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How Can I Defend Against Child Abuse Charges?

Published on: January 18, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Defend Against Child Abuse Charges?

Your children are the most important parts of your life, and you will do anything you can to protect them from harm. Sometimes, a problem occurs, and you find that you are charged with child abuse. Child abuse charges are serious, and if convicted, you will face severe penalties. You may also lose your right to spend time with your children, and you might even end up behind bars. If you were charged with child abuse, you must vigorously defend the charges and protect your rights. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you through the legal process and defend against the charges brought against you.

What is Abuse?

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

What are the Most Common Crimes?

Published on: January 4, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Most Common Crimes?

Crimes occur on a regular basis. Some are considered more serious than others, but if you are charged with a crime, you need to take immediate action to defend yourself. If you are convicted or found guilty of a crime, you could face serious penalties that might have a negative impact on your life for years.

Larceny

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.

What are Miranda Rights?

Published on: November 23, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are Miranda Rights?

If you watch crime shows or police reality shows on television, you are probably familiar with law enforcement reading Miranda rights to people before an arrest. The law provides for people to have rights that they can utilize when they encounter members of law enforcement. The law requires police to ensure you understand your constitutional rights by reading them to you at the time of your arrest. If you were arrested, you should speak to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Establishing Miranda Rights

Should I Fight Marijuana Possession Charges?

Published on: November 9, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Should I Fight Marijuana Possession Charges?

Although marijuana is legal in some states, in North Carolina, marijuana is still an illegal substance. If you are caught with marijuana, you could face charges. If guilty, you will have penalties that could impact your life. The penalties are based on how much marijuana you have in your possession. A simple marijuana possession charge may be a misdemeanor, but it can still cause you to have a criminal record if you are convicted. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will review the details of your case and help you decide how to proceed.

There are two pieces of legislation that are currently being reviewed in North Carolina. Senate Bill 765 would allow adults to possess up to two ounces of cannabis for recreational purposes. Senate Bill 711, also called the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, would allow the legal use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Both of these bills are in varying stages of discussion and approval. If passed, these bills will greatly impact simple marijuana possession laws.

Criminal Defense FAQ

Published on: November 2, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Criminal Defense FAQ

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you may have questions about what to expect and how you can best prepare for your defense. Generally, criminal charges can be serious, and if you are convicted, you could face severe penalties that might include such things as fines, jail time, community service, probation, and more. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help guide you through the process and assist you in vigorously defending the charges.

Will I Be Able to Get Out of Jail on Bail?