Habitual Felons in North Carolina Felonies are usually serious charges that can result in severe penalties if convicted. The penalties are designed to deter people from committing crimes in the future. Sometimes, a convicted felon commits another crime. Most states have laws in place that require stiffer penalties when someone…
New Legislation Requires In-Vehicle Breathalyzers by 2026 Impaired driving is an ongoing problem in every state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately a million drunk driving arrests in the United States every year. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in North Carolina is…
New License Plate Reader Program Takes Effect in 2024 More and more police departments are using automated license plate readers to assist them with law enforcement. There has been controversy surrounding the use of these devices and concern about what law enforcement does with the data. In Charlotte, for instance,…
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and Felony? When you are charged with a crime it may be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Regardless, any criminal charges against you are serious and could result in severe consequences. Some penalties could include a prison sentence, fines, probation,…
Can I Record a Traffic Stop? We live in the digital age, where everyone has a phone that takes photos and videos. Because of this, people have access to recordings everywhere they go. You are likely aware of the many postings of traffic stops and police encounters that are posted…
Evidence in Criminal Cases When you are charged with a crime, you are likely unsure of the process and what to expect in the course of your case. One of the most important aspects of your case is the evidence that will be utilized in court. Evidence includes a number…
Do I Have to Enroll in a Treatment Program After a DWI? Driving while impaired (DWI) is a serious charge, and if you are convicted, you will face some penalties. When you get pulled over and subsequently charged with DWI, you may feel as though your life will never be…
How You Can Help Your Attorney With Your Criminal Defense When you are charged with a crime, it is probably one of the most difficult and challenging times in your life. Regardless of whether you were charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you could be facing some serious penalties that…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Do I need to hire an attorney if I have been falsely accused?” Every day, thousands of people across the country are arrested on criminal charges. In North Carolina, there are more than 100,000 people serving time in prison after a criminal…
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?” Police are an integral part of society; they keep the peace, catch criminals, and put their lives at risk to keep the general population safe. Since the police play such a large role in solving…