Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” Shootings and unlawful possession of firearms have spiked in Charlotte despite the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Police department officials in Charlotte are urging the public to stay safe because it appears that the pandemic…
Articles Posted in Davidson
How can You Get a Speedy Trial in North Carolina During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” The coronavirus pandemic, which paralyzed the U.S. court system, made it problematic for defendants to get a speedy trial. Luckily, there are ways to defend your right to a speedy trial despite the…
Building a Defense When Facing Felony Drug Charges in North Carolina
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” In North Carolina, felony drug charges are one of the most serious crimes an individual can face. A conviction could lead to hefty fines and decades in prison, not to mention that…
Can North Carolina Police Use Facial Recognition to Make Arrests?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” It may seem that facial recognition is everywhere in the 21st century. The technology that can identify a person by comparing an image of his or her face to a database of…
Defenses to a Failed Breathalyzer Test in North Carolina
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Are breath test results always accurate?” If you were pulled over for driving while impaired (DWI) in Charlotte or other parts of North Carolina, a police officer might order a breathalyzer test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If you…
Should You Turn Yourself in When There is a Warrant for Your Arrest in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” It is scary to think about turning yourself in to the North Carolina police, let alone actually to go to the police station and do it. Many of those who consider…
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…
Is Groping a Crime in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I am charged by campus police could I still face jail time or probation?” Groping, or touching someone’s body for sexual pleasure against that person’s will is considered a crime in North Carolina. Groping is a form of sexual battery,…
Breaking and Entering and Burglary in North Carolina
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” Christmas came early for burglars in Charlotte. Two suspects stole Christmas gifts and cash in a recent armed home invasion in the city. The crime highlights the importance…
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…