Theft

Investigation Finds Poor Conditions in Mecklenburg County Jails

Published on: October 23, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Investigation Finds Poor Conditions in Mecklenburg County Jails

Nobody enjoys the experience of spending time in jail. When you are incarcerated, you do not expect to be treated like you are in a fancy hotel. But you also do not expect to be treated poorly or inhumanely. A recent investigation of Mecklenburg County found that the conditions are terrible and even dangerous. According to the report, there have been 18 deaths since 2019 at the detention center. The investigation sheds light on the problem and asks for something to be done to resolve it. The investigation was conducted by local defense attorneys.

Reports of Inhumane Conditions

Hit and Run Laws in North Carolina

Published on: October 2, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Hit and Run Laws in North Carolina

Vehicle accidents are common occurrences. Most accidents involve minor fender benders, although some result in serious injuries and damages. Whenever a driver is involved in a traffic accident, they must follow the law. A person who fails to stay on the scene of a crash or does not report an accident may be subject to penalties and could face criminal charges in some cases. If you have been charged, a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help guide your defense and protect your rights.

Hit and Run Law in North Carolina

What is the Difference Between Petty Larceny and Grand Larceny?

Published on: September 25, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Difference Between Petty Larceny and Grand Larceny?

Theft or larceny charges are serious, and if you are convicted, you could face a variety of penalties. In addition, you will have a criminal record that will impact many areas of your life for years to come. Petty larceny and grand larceny are both types of theft, and the charges will depend on factors such as the value of items that were allegedly stolen. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help guide you through the process and assist you in your defense.

Definition of Larceny

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?

Possession of Stolen Property

Published on: May 24, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Possession of Stolen Property

Buying things online and through websites makes it easier than ever to find items that you need or want. Whether you are purchasing a new or used item, you will want to make sure that it is not stolen, or you could get into legal trouble. It is illegal to purchase or have stolen property in your possession. Unfortunately, sometimes you could face charges for stolen property that you did not take. If you are charged with possession of stolen property, you will want to fight the charges with help from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

What is Possession or Receipt of Stolen Goods?

Defending Larceny Charges in North Carolina

Published on: June 8, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question:”A past conviction is keeping me from finding work. What can I do?”

Larceny means the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to keep it from the owner permanently. Larceny by definition does not include the use of force. If force is used in the taking of property, the act becomes a more serious offense, such as robbery. Another word that you can often use interchangeably with larceny is theft. Theft can occur whether the property owner is present or not, as long as force is not used. Larceny may be a misdemeanor or felony based on some factors such as the dollar amount of the property taken.

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.

Breaking and Entering and Burglary in North Carolina

Published on: December 25, 2019 | 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?”

Christmas came early for burglars in Charlotte. Two suspects stole Christmas gifts and cash in a recent armed home invasion in the city. The crime highlights the importance of taking security measures to protect your home ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

What Happens if You Steal From a Retail Store in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Published on: November 20, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

North Carolina law recognizes theft as taking someone else’s property without their permission to permanently deprive the owner of the item. Theft, burglary, and shoplifting are serious crimes. Being charged with one of these crimes carries the risk of losing your freedom and facing other life-changing consequences.

Alaska Tries New Approach To Reduce Prison Population

Published on: January 31, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

States across the country are wrestling with finding ways to deal with increasingly large prison populations. People on both side of the issue acknowledge that as the population of people incarcerated continues to swell it presents a multitude of challenges, some budgetary, some logistical, others societal. One approach advocated by many is to try and reverse the trend by reducing criminal penalties for a range of mainly low-level offenses. By reducing the number of crimes that result in time behind bars, you not only save money, but also hopefully address underlying issues through treatment and reduce recidivism.