Arden Criminal Defense Lawyer

Arden, NC Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a crime can completely upend your life and it would be in your best interests to hire a lawyer soon as possible. Here at Doug Edwards Law, we comprehend the enormity of what’s at stake, including the possibility of imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. The risk of being denied child custody or missing out on job opportunities can’t be disregarded.

Our Arden criminal defense attorneys will do everything within the scope of the law to defend you. We have secured no-guilty verdicts and favorable plea bargains for many of our clients.

No matter the allegations you may be facing, Doug Edwards Law is fully prepared to deliver you the legal counsel you deserve and require. Our criminal defense lawyers use their expansive courtroom experience to defend individuals who’ve been charged with drug offenses, violent crimes, white-collar crimes, DWI & DUI, and more.

The criminal attorneys at Doug Edwards Law near Arden, NC can steer you through what may be the most daunting and complex legal proceedings. We believe that everybody deserves a chance to defend themselves and their reputation until they are proven guilty in a court of law, which is why we use our experience to get the best possible outcome.

Please reach out to us at (828) 702-8743 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Table of Contents

• What Are Your Rights as a Criminal Defendant in North Carolina?
  • Fourth Amendment Rights
  • Fifth Amendment Rights
  • Sixth Amendment Rights
  • Eighth Amendment Rights
• What Is a Misdemeanor vs a Felony in North Carolina?
• Should I Consult a Lawyer Before Speaking to the Police?
• What Is the Habitual Offender Law in North Carolina?
• How Can an Arden Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?
  • Case Preparation
  • Plea Bargains
  • Ability to Gauge Case Outcomes
  • Knowledge of Law & Court Rules
  • Trial Experience
• How Much Will Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
• Is There a Benefit to Having a Private Attorney vs. a Court-Appointed Attorney?
• Can You Represent Yourself?
• Should I Accept a Plea Bargain?
• Appealing a Conviction in North Carolina
• Arden, NC Criminal Defense Law Firm
• Contact a Knowledgeable Arden Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Legal Representation!

What Are Your Rights as a Criminal Defendant in North Carolina?

The United States Constitution protects the rights of criminal defendants from injustices by prosecutors, police, and courts alike. The aid of seasoned Arden criminal defense lawyers is integral if you want your Constitutional Rights protected.

Below is an overview of some of your protections if you are facing a criminal case in North Carolina.

Fourth Amendment Rights

The 4th Amendment protects against unwarranted seizures and searches. Law enforcement cannot search any individual without probable cause. Furthermore, any evidence acquired through illegal means isn’t admissible in a court of law.

Fifth Amendment Rights

The fifth amendment guarantees the defendant the right to remain silent. It protects the individual against self-incrimination and also prohibits double jeopardy, i.e. you cannot be charged twice for the same crime.

Sixth Amendment Rights

The 6th Amendment gives defendants the right to have legal counsel, the right to a speedy trial, the right to a public jury trial, and the right to face any witness(es) brought forth to testify against them.

Eighth Amendment Rights

The 8th Amendment protects defendants against being subjected to cruel and unusual punishments and forbids excessive bail amounts.

What Is a Misdemeanor vs a Felony in North Carolina?

Crimes in North Carolina are classified as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the offense. A misdemeanor is a less serious charge and carries lighter consequences in comparison to a felony. Penalties for misdemeanors include community service, fines, loss of driving license, mandatory counseling, jail time, and restitution.

Misdemeanors in NC can be categorized into the following:

• Class 3: A fine of up to $200 and up to 20 days in jail
• Class 2: a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail
• Class 1: Up to 120 days in jail
• Class A1: Up to 150 days in jail

Felonies, on the other hand, are deemed to be momentous crimes and carry severe consequences. In North Carolina, felonies are categorized into 10 classes with B split into B1 and B2. The charges and penalties differ with Class A having the highest jail time (life without parole or death) and Class I with the least (up to 2 years).

Our criminal defense lawyers Doug Edwards Law in Arden, NC are well-versed with the different classes of felonies & misdemeanors and will work to establish exactly what you’re being accused of and work out a defense plan from there.

Should I Consult a Criminal Lawyer Before Speaking to the Police?

Regardless of the kind of crime you’ve been accused of, getting in touch with a defense attorney right away after getting arrested is crucial. Anything you say to the police can hurt your case, so it’s best to exercise your constitutional right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.

By talking with an attorney first and having a lawyer present during questioning, you can avoid accidentally giving incriminating information to the arresting officer or investigator. An attorney will defend you from having your rights infringed on by the police.

We recommend that you reach out to our criminal defense lawyers in Arden, NC to get a robust defense that’s based on the situation you are facing. So, if you’ve been arrested, we strongly urge you to reach out to us for immediate counsel and help. Plead the 5th as you wait for us to arrive and safeguard your rights.

What Is the Habitual Offender Law in North Carolina?

