Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question:”A past conviction is keeping me from finding work. What can I do?” In a truly grim case out of Goldsboro, North Carolina, police say they are actively searching for a woman whose mother was found dead in a freezer. Police say…
Articles Posted in Criminal Defense
Louisiana Tries To Protect Cops With New Hate Crime Legislation
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Am I allowed to videotape an interaction with police? Can they make me stop filming?” Hate crime legislation is designed to protect those who are victims of discrimination or violence perpetrated by others. The laws are written to provide this protection…
2016 Marks 50th Anniversary of Miranda v. Arizona
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” “You have the right to remain silent…”, a phrase that almost all of us know, but few truly understand. The words are part of what has become known as a Miranda Warning or…
What you should know about the 1994 Crime Bill
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “When can I post on Social media about my ongoing case?” A hot topic the past week or so has concerned a bill signed into law more than two decades ago. The 1994 Crime Bill has become important of late given…
Accused ISIS Supporter Stuck in Stateside Honeypot Trap
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” A young man from Michigan is being accused of supporting the Islamic State by federal prosecutors after becoming involved in a so-called “honeypot trap.” Khalil Abu Rayyan, 21,…
Trump’s Campaign Manager and The Case For Assault
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?” We recently discussed the potential case to be made against Donald Trump related to an incident in North Carolina that left a protestor…
Did Donald Trump Incite A Riot In North Carolina?
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I talk to the police?” Though Donald Trump has had no shortage of press attention over the past few months, a special frenzy has begun recently over claims that the Republican presidential candidate is inciting violence against…
Jeepers Cheepers: Does Timmy Really Need That Easter Chick?
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?” An Arizona-based media company recently posted a video in the run up to Easter this year as a not-so-subtle reminder of the toll this holiday often takes on…
New York Attempts (Yet Again) To Raise The Age Of Criminal Responsibility
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I talk to the police?” Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York, has yet again put forward a plan that would require the state’s family court system (those responsible for handling juvenile crime) to raise its age…
Recent “Ineffective Assistance of Counsel” Ruling Provides Defense-Friendly Look at Confession Suppression
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” An exciting new ruling came out of the federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals this February. This is the federal court that has jurisdiction over North Carolina, and it held…