Miranda Warning

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

Restraining Orders

Published on: October 9, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Restraining Orders

A restraining order is a legal order that prohibits an individual from having contact with someone else. A restraining order may also be called a protective order or a no-contact order. A protective order may be temporary or permanent. Once in place, a violation of a protective order can result in criminal charges. It is helpful to understand restraining orders and learn how to defend yourself if you are facing a restraining order. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will assist you through the process.

https://youtu.be/BOHrWHvZbQM?si=XPF9agUMnS-oWWiM

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

What is the Difference Between Petty Larceny and Grand Larceny?

Published on: September 25, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Difference Between Petty Larceny and Grand Larceny?

Theft or larceny charges are serious, and if you are convicted, you could face a variety of penalties. In addition, you will have a criminal record that will impact many areas of your life for years to come. Petty larceny and grand larceny are both types of theft, and the charges will depend on factors such as the value of items that were allegedly stolen. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help guide you through the process and assist you in your defense.

Definition of Larceny

Arrest Warrants

Published on: August 28, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Arrest Warrants

Thousands of people in North Carolina face arrest warrants each year. If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you could be sent to jail at almost any time. Sometimes, you may not even realize that you have an active warrant. Getting arrested can be distressing and embarrassing, especially if it happens in front of others or while you are at work. It is helpful to understand the types of arrest warrants in North Carolina and how you should handle the situation if it happens to you.

What is an Arrest Warrant?

How Can I Get an Expungement in North Carolina?

Published on: August 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Get an Expungement in North Carolina?

Having a criminal record can wreak havoc on all aspects of your life. When you are convicted of a crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, you will have a criminal record that will remain forever. Your record will also show that you were charged with a crime. There are some types of crimes that are eligible for sealing or expungement. If you have a criminal conviction on your record, you may want to speak to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to learn whether you may be able to get an expungement.

https://youtu.be/lMcGLBliR40?si=gmXgSzH3592ahltf

Understanding the Castle Doctrine (Stand Your Ground)

Published on: August 14, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding the Castle Doctrine (Stand Your Ground)

You are sitting on your back patio when you suddenly see someone you do not know making their way onto your property. The stranger is getting closer and is heading towards your side door with the possible intent of breaking inside. Do you have the right to defend against the intruder? The Castle Doctrine may allow you to take action, but it is best to understand how the doctrine works and what you are able to do to defend yourself, your family, and your property.

What is the Castle Doctrine?

What Should I Do After an Arrest?

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

What Should I Do After an Arrest?

If you were arrested for a crime, you may be worried and afraid, especially if this is your first arrest. The legal system can seem daunting, and you may feel completely alone and terrified. You do not want to do anything that could damage your case and cause you further harm. Yet, you want to try to help your case and hopefully get yourself out of hot water. If you have been arrested or detained, you will want to seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you through the process and protect your rights.

Listen to Law Enforcement

What is the Difference Between Detainment and Arrest?

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

What is the Difference Between Detainment and Arrest?

If you watch any of the reality police shows on television, you may notice that police sometimes place people in handcuffs rather quickly. Sometimes they tell the person that they are not being arrested, but instead are being detained. You may wonder what the difference is and when detainment turns into arrest. You will want to understand in case you find yourself in this particular situation.

What is Detainment?

What Happens if the Police Do Not Read Me My Rights During an Arrest?

Published on: May 18, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

Getting detained and arrested by the police can be a traumatic experience. The situation often happens rather quickly and only later do you begin to think about how the incident unfolded. While most people understand that they have constitutional rights, they often forget about them completely when they are under the stress of being detained or questioned by law enforcement. When you watch television crime shows you may notice that when someone is arrested without their rights having been read, the judge might throw the entire case out. Although this happens on fictional programs, it is not what usually occurs in real life.