How Can I Get an Expungement in North Carolina? Having a criminal record can wreak havoc on all aspects of your life. When you are convicted of a crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, you will have a criminal record that will remain forever. Your record will also show that…
Understanding the Castle Doctrine (Stand Your Ground) You are sitting on your back patio when you suddenly see someone you do not know making their way onto your property. The stranger is getting closer and is heading towards your side door with the possible intent of breaking inside. Do you…
What is the Pretrial Integrity Act? After you are arrested, you will go before a judge. When you are in court, you will learn the charges against you, and the judge will typically set bond. Bond means that the defendant will be allowed to stay out of jail but…
What Should I Do After an Arrest? If you were arrested for a crime, you may be worried and afraid, especially if this is your first arrest. The legal system can seem daunting, and you may feel completely alone and terrified. You do not want to do anything that could…
What is the Difference Between Detainment and Arrest? If you watch any of the reality police shows on television, you may notice that police sometimes place people in handcuffs rather quickly. Sometimes they tell the person that they are not being arrested, but instead are being detained. You may wonder…
Pretrial Integrity Act Now in Effect A new law is in place in North Carolina. The Pretrial Integrity Act went into effect on October 1, 2023. The bill was initially introduced as House 813 and was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on July 1, 2023. The law is…
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” It’s something that’s become increasingly common in recent years, signs warning that drivers are under remote surveillance and can be fined for a variety of bad behaviors, including speeding or running red lights.…