What Happens to My Property if I Go to Jail? One of the serious punishments that may happen to you if you are convicted of a crime is spending time in jail. When you are incarcerated, you will no longer have the freedoms you previously enjoyed, and you no longer…
Can I Face Criminal Charges After a Traffic Accident? Accidents happen very regularly, and most people get into a fender-bender situation at some point in their lives. While, typically, vehicle accidents are civil matters that parties work out between their insurance companies, there are some circumstances that may result in…
Defending Manslaughter Charges Manslaughter is the killing of another person without forethought or malice. It differs from the charge of murder in that murder is the killing of another person with intent. There are several types of manslaughter charges that might apply. Although manslaughter is generally a felony, the penalties…
What is My Right to a Speedy Trial? You have probably heard that defendants have the right to a speedy trial, but you may be unsure what it means. The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to a speedy trial. This means that a…
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” American citizens are afforded many rights. The United States Constitution Bill of Rights provides us with some fundamental rights. We have the right to bear arms, we have…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” Manslaughter charges occur when someone dies due to the negligence of someone else. If you are charged with manslaughter you are facing severe consequences if you are found guilty. Manslaughter is…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” When you have been charged with a crime you may feel scared and unsure of what to expect. Your charges could result in severe punishments if you are convicted. You may wonder whether…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?” Imagine a scenario in which two individuals in North Carolina commit the same exact felony crime. Should their charges and sentencing be equal? While many people may instinctively answer “Yes,” the…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Am I allowed to videotape an interaction with police? Can they make me stop filming?” If you watch any TV crime drama, you will likely hear the phrase “right to a speedy trial.” This phrase is thrown about in many television…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” Criminal cases are seldom very exciting. Though TV and movies would have you believe differently, the reality is that court rules and procedures restrict what participants are able to…