Rights during police stop

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

Do I Have to Identify Myself to the Police?

Published on: May 31, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Have to Identify Myself to the Police?

Many people watch police reality shows on television and notice that the police always ask for identification. In fact, it is usually the first thing they do when they approach someone. If you have been stopped by the police while driving, you know that the officer likely immediately asked for your name. Some people wonder whether they are required to identify themselves to the police. If you were charged with a crime, it is helpful to seek legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney in North Carolina.

Must I Identify Myself to the Police?

What to Do if You are Stopped By the Police

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

What to Do if You are Stopped By the Police

When the police are not handling major crimes, they are often roving around on the lookout for traffic violations and minor offenses. The police may stop you for any number of reasons. If you have ever been stopped, you know that you might get very scared, even if you did not do anything wrong. Your heart rate may go up, and you could experience other signs of anxiety. You might become flustered when you speak with the officer. It is helpful to know what you should and should not do when you get stopped by the police.

Slow Down and Pull Over – As soon as you see police lights or hear the siren behind you, it is your duty to pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. You will want to choose a safe spot, but you must slow down so the police know that it is your intention to stop. You do not want to provoke a chase or get charged with failure to heed.

What are the Most Common Claims that Stem from Police Misconduct?

Published on: November 18, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI and Criminal Defense Attorney J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Can the police search my car without a warrant?”

It’s been two months since a North Carolina Judge declared a mistrial for the police officer who killed Jonathan Ferrell. After four days of debates, the jury was deadlocked, 7-5 on an initial vote and 8-4 on the succeeding three votes. And when Judge Robert C Ervin asked the jury foreman if further discussions would resolve the dead end, the response was no. Ervin then declared a mistrial.