child abuse

How Can I Defend Against Child Abuse Charges?

Published on: January 18, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Defend Against Child Abuse Charges?

Your children are the most important parts of your life, and you will do anything you can to protect them from harm. Sometimes, a problem occurs, and you find that you are charged with child abuse. Child abuse charges are serious, and if convicted, you will face severe penalties. You may also lose your right to spend time with your children, and you might even end up behind bars. If you were charged with child abuse, you must vigorously defend the charges and protect your rights. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you through the legal process and defend against the charges brought against you.

What is Abuse?

What are Misdemeanors in North Carolina?

Published on: September 29, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

When you are charged with a crime, it is important to understand the severity of the charges and potential penalties. There are two main classifications of crimes including misdemeanors and felonies. Felony crimes are generally more serious and therefore they include more substantial consequences if convicted. Misdemeanors are usually less serious in nature and if convicted you will be subject to less harsh penalties than felonies. It is helpful to explore misdemeanor crimes to learn more about them and their sentences.

Chair of Charlotte’s Police Review Board Charged with Child Sexual Abuse, Rape, Incest, and Other Crimes

Published on: September 11, 2019 | 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?”

The Statute of Limitations for North Carolina Criminal Charges

Published on: October 3, 2018 | 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?”

If you watch a television drama that follows the story of a crime and its prosecution, it seems like a quick process. A crime is committed, suspects are identified, a suspect is charged, the court hears the case, and an outcome is decided. Reality is not like television. Sometimes it takes days, months, or even years to determine who committed a crime. Is there a time limit for bringing about a charge on a suspect? Or can charges be brought anytime after the crime was committed and a suspect was found? The answer to those questions vary from state to state, but in North Carolina it depends on whether the crime was a misdemeanor or a felony.

Hot Dog: Unattended Vehicles Can Land You, Kids, Pets in a Pickle This Summer

Published on: August 4, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “The person that called the police doesn’t want to press charges, can I still be prosecuted?”

NASA just reported that May 2016 was the hottest month our planet has ever had—and North Carolina’s sweltering temperatures have been no exception. Given that summer is now here it seems as good a time as any to remind people of the dangers of leaving small children and pets in hot vehicles.

Rescue of Carrie Underwood’s baby and dogs locked in vehicle serves as reminder of North Carolina’s Good Samaritan law.

Published on: July 20, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI and Criminal Defense Attorney J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Can the police search my car without a warrant?”

Carrie Underwood tried to warn us ten years ago of the damage she can inflict on a vehicle. In her 2005 hit song, “Before He Cheats,” Underwood sings of taking a Louisville slugger to a cheating boyfriend’s truck headlights. That Louisville slugger would have come in handy on July 11^th, albeit under very different circumstances.

Visiting child’s school will now necessitate fingerprinting, criminal background checks

Published on: May 14, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers: A past conviction is keeping me from finding work what can I do?

The mother of a Pennsylvania third grader has learned, in an indirect way, the ages-old axiom that “good facts make bad law.”

Justices appear poised to strike criminal law due to unconstitutional vagueness

Published on: April 30, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?

Observers at oral argument before the United States Supreme Court say high-court justices were so confused by provisions of the Armed Career Criminal Act that they appeared poised to declare clauses in the act—or the Act itself—unconstitutionally vague.