Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
64 Client Reviews
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J. Bradley Smith
also known as James Bradley Smith, Brad Smith
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About J.
Biography
J. Bradley Smith of Arnold & Smith, PLLC is a Charlotte native who has practiced criminal law in North Carolina throughout his career. After graduating law school, Mr. Smith joined the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s office, where he prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases. In 2006, Mr. Smith entered private practice, focusing primarily on criminal defense. A graduate of the Trial Advocacy Program at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, SC, Mr. Smith has extensive trial experience encompassing hundreds of cases in superior and district court in North Carolina. In addition, Mr. Smith has received the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration certification for DWI detection – the same training police officers receive to spot motorists suspected of driving while impaired. Mr. Smith is also a certified operator of the Intoxilyzer 5000, the instrument often used by law enforcement to test for breath alcohol content. In 2011, he was selected by North Carolina Lawyer’s Weekly as one of North Carolina’s Emerging Legal Leaders. Mr. Smith has had several high profile cases that have appeared in the news and he is frequently called upon by the media to provide insight for topics pertaining to the criminal justice system in North Carolina. He has spoken at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and is a popular lecturer to various civic groups and other Charlotte organizations. J. Bradley Smith has helped countless clients who have found themselves facing criminal and DWI charges. He and his staff are always ready to answer any questions and help formulate a strategic defense based on the individual case.
When facing a felony, DUI/DWI or minor traffic offense, you need Arnold & Smith, PLLC on your side!
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
22 years
DUI and DWI
30%
22 years
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
20%
22 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
Awards
2017 2015 2014
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 21 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Arnold & Smith, PLLC
(704) 370-2202
Fax
200 North McDowell Street, Charlotte, NC, 28204
arnoldsmithlaw.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find J. online.
J. Bradley Smith's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 16 - 19 of 19 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | October 17, 2012 | Criminal Defense
"The Best"
My experience with Attorney Brad Smith was phenomenal. I had been charged with a crime that I was innocent of. I had many times thought of just "taking the plea deal" to have it all over with, and Brad Smith encouraged me to let justice work for me. On his advice, we went to court and the outcome ...
Posted by Daniel | July 18, 2012 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Excellent Experience
Mr. Smith handled a minor traffic ticket for me. I didn't have the time to go to court and deal with the paperwork myself so I hired Mr. Smith to deal with it. After a short phone call and signing some paperwork he took care of everything. Extremely happy with the result and I didn't have to waste...
Posted by Trell | February 13, 2012 | DUI & DWI
The Best Of The Best
I would absolutely recommend James Bradley Smith to represent anyone in court. The reason i say this is because he was very professional, he and his office kept me informed, and not to mention he won my dui case! Mr.Smith made me feel like i had nothing to worry about and was always on time and promp...
Posted by Todd S | November 14, 2011 | DUI & DWI
Fantastic Lawyer
He handled my DWI case. He gathered the information needed and when he found an opening he took it. He is very comfortable in the court room and knows the law very well. His office is also very helpful in answering any questions. I was very pleased I went with Mr Smith he looked at my case in a diffe...
J. Bradley Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Brad. I have known Brad for many years. He has a unique understanding of the criminal justice system with experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney. He is passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Brad's reputation speaks for itself. He is an excellent lawyer and extremely knowledgeable in the area of DWI defense. I have seen him take many cases to trial and there is no doubt he is among the best in the State."
"Mr. Smith is well respected in the legal community and extremely competent. I endorse and recommend this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Well versed attorney and committed to the cause of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Brad is an excellent attorney. I routinely refer clients to him for criminal matters and trust him to always obtain the best result through aggressive representation."
"Brad Smith is a household name all around the state of NC for DWI defense. Having previously been in the DA's Office, he knows the in's and out's of both sides. I pick up something new every time I watch him try a case."
"A very experienced and skilled advocate. I recommend him highly."
"One of the best DWI attorneys in Charlotte. Highly recommend."
"I endorse this lawyer. I would personally recommend his services to anyone."
Michael Waddington
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Aug 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse James as a criminal defense lawyer. He is relentless in his pursuit of justice and will go to battle with the prosecution to fight for the rights of his clients."
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse James. He is an outstanding trial lawyer and a true warrior for justice."
"Brad is definitely the new hot shot in town when it comes to DWI and Criminal Defense matters. He is very hardworking, extremely knowledgeable and is a tenacious litigator. I wouldn't hesitate one second to recommend Brad to anyone charged with a crime in the Charlotte-Metro area."
"Mr. Smith's work ethic is unmatched. He works hard for his clients and is very forthright and honest with them regarding the realities of each and every situation and his recommendation on how to proceed. He is an excellent trial lawyer and is well respected in the legal community."
"When a personal friend who is an attorney was charged with DWI in Charlotte and wanted to fight the charge I sent him to Brad."
"Mr. Smith is a strong lawyer to have on your side for criminal matters. He is extremely gifted and persuasive in criminal and jury settings obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients."
"I strongly endorse Mr. Smith. He practices law the right way and treats each case like it is his only case. He strives to give you the best information he can so that you can make the best decisions for yourself. If a plea deal is what is best, so be it. But, if a trial is the better strategy, I think Mr. Smith is one of the best fighters around."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
Readers' Choice 2013 Best Lawyer in Charlotte, Charlotte Observer
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Top 50 Entrepreneur Award, Business Leader Magazine
2012
NC Outstanding Young Lawyers - Criminal Defense, American Registry
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers Association
2011
Emerging Legal Leaders, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Managing Partner, Arnold & Smith, PLLC
2006 - 2007
Attorney, Andresen & Associates, PC
2004 - 2006
Assistant District Attorney, Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2010 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for JusticeAttorney Member
2009 - Present
National College of DUI Defense
2008 - Present
Carr Historic Society, LLCManaging Member
2007 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
2004 - Present
North Carolina State BarAttorney Member
2004 - Present
Mecklenburg County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State of North Carolina v. Nance
Not guilty
State of North Carolina v Felts
Not guilty
Education
2009
National College for DUI Defense
Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI/DWI Cases
2007
NHTSA/IACP
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
2007
United States Department of Transportation
Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Technician
2006
Nationa Advocacy Center - Columbia, SC
Trial Advocacy Program
2004
Mercer University - Walter F. George School of Law
Juris Doctor
2000
North Carolina State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2008
"Twelve Angry Men" Panel Discussion
Legal Perspective on Jury Selection Process
Publications
2012
charlottecriminallawyer-blog
Charlotte Man Arrested for Presbyterian Hospital Attacks
2012
charlottecriminallawyer-blog
Charlotte Soccer Coach Arrested for Sex With a Minor
2012
charlottecriminallawyer-blog
Incarcerated Juveniles in North Carolina Prepare for Sentencing Changes
2012
charlottecriminallawyer-blog.com
Discreetly recording the police? There's an app for that
2012
charlottecriminallawyer-blog.com
UNC Professor Held in Argentina On Drug Charges Close to Release
2012
charlottecriminallawyer-blog.com
Judge in Trayvon Martin case grants Zimmerman $1M bail
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is there any way to avoid the installation of an IID after my first DUI?
08 Jun 2014
Q&A
Is deferred dismissal the same thing as deferred prosecution?
29 Nov 2013
Q&A
The D.A. reduced my ticket down to 9mph over the speed limit. Will my insurance go up?
25 Nov 2013