Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What should parents tell their children to do when interacting with police officers?” Your teenager has been arrested by the Charlotte Police Department, and you have received a disturbing call on the phone. It is going to be tough, but try…
Articles Posted in Criminal Defense
Five Reasons to Choose a Private Criminal Defense Attorney Over a Public Defender
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” Under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you have a right to be represented by an attorney provided and paid by the state. While you can use…
What are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” In North Carolina, drivers who leave the scene of a car accident can face criminal charges for a hit-and-run. The consequences of a hit-and-run conviction in North Carolina depend on whether the crime…
What if the Police Have a Warrant for My Arrest in North Carolina?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” When someone commits a criminal offense, and the police have a warrant for that person’s arrest, it is critical to act quickly and appropriately. If there is a warrant for your arrest,…
What are the Different Types of White-Collar Crimes in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” White-collar crimes are serious offenses that should be taken seriously. These crimes are financially motivated and often involve two main components: Deceit; and Financial gain. While most white-collar crimes…
What is a Mens Rea Standard in Criminal Cases in North Carolina?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” Mens Rea, which is Latin for “guilty mind,” is a standard in North Carolina’s criminal cases that helps prevent people from being punished when their intentions were innocent.…
New Study Reveals the Most Common Types of Crimes Committed in North Carolina
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” The most recent research published on 24/7 Wall St. revealed the most common types of crimes that are being committed in Charlotte and other parts of North Carolina. The study concluded…
Can My Criminal Defense Attorney Appear in Court on My Behalf?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” If the mere thought of standing in front of a judge in court is too overwhelming or scary, you may wonder whether your criminal defense lawyer can appear in court for you. If,…
What are Conspiracy Charges in North Carolina and Why do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?” Conspiracy is defined as an agreement between two or more people to do something unlawful. What penalties can you face for “conspiring” in North Carolina? If you are…
Study based on FBI statistics shows in NC “black individuals were arrested more than 2.5x as often as white individuals”
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, triggered a wave of nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. A new study showed that black people are more likely to…