Juvenile Court

Defending Against Juvenile Criminal Charges: What Parents Need to Know

Published on: January 15, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Defending Against Juvenile Criminal Charges: What Parents Need to Know

One of the most terrifying things to face as a parent is a phone call from the police stating that your child is in trouble. Parents want to do everything possible to help their children through this difficult experience and keep them from having severe penalties that could negatively impact the rest of their lives. When your child has been detained or is charged with a crime, parents need to know the options available and how to best handle the situation. Often, the best way to proceed is with guidance from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Juvenile Crimes

Fighting Vandalism Charges in North Carolina

Published on: July 24, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Fighting Vandalism Charges in North Carolina

Vandalism is one of the most common charges in North Carolina and elsewhere. Vandalism happens when someone causes damage or destroys property that belongs to someone else. Most often, vandalism is a misdemeanor; however, there may be some instances when it is a felony. If convicted of a misdemeanor vandalism charge, you could face a sentence that includes fines and community service. In some cases, you could face jail time. An experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney will help you defend vandalism charges.

What is Vandalism?

What are the Most Common Juvenile Crimes?

Published on: May 25, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “As a parent, what should I be aware of when speaking to police about charges my child faces?”

https://youtu.be/PJbBSmvamxI?t=1

As a parent, you work hard to protect your children throughout their lives. Unfortunately, there may come a time when your child makes a mistake, an error in judgment, or is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. When a child under the age of 18 is charged with a crime, they are often considered a juvenile. Juvenile crimes are similar to adult crimes, but because they are committed by a minor, the consequences and penalties are different. In some cases, a juvenile might be charged as an adult, particularly when charged with a serious crime.

Landmark Criminal Justice Reform Coming to North Carolina on Dec. 1, 2019

Published on: October 16, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “As a parent, what should I be aware of when speaking to police about charges my child faces?”

Landmark Criminal Justice Reform Coming to North Carolina on Dec. 1, 2019

Supreme Court To Hear Case Involving Minor Sentenced To 241 Years In Prison

Published on: January 17, 2018 | 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?”

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 offenders. For years the U.S. was among only a small number of countries in the world where individuals could be sentenced to life without parole for crimes they committed as minors. That changed about eight years ago, bringing the U.S. somewhat more in line with practices in other developed nations. Though the change was heralded as a good thing by many, a recent case that was granted cert by the Supreme Court highlights the dangerous loopholes that still exist in current criminal practice.

9-year-old stabbed to death by 13-year-old brings attention to criminal juvenile court system

Published on: September 2, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “What is an expungement?”

A very sad case out of Michigan recently made headlines involving a 13-year-old boy on trial for murder. The case is especially tragic because the 13-year-old stands accused of killing a 9-year-old, stabbing him to death at a neighborhood playground.