Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” With North Carolina’s court functions frozen by the coronavirus pandemic and Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley announcing that local courts would not resume normal functioning for at least “several months,” what happens…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog
Were Anti-Abortion Protesters’ Rights Violated When They Were Arrested?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?” Arrests of anti-abortion protesters in multiple North Carolina cities, including Charlotte, made national headlines, prompting many high-profile politicians to accuse the police of violating the arrested protesters’ constitutional rights. So, were…
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…
Can You be Arrested for Violating the ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” After North Carolina’s “stay-at-home” order went into effect on March 30, 2020, to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many residents began to wonder, “Can I be fined or arrested for violating…
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,…
Building a Defense When Facing Felony Drug Charges in North Carolina
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” In North Carolina, felony drug charges are one of the most serious crimes an individual can face. A conviction could lead to hefty fines and decades in prison, not to mention that…
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…
Can North Carolina Police Use Facial Recognition to Make Arrests?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” It may seem that facial recognition is everywhere in the 21st century. The technology that can identify a person by comparing an image of his or her face to a database of…
Defenses to a Failed Breathalyzer Test in North Carolina
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Are breath test results always accurate?” If you were pulled over for driving while impaired (DWI) in Charlotte or other parts of North Carolina, a police officer might order a breathalyzer test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If you…