misdemeanor

Safe Driver Incentive Plan Explained

Published on: December 18, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Safe Driver Incentive Plan Explained

Safe driving results in fewer accidents and that means fewer injuries and fatalities on our roadways. Drivers face getting points on their driver’s licenses when they violate traffic laws, but many people are not aware of the impact that accidents and traffic tickets have on insurance rates. The Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) is a program that was established by law. The more points you accumulate, the more your insurance rates will rise. If you do not have any traffic violations or accidents, your insurance rates will not be impacted.

How SDIP Works

Loitering Charges in North Carolina

Published on: December 11, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Loitering Charges in North Carolina

When someone stays in a public space for too long without any reason, they may be accused of loitering. Generally, when someone is loitering, the police will ask them to leave. When a person remains in an area that does not allow loitering, they could be charged with a crime. It is most often charged in areas of high crime rates, where gang activity happens, or places where drug transactions are known to occur. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you protect your rights and resolve the matter.

What is Loitering?

Firearms Laws and Gun Owner Rights in North Carolina

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

Firearms Laws and Gun Owner Rights in North Carolina

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides citizens with the right to keep and bear arms. This means that generally, adults are allowed to purchase and possess firearms as protection. Each state has various laws that pertain to the sale and ownership of guns, along with federal laws that pertain to all those who live in the United States. It is helpful for gun owners to understand the laws that apply to firearms ownership in North Carolina.

North Carolina Gun Laws

Driver Improvement Clinics

Published on: November 27, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Driver Improvement Clinics

All drivers are required to obey the law when they are operating a motor vehicle. There are dozens of laws that are designed to promote safety and prevent accidents and injuries on the roadways. Drivers who fail to obey traffic laws may receive violations with penalties that may include fines and points assessed on their driving records. When points accumulate, a driver may lose driving privileges for a period of time. In some cases, a driver may be eligible for a driver improvement clinic.

What are Driver Improvement Clinics?

What Happens to My Property if I Go to Jail?

Published on: November 20, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Happens to My Property if I Go to Jail?

One of the serious punishments that may happen to you if you are convicted of a crime is spending time in jail. When you are incarcerated, you will no longer have the freedoms you previously enjoyed, and you no longer have access to your property. Many people wonder what will happen to their property if they have to spend time in jail.

Property on Your Person

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.

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