Drug Crimes

Report Reveals Cost Of Drug Possession Crimes

Published on: October 20, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?”

One unfortunate consequence of the recent election mess has been that little attention is getting paid to some serious issues. While reporters hunt for embarrassing information about the presidential candidates, not enough is being done to force either of the major party nominees to speak to some troubling concerns, including issues like criminal justice reform. A recently published report lays out some of those troubles, putting in stark terms the terrible toll drug possession crimes take on the country.

A Dank Car Alone Does Not Authorize Police to Search Your Person, Says NC Appeals Court

Published on: September 8, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?”

It has long been the case that police can claim they smell marijuana in order to gain the probable cause needed to search your person, vehicle or other personal property you have with you in states where the substance is still illegal.

Evidence from an Illegal Stop Can Still Be Used Against You, Says Supreme Court

Published on: August 25, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?”

We previously covered the recent United States Supreme Court ruling in Birchfield v. North Dakota that addressed the legality of blood tests performed on individuals pulled over under suspicion of driving while impaired. While that decision wasn’t exactly a home run in terms of defendant rights, it was far and away a more solid win than the Court’s decision three (3) days prior in Utah v. Strieff.

Cherokee, NC Considers Marijuana Legalization After Hazy Federal Guidance

Published on: June 17, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?”

Tribal territory in Cherokee, North Carolina is closer than any other area in North Carolina to legalizing marijuana for its citizens. A group called Common Sense Cannabis (CSC) is conducting a survey, to be presented to the tribal leadership, asking the reservation’s residents what they think of medical marijuana.

Former NFL Player’s Arrest Video as Search and Seizure Law Informational Tool?

Published on: March 3, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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?”

The advent of police vehicle and body cameras in recent years has been aimed at greater transparency and accountability amongst law enforcement. Sometimes, as in the case of former NFL receiver Jabar Gaffney recently, these arrest videos can provide teachable material from which other citizens can learn.

Another Criminal Court Rules On Case Concerning Drug-Sniffing Dogs

Published on: December 8, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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 since struggled with how to implement the new rule and apply it to similar, though not identical, fact patterns.

Drug Crimes, Ex-Cons and Food Stamps

Published on: November 10, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question: I was found not guilty of a charge, but my record still shows the charge.

As we’ve mentioned many times before, being convicted of a crime can have very serious repercussions on your life. Beyond the obvious fines and jail time, a criminal conviction can cast a long shadow. Those convicted of certain crimes may be denied student loans, certain government housing, face a more difficult time finding work and, in some cases, even be denied food stamps. To find out more about how a criminal conviction could result in a denial of such an important benefit like money for food, keep reading.

Oregon Marijuana Legalization Effort Focuses Attention on Prior Criminal Records

Published on: September 22, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?

Marijuana legalization is a concept that went from seemingly impossible to near mainstream in the span of only a few years. Washington and Colorado were among the early movers that have paved the way for other states who are now taking the plunge. Oregon, though not the first to abolish legal consequences for growing, possessing and buying marijuana, has taken a step ahead of other states by tackling the issue of criminal records of those with marijuana-related crimes.

Use of criminal law to address societal problems leads to over-criminalization

Published on: June 4, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?”

The passage of the Controlled Substances Act by the United States Congress in 1970 represented perhaps the largest single legislative effort to address societal problems by use of the criminal law.

Supreme Court curtails use of drug-sniffing dogs in traffic stops

Published on: April 16, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I talk to the police?”

Last week the United States Supreme Court held that law-enforcement officers may not prolong traffic-stop investigations in order to allow police canine units to sniff vehicles for drugs.