Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?” Even if you did not commit a crime, talking to police officers during a traffic stop can be a stressful experience. When police suspect that you have committed a crime, they may…
Articles Posted in Union County
Can You Reduce a DWI Charge to Reckless Driving in North Carolina?
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What happens if I am convicted of a DUI or DWI in Charlotte North Carolina?” In North Carolina, as in many other states, being charged with driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious offense that carries harsh penalties, including fines and…
Study based on FBI statistics shows in NC “black individuals were arrested more than 2.5x as often as white individuals”
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, triggered a wave of nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. A new study showed that black people are more likely 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.…
Is Having Sex When You Have an STD a Crime in North Carolina?
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…
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…