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Articles Posted in Court Procedures

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Can My Criminal Defense Attorney Appear in Court on My Behalf?

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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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