North Carolina

How Many Drinks are Too Many to Drive?

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

How Many Drinks are Too Many to Drive?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense. A driver who is convicted of DWI in North Carolina could face penalties that include suspension of driver’s license, jail time, fines, probation, community service, and a requirement to attend alcohol abuse education or rehabilitation. Most people can tolerate a single alcoholic beverage without noticeable impairment, but how many drinks are too many to drive? The answer isn’t simple. There are many factors that determine impairment.

https://youtu.be/lMcGLBliR40?si=g1dXT4uXngZ6kGLS

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

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 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?

Fighting Vandalism Charges in North Carolina

Published on: July 24, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Fighting Vandalism Charges in North Carolina

Vandalism is one of the most common charges in North Carolina and elsewhere. Vandalism happens when someone causes damage or destroys property that belongs to someone else. Most often, vandalism is a misdemeanor; however, there may be some instances when it is a felony. If convicted of a misdemeanor vandalism charge, you could face a sentence that includes fines and community service. In some cases, you could face jail time. An experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney will help you defend vandalism charges.

What is Vandalism?

What are the Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Charges?

Published on: July 10, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Charges?

There are many laws in place that include both state and federal charges. Most of the crimes that people commit are state laws, while some crimes are federal. When someone is arrested, the court will determine whether they are accused of committing a state or federal crime. Then, the appropriate charges will apply. There are some differences between state and federal criminal charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney will handle all types of criminal charges, including state and federal.

https://youtu.be/NK9gGmLwAhk

Assault and Battery Charges in North Carolina

Published on: July 3, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Assault and Battery Charges in North Carolina

Assault charges are among the most common types of criminal charges in North Carolina. A conviction of assault charges could result in serious penalties that may include jail time, fines, community service, and more. In North Carolina, there are three main types of crimes that are similar. These include assault, battery, and affray. While these are defined as separate crimes, the penalties if found guilty are basically the same.

Assault – Assault in North Carolina law is defined as “an attempt to injure another by use of force or violence, or an act of force or violence that places another person in reasonable fear of immediate bodily harm.” An assault occurs when someone intends to cause harm to another and not by accident.

Should I Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court?

Published on: June 26, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Should I Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court?

Almost everyone receives a speeding warning or ticket at some time in their lives. A speeding ticket is not necessarily a big deal, but in some cases, it can have a lasting impact. Generally, you have the option to simply send in a payment for the ticket or request a hearing. If you pay the ticket, you are admitting guilt, and therefore, you will be assessed a number of points on your driver’s license. If you wish to fight a speeding ticket, it is often helpful to seek guidance from an experienced defense attorney.

What are Points and Why Do They Matter?