Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” The North Carolina Chapter of the ACLU has announced that it is investigating actions by police departments across the state to purchase sophisticated military technology that it says may be used to spy on citizens.…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “What should I do if I have been pulled over and I have been drinking?” With the 2013 legislative session in North Carolina well underway, lawmakers in the state are moving forward with several important changes to the criminal justice system that deserve…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” An important decision was handed down by the Supreme Court last week when the justices decided that police officers do not have the authority to stop and hold those who have already left a residence…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Should I talk to the police?” We recently discussed a U.S. Supreme Court case involving police dogs. The case revolved around how much information concerning the drug-sniffing dog’s abilities prosecutors ought to reveal before their information can be deemed relevant to show probable…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Do I have to perform the field sobriety tests when I’m pulled over for DWI in NC?” The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a ruling that sides with police dogs after the Florida Supreme Court attempted to impose harsh standards on using drug-sniffing…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?” Stealing underwear in North Carolina is no laughing matter. That’s the moral of a recent story out of Gastonia where police are actively searching for a person who is reported to have absconded…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” Police in Charlotte have said that a 12-year-old girl will be charged after leading police on a chase late at night across several local interstates. A pre-teen in a police car chase? You heard that…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?” A recent incident involving criminals robbing a hotel in South Charlotte was solved thanks to the help of technology. While the cameras at the hotel were useful, another device that…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?” News out of several North Carolina counties reveal a big push across the state to create yet another DNA database. Rather than a government database holding DNA evidence for those convicted of violent crimes, this…
Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “I was found not guilty of a charge, but my record still shows the charge.” A recently proposed bill working its way through the North Carolina General Assembly would cut appointed superior court judges across the state, including one here in Mecklenburg County.…