pleading guilty

What are the Best Strategies for Defending DWI Charges?

Published on: July 19, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Best Strategies for Defending DWI Charges?

Getting charged with DWI, driving while impaired, can be a daunting experience. You were likely driving along when you were stopped by the police. Suddenly, you find yourself at the side of the road, answering questions and performing some field sobriety tests. The next thing you know, you are in handcuffs, headed to the police station. DWI charges are serious, and if you are found guilty, you could face a number of severe penalties. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, there may be options for successfully defending DWI charges.

Was the Traffic Stop Legal?

Can I Get a DWI While Riding a Bicycle in North Carolina?

Published on: July 12, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Get a DWI While Riding a Bicycle in North Carolina?

Riding your bicycle is a great way to get around town. You can ride your bike to get to and from work, to go visit friends, and for pleasure and exercise. When you ride your bike, you may not feel that you have to follow all the same rules that you do when you are behind the wheel of a car. Some people may even use their bicycle instead of a vehicle in an attempt to avoid getting a DWI. Unfortunately, you are still subject to the same traffic laws as when you drive a car. You can still get a DWI while you are riding a bicycle in North Carolina.

What is a Bicycle DWI?

What are the Most Common Blue-Collar Crimes?

Published on: July 5, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Most Common Blue-Collar Crimes?

Crime is generally categorized into white-collar and blue-collar. White-collar crimes are non-violent and include such things as embezzlement, health care fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and similar crimes. Blue-collar crime, although not a legal term, usually refers to any crimes other than white-collar crimes and may have a distinct victim and could be violent. Blue-collar crimes are more common, often because they are easier to see and prosecute.

DWI

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me With DWI Charges?

Published on: June 14, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me With DWI Charges?

DWI, or driving while impaired, is a serious charge. You may be pulled over for a traffic infraction and suddenly find yourself performing roadside field sobriety tests. The next thing you know, the police test your BAC and take you to jail. Now you are facing severe penalties if you are convicted. These penalties could cause problems for you for many years to come. You may wonder whether you can defend yourself without having to hire an attorney. Be careful here, as going it alone might put your future in jeopardy. An experienced DWI attorney will help you vigorously defend the charges and assist you in getting the best possible outcome.

DWI Charges are Serious

BAC Explained

Published on: June 7, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

BAC Explained

One of the most serious offenses that a driver may be charged with is driving while impaired, DWI. All states have DWI laws in place to restrict driving a motor vehicle while impaired due to the use of drugs or alcohol. In North Carolina, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. The police may arrest a driver when their BAC is 0.08% or higher, or they are suspected of driving while impaired. Some people think there is a magic number of drinks they can consume before they reach impairment, but that is not true.

How the Body Utilizes Alcohol

Possession of Stolen Property

Published on: May 24, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Possession of Stolen Property

Buying things online and through websites makes it easier than ever to find items that you need or want. Whether you are purchasing a new or used item, you will want to make sure that it is not stolen, or you could get into legal trouble. It is illegal to purchase or have stolen property in your possession. Unfortunately, sometimes you could face charges for stolen property that you did not take. If you are charged with possession of stolen property, you will want to fight the charges with help from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

What is Possession or Receipt of Stolen Goods?

Can I Get DWI Charges Dismissed?

Published on: May 17, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Get DWI Charges Dismissed?

Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious charge in North Carolina and across the country. If you are found guilty, you will face numerous penalties that could have a negative impact on your life for years to come. Getting arrested for DWI is likely one of the worst experiences of your life. DWI laws are tough and are meant to deter people from getting behind the wheel when they are impaired. With such high stakes, you may realize that one of the best ways to resolve your DWI case is by getting the charges dismissed.

Understanding DWI Charges

How Can I Appeal a Guilty Conviction?

Published on: May 10, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Appeal a Guilty Conviction?

A conviction in a criminal case can be devastating. A conviction could result in serious penalties that could have a lasting impact on you and your family. When found guilty of a crime, you will face the sentence that a judge imposes based on the severity of the crime. You may hear that many people appeal their convictions, and some of them are successful. There is a legal method in place to file an appeal. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help guide the appeal process.

Does My Case Qualify for Appeal?

I’m Innocent: Do I Still Need an Attorney?

Published on: October 5, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?”

Every day, thousands of people across the country are arrested on criminal charges. In North Carolina, there are more than 100,000 people serving time in prison after a criminal conviction. The criminal justice system is as fair as possible, but there are times when an innocent person is wrongly convicted. Unfortunately, just because you know you are not guilty does not mean that you will not be convicted. It is critical that you defend the charges against you. This is best accomplished with help from an experienced criminal attorney. You do not need to try to defend yourself. Instead, count on the expertise of a skilled lawyer to assist you through the legal process.

What is an Alford Plea in North Carolina?

Published on: April 21, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

If you are facing criminal charges, you probably know that you have the option of pleading “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” Many people do not realize that there is a fourth option in some states, including North Carolina. It is called the “Alford plea,” named after a historic Supreme Court ruling in 1970.