI, it is important to actively fight the charges with help from an experienced DWI attorney in North Carolina.