Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What should parents tell their children to do when interacting with police officers?” Your teenager has been arrested by the Charlotte Police Department, and you have received a disturbing call on the phone. It is going to be tough, but try…
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” Under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you have a right to be represented by an attorney provided and paid by the state. While you can use…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “The person that called the police doesn’t want to press charges, can I still be prosecuted?” Generally, when people get divorced or legally separated, one of the spouses will leave the marital home. Often, the spouse who leaves is prohibited from…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” In North Carolina, drivers who leave the scene of a car accident can face criminal charges for a hit-and-run. The consequences of a hit-and-run conviction in North Carolina depend on whether the crime…
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” When someone commits a criminal offense, and the police have a warrant for that person’s arrest, it is critical to act quickly and appropriately. If there is a warrant for your arrest,…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” Many North Carolinians mistakenly believe that they have a right to self-defense any time they are attacked or provoked by another individual. While self-defense can be justifiable under certain circumstances, “defending”…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “The person that called the police doesn’t want to press charges, can I still be prosecuted?” North Carolina’s statewide curfew took effect on December 11, 2020, as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise and break new records. Under the state’s…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?” North Carolina’s criminal courts use the highest burden of proof for convictions and imprisonment. However, even the highest burden of proof may not protect innocent defendants from racial…
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” Mens Rea, which is Latin for “guilty mind,” is a standard in North Carolina’s criminal cases that helps prevent people from being punished when their intentions were innocent.…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?” Being wrongfully accused of a crime you did not commit is a stressful and life-altering experience. The emotional distress associated with being charged with a crime when you…