Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “My relationship is ending and they are threatening to call the police, how can I help myself?” In North Carolina, individuals who have HIV/AIDS can face criminal charges for having sex without the use of condoms or without informing their partner…
Articles Posted in Mecklenburg
A Surge in Shootings and Other Crimes in Charlotte During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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…
Do Face Masks Contribute to More Crime in Charlotte, NC, Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?” With more people wearing face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, criminals may be more emboldened by the possibility of staying unidentified when committing a crime. But does it…
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…
What to do if You Missed Your Court Date for a Traffic Citation During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I represent myself on a traffic ticket?” With North Carolina’s court functions frozen by the coronavirus pandemic and Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley announcing that local courts would not resume normal functioning for at least “several months,” what happens…
Were Anti-Abortion Protesters’ Rights Violated When They Were Arrested?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?” Arrests of anti-abortion protesters in multiple North Carolina cities, including Charlotte, made national headlines, prompting many high-profile politicians to accuse the police of violating the arrested protesters’ constitutional rights. So, were…
North Carolina Prisons to Release High-Risk Inmates Amid COVID-19 Fears
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?” North Carolina’s state prisons are releasing some inmates out early in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 in prisons. The announcement was made by the state’s corrections…
Can You be Arrested for Threatening to Spread COVID-19 in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” U.S. Department of Justice warned that those who intentionally spread coronavirus (COVID-19) would be charged with terrorism. A CNN report cited a DOJ memorandum that warned individuals against purposefully spreading COVID-19. A person…
Can You be Arrested for Violating the ‘Stay-at-Home’ Order in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I ever plead guilty to a charge?” After North Carolina’s “stay-at-home” order went into effect on March 30, 2020, to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many residents began to wonder, “Can I be fined or arrested for violating…
Does the Coronavirus Pandemic Increase or Decrease Crime Rates in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” As North Carolina residents were ordered to stay home from March 30 due to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), some of you might wonder, “Does it mean that people will commit more crimes?” or,…