What is the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission? If you were wrongfully convicted of a crime in North Carolina, there is something you can do about it. Besides filing an appeal, your case might qualify for review by the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission. The Commission has the legal authority…
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month Car manufacturers have been steadily improving the safety of vehicles over the years. As a result, cars are safer than ever before. Unfortunately, accidents are still occurring at a rising rate. One of the reasons for an increase in accidents is distracted driving.…
What to Do if You are Stopped By the Police When the police are not handling major crimes, they are often roving around on the lookout for traffic violations and minor offenses. The police may stop you for any number of reasons. If you have ever been stopped, you know…
Defending Against Hit-and-Run Charges If you are involved in an accident in North Carolina, you must remain at the scene. If you leave the scene, it is considered a crime, and you could be charged with hit and run. Hit-and-run charges are serious, and you could face penalties that include…
How Do DWI Breath Tests Work? Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense. DWI generally refers to driving while under the influence of alcohol, but it can also pertain to drugs. If you are stopped by law enforcement, they will want to assess you for impairment and determine whether…
Do I Need an Attorney for Larceny or Shoplifting Charges? Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in North Carolina and elsewhere. Shoplifting is a type of larceny. If you are found guilty of larceny charges, you could face various penalties, including fines, probation, and more. Additionally, you will…
Types of Sobriety Tests Law enforcement takes drunk driving very seriously. North Carolina law restricts driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. When police officers pull a vehicle over for a traffic stop, they may think that the driver is intoxicated. Field sobriety tests are the…
What Are My Fifth Amendment Rights? One of the unique things about living in the United States is the U.S. Constitution. As U.S. citizens, we have many rights that are part of our lives. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are rights that apply to everyone. These rights apply…
Tips for Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney Criminal charges can often be serious, and they could result in harsh punishments if you are found guilty. A criminal conviction could have a negative impact on all aspects of your life. When you face criminal charges, regardless of how minor, you will…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “A past conviction is keeping me from finding work. What can I do?” Defending Against Assault and Battery Charges in North Carolina Assault and battery charges can be extremely serious. In North Carolina, you could be charged with assault even…