Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” If the mere thought of standing in front of a judge in court is too overwhelming or scary, you may wonder whether your criminal defense lawyer can appear in court for you. If,…
Articles Posted in Court Procedures
How can You Get a Speedy Trial in North Carolina During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” The coronavirus pandemic, which paralyzed the U.S. court system, made it problematic for defendants to get a speedy trial. Luckily, there are ways to defend your right to a speedy trial despite the…
North Carolina Prisons to Release High-Risk Inmates Amid COVID-19 Fears
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” North Carolina’s state prisons are releasing some inmates out early in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 in prisons. The announcement was made by the state’s corrections…
Should You Turn Yourself in When There is a Warrant for Your Arrest in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” It is scary to think about turning yourself in to the North Carolina police, let alone actually to go to the police station and do it. Many of those who consider…
How an Apology can be Perceived as Confession and Lead to Criminal Charges
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” They say it is better to apologize late than never. However, the same principle does not apply when you are being accused of a crime, especially if you did not commit one. Apologies are often…
The Preliminary Hearing: How a Finding of Probable Cause can Affect Your Case
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?” After an arrest, but before an arraignment, there is a period of legal purgatory that can be confusing and stressful for those facing criminal charges. It is during…
Recalled Warrants in North Carolina
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” While uncommon, it is not out of the realm of possibility that someone who is due in court for a criminal matter forgets about it and fails to appear. When you have…
Who is Considered a Minor in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” It is not surprising that minors and adults are treated differently under the law when it comes to committing crimes. Minors are still learning and growing into adults and…
Opinion-Based Police Testimony in Criminal Cases
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” Police are an integral part of society; they keep the peace, catch criminals, and put their lives at risk to keep the general population safe. Since the police play such a large role in solving…
Can I Bring My Child to Court?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” A Johnston County court has appeared in the news recently for kicking a woman out of court while she was breastfeeding her baby in a sling, according to…