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…
Articles Posted in Court Procedures
Can a Jury Being Instructed on Collateral Damage of a Conviction?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” One of the fundamental principles of the criminal justice system in the United States is the right to have a trial by a jury of your peers. With any…
The Criminal Court Process in North Carolina
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” The criminal court process can be difficult to understand. If you have never been charged with a crime, or even if you have, it can be difficult to determine…
The Criminal Court Process in North Carolina
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?” The criminal court process can be difficult to understand. If you have never been charged with a crime, or even if you have, it can be difficult to determine what the…
Double Jeopardy in North Carolina
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “I was found not guilty of a charge, buy my record still shows the charge. What is going on?” Imagine being charged with a crime, going through the entire trial process, being found not guilty, and still being worried about the…
The Importance of Proper Jury Instructions
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” A fundamental part of the United States court systems is the right for the accused to have a trial by a jury of their peers. However, included in this right is the inherent…
What is a Speedy Trial?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Am I allowed to videotape an interaction with police? Can they make me stop filming?” If you watch any TV crime drama, you will likely hear the phrase “right to a speedy trial.” This phrase is thrown about in many television…
Should I Take a Plea Bargain?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” Being charged with a crime can be overwhelming. Suddenly, you are thrust into the court system and worried that you will be found guilty and face serious penalties for an action you may…
The Statute of Limitations for North Carolina Criminal Charges
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” If you watch a television drama that follows the story of a crime and its prosecution, it seems like a quick process. A crime is committed, suspects are…
The Constitutionality of Searches at Courthouses
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” The world that we live in today often requires an extra level of security. The ever-present threat of an individual, or individuals, bringing dangerous weapons to public settings creates the need for…