I Was Charged With a Crime: Should I Plead Not Guilty? Criminal charges are almost always serious. While some offenses are misdemeanors, others are felonies. Misdemeanors often carry fewer penalties, while felonies have stronger punishments, depending on the crime. If you are charged with a crime, one of the first…
Articles Posted in guilty plea
How Will My Plea Impact My Criminal Case?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” Facing criminal charges is one of the most daunting experiences of your life. If you have been arrested for a potentially criminal act, you may not know the options that are available to you…
Congressman Ordered To Take Mugshot
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” The mugshot is something that an average person would immediately associate with a brush with the law. The assumption is that anyone and everyone who is arrested or convicted of a…
Delayed discovery can delay justice in criminal cases
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question:”What is an expungement?” Most people do not spend time worrying about things like the discovery process. It is legalistic and confusing to those not familiar with the criminal justice system. Though it can be complicated, it is incredibly important and worth…
Plea Bargaining and Criminal Law
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question:”What is an expungement?” When most people think of the criminal justice system, they likely imagine something similar to an episode of Law & Order. Police officers testifying, prosecutors and defense attorneys arguing, judges slamming gavels and jurors listening in rapt attention.…
Understanding No Contest and Alford Pleas
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” Everyone knows that you have the right to plead “not guilty” to criminal charges filed against you. Meanwhile, “guilty” pleas are usually used when a person is taking a plea bargain in exchange…
NC Man Gets DWI Conviction Thrown Out: Appeals Court Rules Traffic Stop Was Illegal
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” James Lee Johnson was indisputably impaired as he drove to his Hendersonville, North Carolina home one night in February of 2013. He blew a 0.13 on the blood alcohol test the police…