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J. Scott Smith

J. Scott Smith is the Founder of LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, with offices in Winston‑Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina. Practicing since 2005, he handles criminal defense, DWI/DUI defense, and family law matters. He is admitted to North Carolina state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Western and Middle Districts of North Carolina, and the U.S. Supreme Court. J. Scott earned his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law and his B.A. in English from Guilford College.

LATEST ARTICLES BY: J. Scott Smith

What’s the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

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Last Modified on Jun 18, 2024

In North Carolina, legal custody (when referring to child custody) has nothing to do with where the child lives…

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Bed and Board Divorce in North Carolina

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Last Modified on May 24, 2024

A divorce from bed and board is not a regular divorce. In fact, if it’s granted, the parties are…

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Structured Sentencing in North Carolina | How Much Time Am I Looking At?

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Last Modified on Feb 23, 2026

Structured Sentencing came into effect for all offenses committed on or after October 1, 1994. Before this was introduced,…

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Will I Lose My Driver’s License If I Get Charged With BWI?

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Last Modified on Feb 19, 2025

Since we’re right in the middle of summer, I know that a lot of folks will be out and…

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The Horse, The Bicycle, And The Lawnmower

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Last Modified on Aug 20, 2025

A question I get sometimes from clients is “Can I be charged with D.W.I. in North Carolina while riding…

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Man Spends 2 Years In Jail For Drunk Driving Arrest; Never Sees A Judge

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Last Modified on Jun 18, 2024

Some days, I have trouble believing this type of thing can happen in the United States of America. Many…

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State v. Otto

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Last Modified on Feb 19, 2025

The North Carolina Court of Appeals seems to be standing by there earlier ruling in State v. Fields with…

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