robbery

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?

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?

North Carolina Booze it and Lose it Campaign

Published on: November 6, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

North Carolina Booze it and Lose it Campaign

Drinking and driving is the cause of many accidents with injuries and fatalities. North Carolina has put a statewide “Booze It and Lose It” campaign in place to combat potential drunk driving. The campaign is in place this year, and extra efforts are being put in place for holiday periods. The program puts more law enforcement in place during times of possible increased drinking and driving. As a result of increased police efforts, there may be an increase in drivers who have been charged with DUI. An experienced criminal defense attorney will assist you in defending DUI charges in North Carolina.

Booze it and Lose it

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

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

What Happens If I Refuse to Take a DWI Test?

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

What Happens If I Refuse to Take a DWI Test?

DWI can happen to almost anyone. You had a few drinks at dinner or have been out with friends and feel that you are not drunk. You get behind the wheel, and suddenly, you are stopped by the police. Although you may have been pulled over for a traffic infraction, the police think you might be impaired and ask you to step out of the car. Now you find that you are being asked to perform field sobriety tests and are asked to take a breathalyzer test.

What is a Breathalyzer Test?

Fleeing and Eluding Charges in North Carolina

Published on: May 22, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Fleeing and Eluding Charges in North Carolina

When police lights and sirens are behind you, signaling you to pull over, North Carolina law requires you to stop. You must pull to the side of the road and bring your vehicle to a full stop. Regardless of whether you agree with the traffic stop or not, you must still follow the law. If you fail to stop, the police will believe that you are fleeing and eluding. You will likely face charges of fleeing and eluding along with any other charges that might arise from the traffic stop.

What is Fleeing and Eluding?

Five Things to Know About DWI in North Carolina

Published on: May 8, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Five Things to Know About DWI in North Carolina

Driving while impaired, DWI, is a serious offense and if you are convicted, you could face serious penalties. A DWI conviction can limit your ability to get a job or find an apartment and can increase your car insurance rates. If you are facing a DWI you will want to vigorously defend the charges with help from an experienced DWI attorney. Here are five important things to know about DWI in North Carolina.

The Legal Limit is 0.08% BAC