Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” Driving without a license is a serious offense in North Carolina. That is why it is vital to contact a criminal defense lawyer if you get pulled over without a license to avoid…
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” North Carolina law does not have mandatory minimum sentences for most criminal offenses. In most criminal cases, prosecutors can offer a plea bargain while judges have discretion over…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “The person that called the police doesn’t want to press charges, can I still be prosecuted?” North Carolina’s statewide curfew took effect on December 11, 2020, as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise and break new records. Under the state’s…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” New North Carolina laws as part of the state’s criminal justice reform went into effect on December 1, 2020. As a result, more North Carolinians are eligible to apply…
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?” Courts must consider a variety of factors, including previous DWI convictions on the defendant’s record, to choose an appropriate sentence and penalties. If you have been charged with…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” A North Carolina task force calls for the decriminalization of marijuana in the state. The state’s Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice has adopted recommendations to decriminalize possession of marijuana in…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?” North Carolina’s criminal courts use the highest burden of proof for convictions and imprisonment. However, even the highest burden of proof may not protect innocent defendants from racial…
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Is there more than one way for police to charge a person with DWI?” North Carolina’s Zero Tolerance Law makes it illegal for people under the age of 21 to drive with any amount of alcohol or drugs in their system.…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I have an outstanding warrant, what should I do?” RICO stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal law created in the 1970s to fight organized crime. Law enforcement agencies devote extensive resources to prosecute and convict…
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What am I obligated to do if I’ve been pulled for Drinking and Driving?” If you were pulled over and a police officer believes that you were driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be asked to submit to chemical…