Does North Carolina Have a Stand Your Ground Law? Residents have a right to defend themselves and their property. The ability to protect and defend your home has been in the news over the last decade. More and more states have enacted “stand your ground” laws to clarify your rights…
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.…
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…
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 is a Certificate of Relief? When you are convicted of a crime, the judge orders penalties, which may include jail time, community service, loss of driver’s license, fines, and more. Although you completed the sentence that was handed down, your conviction continues to have a negative impact on your…
How Can I Get Out of Jail After an Arrest? Getting arrested can be a traumatic and difficult experience. If you have been arrested you will likely find yourself in jail, awaiting your first hearing. Your main priority will be getting out of jail until you can resolve the matter…
Should I Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court? Speeding is a common traffic offense. One minute you are driving along, happy that traffic is light, and the next, you are being pulled over by a police vehicle with a siren and flashing lights. If you get a speeding ticket, it…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” What Should I Plead in a Criminal Case? Criminal charges can range greatly in severity and may be misdemeanors or felonies. If you have been charged with a crime, you need to take it…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” A police arrest can be a traumatic experience. When the police make an arrest, there is often some urgency and sometimes confusion. You may be trying to help your case or do not realize what…