Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” Even if you did not commit a crime, talking to police officers during a traffic stop can be a stressful experience. When police suspect that you have committed a crime, they may…
Articles Posted in Criminal Defense
Defenses to Looting and Trespassing During a Protest in North Carolina
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” Looting is almost synonymous with protests. This was evident during the recent protests over the killing of a black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As reported by Fox News, eight people were charged in…
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…
Can You be Arrested for Threatening to Spread COVID-19 in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” U.S. Department of Justice warned that those who intentionally spread coronavirus (COVID-19) would be charged with terrorism. A CNN report cited a DOJ memorandum that warned individuals against purposefully spreading COVID-19. A person…
Does the Coronavirus Pandemic Increase or Decrease Crime Rates in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” As North Carolina residents were ordered to stay home from March 30 due to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), some of you might wonder, “Does it mean that people will commit more crimes?” or,…
What are Mitigating Circumstances for Crimes in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “When can I post on Social media about my ongoing case?” If you are facing criminal charges in North Carolina, your potential sentence for the offense could be reduced if “mitigating circumstances” are found. In North Carolina, felony sentences depend on…
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…
Hit-and-Run Charges in North Carolina: What are the Defenses?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” A hit-and-run is a serious offense in North Carolina. Depending on how severe the victim’s injury is, the fleeing driver may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. The at-fault motorist who fled…
Hate Crimes Decrease in Charlotte, North Carolina: Penalties and Defense
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” A new report by the FBI showed a slight decrease in hate crimes in Charlotte metro last year compared with 2017. The Federal Bureau of Investigation tracks the number of hate…