The Law Office of Gregory N. Smith Legal Blog

If you’re facing criminal charges, you’re likely feeling nervous about the penalties you may be facing. Perhaps the most frightening prospect is the possibility of jail time. However, in some cases, there may be alternatives to incarceration depending on your charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your choices and work on your behalf to potentially reduce…

Parenting children is an enormous responsibility. If your minor child causes property damage or injury to someone else, can you be held legally responsible? Like most states, Missouri has parental responsibility laws that can hold parents civilly responsible for their child’s actions under certain circumstances. The Law Office of Gregory N. Smith can tell you when those circumstances apply and…

Young people across the St. Louis metro who make mistakes and need help to work through difficult problems don’t want to get lost. Especially in the criminal justice system. Here’s a fundamental fact concerning juveniles that all parents can instantly relate to: Their children’s vast potential also links with a mindset and behavior that is not fully developed. A 45-year-old…

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,…