Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?” While your right to carry firearms is protected under the federal constitution, depending on the circumstances you can still be arrested for carrying a gun in North Carolina. In fact, you…
Articles Posted in Felony
What is Considered a Crime Against Nature in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question:”A past conviction is keeping me from finding work. What can I do?” While many states no longer use the term “crime against nature” to criminalize sex acts between two consenting adults, the state of North Carolina still uses the offense to…
Defenses to Looting and Trespassing During a Protest in North Carolina
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” Looting is almost synonymous with protests. This was evident during the recent protests over the killing of a black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As reported by Fox News, eight people were charged in…
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.…
Charlotte Woman Pleads Guilty for Filing False Tax Returns
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” A Charlotte woman pleaded guilty in federal court for filing false tax returns. Andrivia Wells, a Charlotte-based tax preparer, entered a guilty plea for three out of 35 counts. The woman pleaded guilty…
Is There Gender Bias When Sentencing Female Teachers Who Have Sex with Male Students?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What should parents tell their children to do when interacting with police officers?” Is there a double standard regarding how North Carolina courts treat female versus male teachers who have sexual relationships with students of the opposite sex? Is a female…
Hit-and-Run Charges in North Carolina: What are the Defenses?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” A hit-and-run is a serious offense in North Carolina. Depending on how severe the victim’s injury is, the fleeing driver may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. The at-fault motorist who fled…
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…
What Happens if You Steal From a Retail Store in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” North Carolina law recognizes theft as taking someone else’s property without their permission to permanently deprive the owner of the item. Theft, burglary, and shoplifting are serious crimes. Being charged with one of…