Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog

California voters weigh in on several important criminal law matters

Published on: November 15, 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?”

Millions of voters around the country are busy today making a number of important decisions, the biggest of which is about who will lead our country for the next four years. Though the significance of that question often overshadows other concerns, voters in some states, California chief among them, will also need to consider some important ballot questions that could have an important impact on criminal law for years to come. Let’s take a moment to discuss a few of these California proposals and what they might mean for citizens of the state should they become law.

When Prosecutors Become Persecutors

Published on: November 10, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

A recent article in Bloomberg discusses the danger that comes when prosecutors become persecutors. Though everyone agrees it is important to obey the law, some prosecutors take the power to enforce our many laws and run wild with it. Interpreting often vague legislation broadly can give the government sweeping power to target nearly anyone it disagrees with. It’s for this reason that prosecutors are called to exercise restraint and use their extensive power only when absolutely necessary.

Sex Offenders and Social Networks

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

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?”

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear North Carolina’s law that bans registered sex offenders from using or even accessing any social media that allows those under 18 to post, which includes Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and more.

N.C. Judge Convicted of Bribing a Public Official With Bud Light

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

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

When Judge Arnold O. Jones II asked a Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy to dig around in Jones’ wife’s text message records between her and another man, the deputy didn’t tell him no. The deputy didn’t tell him he would need a warrant for accessing such information. And the deputy definitely didn’t tell Jones that he also worked as a member of an FBI gang task force.

Are there any criminal implications of Trump’s groping?

Published on: November 1, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?”

Donald Trump has been all over newspapers and cable news in recent weeks and, though he generally loves media attention, he’d probably prefer it if he weren’t. A leaked tape of lewd conversations with a former entertainment news anchor spiraled into more serious accusations concerning unwanted sexual contact with more than 10 different women over the past several decades. The women say they were prompted to come forward with their accounts after Trump denied ever having acted on his comments.

Riot Charges Dropped for 1 Dakota Pipeline Journalist; Other Still Faces 45 Years in Prison

Published on: October 27, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

The term “riot” is a sensitive one in many cities across the nation these days, including in the Queen City. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police arrested at least 72 people over the six (6) days of protests and riots that occurred after the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott last month.

“You Have the Right to an Attorney”—Unless Prosecutors Insist You’re Unconscious?

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

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?”

The man suspected of planting the bombs on the Jersey Shore and in Manhattan last month is being represented by attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) after being denied access to a federal public defender.

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.

Could Trump Throw Hillary In Jail?

Published on: October 13, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?”

For those following the 2016 election, it’s been a very interesting past year or so, to say the least. No one could have predicted many of the headline-grabbing events that have occurred, including the most recent involving the release of a tape where Donald Trump made lewd comments regarding women. In an attempt to change the national conversation, Trump made a rather dramatic pronouncement at this weekend’s second presidential debate. According to Trump, if he wins in November, he will launch a criminal investigation of Hillary Clinton and her use of a private server while serving as Secretary of State. Though some cheered while others were left aghast, many more wondered whether such a thing is even possible. To find out more, keep reading.

New DWI Deadlines: One May Help Defendants, the Other Helps…Court Scheduling?

Published on: October 11, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What steps should I be taking outside legal guidance to help my DWI case?”

Two (2) new deadlines for DWI trials in North Carolina took effect at the beginning of this month, and it’s a mixed bag for defendants.