A Duplin County judge has been charged with driving while impaired following a traffic stop for erratic driving.

According to reports, around 2 p.m. Friday, Judge Timothy Smith of Duplin County was traveling west on N.C. 41 just outside of Trenton, in Jones County, when he was stopped by Jones County Sheriff’s Office deputy for alleged erratic driving and going left of center. The N.C. Highway Patrol was called in to assist in the investigation.

Smith was subsequently charged with driving while impaired, allegedly impaired by a substance other than alcohol, authorities told multiple media outlets. However the cause of the alleged impairment was pending the result of bloodwork, according to reports.

Smith was released on a written promise to appear in court. His next court date is April 3.

Smith, a practicing attorney in Duplin County for more than three decades, was appointed by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper in April 2019 to sit on the bench for the Fourth Judicial District, which encompasses Sampson, Duplin, Jones and Onslow counties. The position became open when Henry L. Stevens IV was elected as Superior Court Judge in November 2018.

Smith was born and raised on a farm in Duplin County. After graduating from East Duplin High School in 1978, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business from East Carolina University and his Juris Doctorate from Campbell University.

A Kenansville-based attorney, Smith was previously a partner at Smith & Blizzard, P.A. since 2000. He began practicing law in the 1980s, before starting his own practice in 1995. Next, he became partners with Melissa B. Stevens, their firm specializing in criminal defense and personal injury.

He previously served as the chairman for the Duplin County Board of Commissioners and the East Carolina Counsel. His community involvement also includes serving as county attorney and for the city of Beulaville. He is a senior member of the North Carolina Bar Association and North Carolina Advocates for Justice. He also serves as the deacon of Smith Presbyterian Church in Beulaville and is married with two children.

Smith has filed to retain his seat for the 2020 election.

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NCHP: Erractic driving led to stop

Staff reports