The habitual offender law means that you’ll be facing harsher sentencing if you have committed multiple felonies.

According to N.C.G.S. § 14-7.1, a habitual felon is anybody who’s been convicted or pled guilty to three felonies as an adult in any state court or federal court. Felonies committed before the defendant was 18 years old count as a single felony when determining habitual felon status.

Habitual felon status is determined by the number of court proceedings, instead of the number of convictions. So someone is not considered a habitual felony if he/she was convicted of 3 felonies in a single case.

How Can an Arden Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

Being charged with a crime can completely upend your life and it is critical to hire a lawyer soon as possible. Here at Doug Edwards Law, we will do everything possible within the scope of the law to secure the best outcome in your case.

Case Preparation

Once you reach out to our Arden criminal defense attorneys, we will explore each aspect of your case, comprehensively review police reports, interview witnesses, and compile integral information and evidence. We will examine each avenue of your situation to build a solid case and that your U.S. constitutional rights weren’t infringed.

Plea Bargains

There are times when just taking a plea may be best. When the best legal recourse is entering a plea agreement, we will tell you and work with the prosecution to get your sentence reduced or advocate for a lesser punishment like community service and probation.

Ability to Gauge Case Outcomes

We have expansive experience handling criminal law cases and are confident in our aptitude to foresee a good or bad outcome. With this ability, we’ll be in a much better position to tilt the case in your favor as much as we can.

Knowledge of Law & Court Rules

We spend most of our time in the court halls and have built a relationship with the judges and prosecution, and will ensure that no legal loophole has been used against you. We are familiar with court procedures and thanks to our knowledge of North Carolina criminal law, we will ensure that your rights are safeguarded.

Trial Experience

If the case heads to court, don’t worry. We at Doug Edwards Law have decades of experience handling criminal law and our track record can speak for itself. We will fight all the way to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.

How Much Will Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

The cost of legal counsel depends on a host of factors, some of which include the lawyer’s court experience, the severity of the crime, and the type of case. Keep in mind that normal lawyers may charge a flat fee or a retainer. We at Doug Edwards Law don’t charge for the case review and initial consultation. Give us a call to find out more.

Is There a Benefit to Having a Private Attorney vs. a Court-Appointed Attorney?

You have the right to be represented by a public defender if you can’t afford an attorney. The problem is that public defenders handle many cases at once and also aren’t financially motivated to give all their effort to acquit you.

A private criminal defense attorney will have adequate time to do an effective job. In addition, they always provide personalized service and more support as they are better acquainted with the client.

Not only that, but they have access to more resources, which are vital in building a strong defense case. The Doug Edwards Law team is able to hire private investigators and expert witnesses.

Can You Represent Yourself?

Yes, you can represent yourself if needed. But going with this route isn’t advised. Any legal jargon or technicality you aren’t aware of could end up hurting you. Once you’re arrested, always seek legal aid from a qualified Arden criminal defense attorney. Remember your future is at stake.

Should I Accept a Plea Bargain?

Depending on the circumstances of the case, there are instances when accepting a plea bargain may be in your interests and vice versa. The best way of knowing which route to take is to consult with your criminal defense attorney first.

Appealing a Conviction in North Carolina

The first step of appealing a conviction in North Carolina is submitting a notice of appeal. There are two ways you can do this. You can do this orally after getting convicted or you can file a motion with the court and serve it to the district attorney’s office.

In capital cases, appeals go directly to the Supreme Court of North Carolina. In non-capital cases, appeals go to the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Arden, NC Criminal Defense Law Firm

If you are facing criminal charges in Arden, North Carolina, you need an experienced, competent, and respected criminal defense attorney. At Doug Edwards Law, we provide top-notch representation to people accused of all types of crimes. We also help licensed professionals protect their licenses and livelihoods from allegations of misconduct.

Our lead attorney, Doug Edwards is a Board-Certified Specialist in North Carolina Criminal Law. Doug worked as a prosecutor for over 10 years and has a deep knowledge of the local court system. Doug now uses his experience as a former Buncombe County prosecutor to fight for defendants in Western North Carolina.

Call our Arden criminal defense firm today for a free case review and consultation. We are available 24/7!

Contact a Knowledgeable Arden Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Legal Representation!

Regardless if you’re under investigation, there’s a warrant out for your arrest, or you’ve been arrested and charged, there’s nothing that can replace vast experience, knowledge, and effective advocacy. Our team of criminal defense lawyers at Doug Edwards Law in Arden, NC are armed with all these qualities and will be committed to ensuring that you get your most favorable outcome.

So if you’re in custody or are undergoing interrogation at the police station in Arden, NC doesn’t allow your constitutional rights to be infringed. Call Doug Edwards Law to talk to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. We will review your criminal case and give an honest opinion of what your options are and how we can assist you.

Call (828) 702-8743 to arrange a free case review and consultation!