Criminal Defense

Help! Police Arrested My Teenager!

Published on: June 30, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What should parents tell their children to do when interacting with police officers?”

Your teenager has been arrested by the Charlotte Police Department, and you have received a disturbing call on the phone. It is going to be tough, but try not to panic. Your child needs you to stay focused and in charge. Children make mistakes. It is our job as adults to make sure those mistakes do not become a criminal record that follows good kids for the rest of their lives. The following are some things to consider if you ever find yourself in this situation. And of course, if your son or daughter has been arrested, the best thing you can do is reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Charlotte right away.

Five Reasons to Choose a Private Criminal Defense Attorney Over a Public Defender

Published on: May 19, 2021 | 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?”

Under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you have a right to be represented by an attorney provided and paid by the state. While you can use a public defender if you cannot afford a private attorney, doing so might negatively impact the outcome of your criminal case.

What are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run in North Carolina?

Published on: April 28, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

In North Carolina, drivers who leave the scene of a car accident can face criminal charges for a hit-and-run. The consequences of a hit-and-run conviction in North Carolina depend on whether the crime is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor.

What if the Police Have a Warrant for My Arrest in North Carolina?

Published on: March 31, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

When someone commits a criminal offense, and the police have a warrant for that person’s arrest, it is critical to act quickly and appropriately. If there is a warrant for your arrest, the last thing you need is to panic, run away, or make bad decisions that would negatively impact the outcome of your criminal case.

What are the Different Types of White-Collar Crimes in North Carolina?

Published on: March 17, 2021 | 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?”

White-collar crimes are serious offenses that should be taken seriously. These crimes are financially motivated and often involve two main components:

What is a Mens Rea Standard in Criminal Cases in North Carolina?

Published on: October 28, 2020 | 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?”

Mens Rea, which is Latin for “guilty mind,” is a standard in North Carolina’s criminal cases that helps prevent people from being punished when their intentions were innocent. The concept helps differentiate between an individual who intentionally committed a crime and an individual who did not intend to do it.

New Study Reveals the Most Common Types of Crimes Committed in North Carolina

Published on: August 26, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

The most recent research published on 24/7 Wall St. revealed the most common types of crimes that are being committed in Charlotte and other parts of North Carolina. The study concluded that in 2018, the most recent year for which crime data is available, crime was more common in North Carolina than it was on average across the United States.

Can My Criminal Defense Attorney Appear in Court on My Behalf?

Published on: August 12, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?”

If the mere thought of standing in front of a judge in court is too overwhelming or scary, you may wonder whether your criminal defense lawyer can appear in court for you. If, for some reason, you cannot or do not want to show up at a court hearing in person, can your attorney appear on your behalf so that you do not have to reschedule the upcoming hearing?

What are Conspiracy Charges in North Carolina and Why do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Published on: August 5, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?”

Conspiracy is defined as an agreement between two or more people to do something unlawful. What penalties can you face for “conspiring” in North Carolina? If you are planning to commit a crime in Charlotte or elsewhere in North Carolina, you can be charged with criminal conspiracy.

Study based on FBI statistics shows in NC “black individuals were arrested more than 2.5x as often as white individuals”

Published on: June 17, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, triggered a wave of nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality.