Mecklenburg County

Does North Carolina Have a Stand Your Ground Law?

Published on: March 22, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Does North Carolina Have a Stand Your Ground Law?

Residents have a right to defend themselves and their property. The ability to protect and defend your home has been in the news over the last decade. More and more states have enacted “stand your ground” laws to clarify your rights and provide guidance for how and when it is legal to use force to protect yourself. At least half the states have such a law on the books. North Carolina has had a “stand your ground” law in place since 2011. An experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney will answer your questions and defend against your charges.

What Does it Mean to Stand Your Ground?

What is the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission?

Published on: March 15, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission?

If you were wrongfully convicted of a crime in North Carolina, there is something you can do about it. Besides filing an appeal, your case might qualify for review by the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission. The Commission has the legal authority to evaluate and make a determination of innocence based on new information or evidence. The NCIIC recently celebrated its 15th anniversary.

What is the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission?

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Published on: March 8, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Car manufacturers have been steadily improving the safety of vehicles over the years. As a result, cars are safer than ever before. Unfortunately, accidents are still occurring at a rising rate. One of the reasons for an increase in accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving increased with the increased use of cell phones. Although it is illegal to use a handheld device while driving, many people still use their phones to text. Texting and other examples of distractions can result in accidents. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What is Distracted Driving?

How Do DWI Breath Tests Work?

Published on: February 15, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do DWI Breath Tests Work?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense. DWI generally refers to driving while under the influence of alcohol, but it can also pertain to drugs. If you are stopped by law enforcement, they will want to assess you for impairment and determine whether you are over the legal drinking limit. The legal limit in North Carolina is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The police will utilize field sobriety tests to evaluate impairment. They will also use breath tests to measure your BAC level.

What is BAC?

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 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

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?

Should I Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court?

Published on: December 7, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Should I Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court?

Speeding is a common traffic offense. One minute you are driving along, happy that traffic is light, and the next, you are being pulled over by a police vehicle with a siren and flashing lights. If you get a speeding ticket, it may be annoying. It can also have some other negative impacts on your life. While speeding doesn’t seem to be the most serious problem in the world, it can have a negative impact now and in the future. It may be very worthwhile to fight a speeding ticket or other traffic tickets in court with help from a knowledgeable defense attorney.

Benefits of a Clean Driving Record

What Should I Plead in a Criminal Case?

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

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

What Should I Plead in a Criminal Case?

Should I Make a Statement to Police After My Arrest?

Published on: August 10, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?”

A police arrest can be a traumatic experience. When the police make an arrest, there is often some urgency and sometimes confusion. You may be trying to help your case or do not realize what you said, but you made a statement to the police. Now, you are unsure whether you made a big mistake and how you can help resolve your case favorably. While giving a statement might not be helpful to your criminal case, there may be some things your defense attorney can do to improve the situation.