Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” We have discussed bail before. Specifically, we have discussed the ways in which the current bail system in place in many states is designed in such a way that disadvantages the…
Articles Posted in Criminal Defense
Civil Forfeiture Under Attack In Michigan
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” We have discussed civil asset forfeiture before and how there is growing consensus around the country that the practice has many negatives and unfairly impacts those who are already among the most vulnerable. The system…
Legislators In Alabama Take Aim At Civil Asset Forfeiture Law
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” We have discussed civil asset forfeiture many times before, usually noting the ways in which the practice is used to unfairly seize assets from often-innocent individuals, enriching law enforcement agencies at the expense of the…
Supreme Court To Hear Case Involving Minor Sentenced To 241 Years In Prison
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” Those who follow issues involving criminal law may know that the United States is an outlier among other countries in the world when it comes to punishment of juvenile…
Florida Legislature Moves Forward With Plan To Allow Retroactive Criminal Law Changes
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” When we think of the law we often imagine rules that are set in stone. The law is meant to remain constant, allowing certainty over time and consistent treatment,…
Private Warrants
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” One of the many new changes going into effect on December 1, 2017, involves North Carolina’s private warrant system. The subject seldom gets much attention, but because of the important consequence it can…
Is failing to cremate a crime?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?” It can be hard to imagine anything worse than having a loved one pass away. The death of a child, a parent or a spouse can be crippling. It is not…
Congressman Ordered To Take Mugshot
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” The mugshot is something that an average person would immediately associate with a brush with the law. The assumption is that anyone and everyone who is arrested or convicted of a…
Delayed discovery can delay justice in criminal cases
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question:”What is an expungement?” Most people do not spend time worrying about things like the discovery process. It is legalistic and confusing to those not familiar with the criminal justice system. Though it can be complicated, it is incredibly important and worth…
Illinois Legislature Approves Changes To Civil Forfeiture Law
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I clean up my social media profile after being charged?” We have discussed civil asset forfeiture cases previously, noting each time how these important matters tend to happen under the radar. Few people understand that the police have the power…