Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” The North Carolina Senate recently passed a confusing and, to some, troubling measure that would make it a crime for anyone to publicly reveal the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. According to…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” Everyone knows that young people can be cruel. Anyone who suffered through middle or high school has likely felt the sting of hurtful comments or the isolation caused by…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” The North Carolina House passed a new bill that would help move the state in the right direction in terms of classifying 16 and 17-year-olds as juvenile offenders when facing…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” A recent article in a Colorado newspaper discussed the current movement here in North Carolina to change the state’s laws regarding juvenile criminal offenders. As it stands now, 16 and…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “I was found not guilty of a charge, but my record still shows the charge?” In a surprising and welcome move, Charlotte’s city manager, Ron Carlee, has said that the box that asks candidates to disclose their criminal histories will be removed…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?” A range of new laws went into effect earlier this month, some that stiffen penalties and others that actually reduce jail time for some offenses. The new laws, which were implemented on December…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “The person that called the police doesn’t want to press charges” The District Attorney from Orange County, NC, Jim Woodall, has taken a surprising stand in favor of enforcing the state’s sports agent laws, something that puts Woodall in a very small group…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” A spokesperson for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport has revealed that workers at the airport frequently search cars that travelers leave at valet parking. The revelation came as similar reports have surfaced at other…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “What is an expungement?” In a tragic case out of rural North Carolina, a woman from Whiteville is now facing possible hate crime charges after attacking one of her sons for being gay. According to police, the already horrific crime is even more…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “What is an expungement?” A new law signed last week by North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory will allow students at public universities in North Carolina to hire an attorney to help guide them through the difficult and confusing process of handling disciplinary charges.…