How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing allegations of criminal charges in North Carolina, felony or misdemeanor, it makes sense to begin your defense strategy immediately. Here are some handy tips on How To Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer NC. Consider these things as part of legal representation:

Courtroom Experience Counts
NC Board Certified Criminal Defense Specialist
Reputation in the Legal Community
Leader in the Law and Educating Lawyers

Misdemeanor vs. Felony

There are two different types of crimes that you can be charged with. A misdemeanor is the lesser of the two.

Misdemeanor crimes carry a sentence of one year or less. Often, you can avoid sentencing with these types of criminal charges, if you are willing to meet other requirements. Misdemeanors include traffic violations and petty crimes such as minor theft, harassment, and criminal mischief.

A felony is used to classify more serious crimes. Felony sentences carry terms lasting one year and a day or more. If you are convicted of a felony you will probably be sentenced to serve time in prison, unlike misdemeanor sentencing, which usually requires that you serve time in jail.

Prisons typically house felony offenders. Jails, on the other hand, house inmates who have been convicted on misdemeanor charges. They are also used to detain arrested parties until they go to trial or post bail.

Felony Charges in North Caroina

Because of the severity of a felony charge, the repercussions of a conviction may include consequences now and could impact your future as well.

It may be difficult for a felon to obtain employment or rent an apartment due to their criminal history. In many, if not most areas, felons cannot vote or carry firearms. They are also prevented access to certain government programs and benefits.

Some states may have a statute of limitations attached to one or more felonies. Other states, such as North Carolina, only apply a statute of limitations to civil lawsuits. A statute of limitations defines the time period in which charges must be filed in specific types of cases.

Felonies can have a negative impact on your reputation for years to come. Not only are there legal limitations for felons, but there is the possibility that you may face consequences in your personal and professional life as well.

Court records are public unless otherwise indicated. In most cases, with some effort, anyone can find out about your criminal court history. In rare situations, your attorney may be able to have your case sealed or otherwise protected from the public record.

If you have been charged with a felony the process is usually more complicated and may take much longer to be determined than a misdemeanor charge. Also, representation for a felony case may cost more money than other types of court cases.

But if you have been charged with a felony, a good attorney will be well worth the money. If you can afford to hire an attorney that specializes in cases like yours, or that comes with exceptional reviews or referrals, you should definitely do so. In the long-run, you will be glad that you did.

What to do if arrested in North Carolina

Here are some additional tips that can help you with your case:

Exercise your right to ask for an attorney before talking to anyone about your case
Choose a defense attorney that has a proven track record with similar cases
Get referrals from friends or family, and look online to find the right representation for your case
Be prepared when you meet your attorney with questions, relevant documents, possible evidence, and names of witnesses who might help your case
Choose an attorney that you feel you can trust
Ask your attorney for suggestions that might help the outcome of your case
Follow recommendations that your attorney

Wake County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you aren’t sure how to choose a criminal defense lawyer that can give you the representation you need, we can help.

Our attorneys have worked with all types of cases, are experienced in the courtroom, and know the legal system.

Our law firm helps people in Wake County Criminal Court with legal matters involving felony or misdemeanor charges. John Fanney is a NC Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with extensive courtroom experience handling allegations of criminal charges including murder, manslaughter, sex crimes, sex offenses, drug charges, possession charges, drug trafficking, assault, assault and battery, assault on female AOF, theft crimes, embezzlement, larceny, and Federal charges in North Carolina.

We are confident that we can help you with your criminal case.