Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” North Carolina law prohibits driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. Individuals who are caught driving without a license face penalties that may include fines and a jail sentence. Do not…
Articles Posted in Criminal Charges
Criminal Charges and Penalties for Driving Without a License in North Carolina
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” North Carolina law prohibits driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. Individuals who are caught driving without a license face penalties that may include fines and a jail sentence. Do not…
Can You be Arrested and Charged With a Crime for Protesting in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” Several cities in North Carolina enacted a curfew in response to protests over the killing of George Floyd. In Charlotte, 30 people were arrested during the second night of protests, according to WBTV.…
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…
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…
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…
Charlotte Police Creates Map of Violent Crime ‘Hot Spots’ in the City
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” After 108 homicides in Charlotte last year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department prepared a map of violent crime “hot spots” in the city. The map was shown to members of the Charlotte City Council. The department…
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…
Murder Suspects in Charlotte Will No Longer Get Ankle Bracelets, CMPD Says
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Am I allowed to videotape an interaction with police? Can they make me stop filming?” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police (CMPD) has announced drastic changes to its electronic monitoring program in the city amid concerns that people released from jail before trial pose a…
What are Defenses to Motor Vehicle Theft (Auto Larceny) Charges in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” Stealing a motor vehicle is a serious crime in North Carolina. In addition to auto theft charges, a person can be found guilty of a crime when he or she uses, damages, or…