convicted of a crime

Hidden Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

Published on: May 21, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Hidden Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

When you have been charged with a crime, you could be facing a number of serious penalties. If convicted, you could be sentenced to a variety of penalties depending on the sentencing guidelines for that particular crime, as well as other factors, such as your criminal history, and more. Depending on whether a crime is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, you may receive a sentence that includes fines, jail time, probation, community service, rehabilitative treatment, or educational courses, as well as other penalties.

Although you are typically most concerned with the sentencing you may receive if found guilty, there are other consequences that go beyond the court. In addition to the statutory penalties that will be imposed if convicted of a crime, there are other consequences that you may need to deal with as a result of the conviction.

Civil Forfeiture Law In South Carolina Draws Attention

Published on: August 16, 2016 | 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?”

A man from North Carolina had a firsthand experience with neighboring South Carolina’s sweeping civil forfeiture law and is now suing to try and recover the property that he says was unjustifiably taken from him. The case illustrates a broader concern about the way law enforcement authorities in South Carolina and elsewhere use generous civil forfeiture laws to pad their bank accounts. Critics say the forfeitures are more about profit than protecting local communities and are calling for action to draw limits on when and how the laws can be used.

Murder Victim’s Wife Receives Husband’s Gruesome Autopsy Photos in Mail

Published on: May 24, 2016 | 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’ve already been convicted of a crime but are sitting in jail awaiting sentencing, criminal defense lawyers will normally advise you to stay on your best behavior. The lag time between conviction and sentencing leaves any jailhouse behavior subject to the sentencing judge’s scrutiny.