J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC responds to “The person that called the police doesn’t want to press charges, can I still be prosecuted?” Dave Pollizi and his wife noticed something unusual while at their Lake Wylie home the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Cars were parked in the…
Articles Posted in Criminal Defense
Group Calls For Changes Concerning Eyewitness Identification
Charlotte DWI and Criminal Defense Attorney J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” It’s often the most dramatic scene in any legal TV show or movie: the moment when the witness on…
Another Criminal Court Rules On Case Concerning Drug-Sniffing Dogs
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I talk to the police?” In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court heard an important case concerning the use of drug-sniffing dogs. As is often the case following an important Supreme Court ruling, states and lower courts have…
Several New Criminal Laws Set To Begin On December 1st
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I talk to the police?” As the end of the year approaches, so does the deadline for implementing various new laws. Tradition in North Carolina dictates that new laws go into effect later in the year, giving…
Recent West Virginia Case Clarifies Rights Of Defendants
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question: “I was found not guilty of a charge, why does my record still show the charge?” The West Virginia Supreme Court recently issued an important decision that will help clear up questions regarding the rights of criminal defendants when…
Adult Punishment For Juvenile Offenders Leads To Early Death
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question: A past conviction is keeping me from finding work what can I do? We’ve previously discussed the harms that can occur when children are charged with adult crimes and made to serve out punishment in adult prisons.…
Can A Facebook Profile Count As A Threat?
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I talk to the police?” The internet has made many things easier, whether it’s searching for information, ordering clothes or wasting time watching movies. Though most of these are positive innovations, not everything that the internet touches…
How Serious Is The Sixth Amendment?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers : I was found not guilty of a charge, but my record still shows the charge Today marks the start of the Supreme Court’s new term. Last year was a remarkable year, with important decisions touching on issues such as healthcare, gay marriage…
Social Media and Criminal Law
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I talk to the police?” When most people think of detective work, they think of a scene out of Law & Order, with police officers kicking in doors or interviewing witnesses. While that’s certainly true in some…
Craigslist-post conviction thrown out; criminal defamation law ruled unconstitutional
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” The axiom that “The truth shall set you free” is, in my opinion, a bit overused and often used out of context. The quote—from the eighth chapter of the Gospel…