The Law Office of Gregory N. Smith Legal Blog

Like many motorists, you may forget that driving is a privilege, not a right. Yet, one wrong move – or a series of them – could lead to the suspension of your license. You might think the threshold for suspension is high. But it can happen after all sorts of offenses, whether related or unrelated to driving. Excessive Traffic Violations…

The criminal justice system categorizes crime by several categories. The two broadest categories are misdemeanors and felonies. Generally, a crime’s severity determines its category. The categorization of misdemeanors versus felonies may seem confusing to many, especially because the specifications can vary state to state. Here, we will take a look at how the state of Illinois determines misdemeanors and felonies.…

The vast majority of parents in Missouri and across the country are dedicated to ensuring the safety of their children. For some parents with guns in the household, this includes providing lessons about gun safety. Unfortunately, police say that a lesson in one home turned to tragedy, resulting in an assault charge against a father and the hospitalization of a…

When a person’s life is at risk, he or she often responds in a way that is instinctual. The purpose of the response is to protect oneself. Unfortunately, a teenager in Missouri is now charged with murder even though evidence surrounding the case indicates that he may have been acting out of fear for his own safety. The incident that…

Most people recognize the importance of stop signs. Unfortunately, even the most careful drivers can sometimes overlook a traffic sign while driving. Reports indicate that a former police officer in Missouri is now facing multiple criminal charges, including DWI, following a fatal crash that is believed to have been caused by failure to obey a stop sign. The incident happened…

Heroin is illegal in all states, but the consequences of being found in the possession of this drug differs from state to state. If you or a loved one have already been accused of heroin possession, it is important that you understand where the law stands in your state and what punishments you may receive. You should also remember that…

Anyone who has been a victim of theft likely knows of the helpless feeling that comes with such an event. Often, some may feel that law enforcement officers do not do enough to help them resolve their issues. Unfortunately, a man in Missouri who allegedly took matters into his own hands after his car was stolen now faces criminal charges,…

Most drivers have experienced a moment when his or her vehicle drifted off the side of the road. Typically, this sort of incident ends with the driver making a correction and continuing on his or her way. However, police claim that an accident in which a driver drove off the side of a road in Missouri was intentional; now the…

When allegations of a crime occur, there is an understandable need for information and, typically, a desire for justice. Regardless of the allegations, there must be sufficient evidence to prove guilt in court and beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires more evidence than someone simply stating that a crime occurred. Despite this, there are many unclear details about a case…

When a crime occurs, there is an understandable demand for answers. Unfortunately, those who are suspected of committing a crime may not fully understand their legal rights and options. In fact, two men in Missouri now face criminal charges, including murder, after investigators concluded that a fire was suspicious. The fire in question reportedly happened on a day in early…