When you are charged with a crime, it can be stressful and terrifying — and North Carolina has some of the toughest laws and penalties for criminal cases.
However, there is hope for your case if you work with a criminal defense lawyer who can create a strong defense for you. Working your way through the criminal justice system without an attorney can lead to the worst-case scenario for your criminal charges, and it will be an overwhelming process. A Burnsville criminal defense attorney can help reduce the penalties you face or even help you avoid conviction.
At Edwards Law, PLLC, we have been defending our clients from criminal charges and protecting their rights and freedom for more than ten years. We have extensive knowledge of both sides of criminal court, placing us in a unique position to defend you from the prosecution’s tactics with our experience and knowledge. When you work with Edwards Law, PLLC, we provide you with effective representation, from the investigation of your case to negotiating charges and your criminal trial. We aim for the ideal and most positive scenario for your criminal charges.
Crimes in the state are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are the less severe of the two. Felonies are more serious crimes with greater penalties. However, even a minor misdemeanor criminal charge can have a huge impact on your future if you’re convicted.
Penalties for a misdemeanor range anywhere from up to 30 days to six months of jail time, while penalties for felonies may combine any length of prison time, probation, and fine amount. Class A felonies, which are the most serious crimes, may be penalized by life in prison.
As a United States citizen and a resident of Burnsville, North Carolina, it is important to bear in mind that you are entitled to several rights, designed to protect you. These are contained in several amendments in the United States constitution. As part of the defense strategy, your lawyer will check if any of your rights as a criminal defendant have been violated.
The various constitutional amendments stipulated are:
You deserve an effective defense for your criminal charges. When looking for a defense attorney, it is essential to find one with experience and success in the type of charges you face. That way, your attorney will have the experience to apply to your specific situation and will know the ideal defenses for your circumstances.
At Edwards Law, PLLC, we understand how interconnected many criminal charges are. For these reasons, we have a wide range of experience so that if you are facing multiple types of criminal charges, we have the knowledge and resources to provide you with a strong defense. We have experience in a variety of criminal cases:
A criminal defense attorney can provide you with the greatest chance at a positive outcome for your case. Working with an attorney, you’ll have a legal professional who knows the intricacies of the criminal justice system and can help you prepare for negotiation and trial. An attorney will investigate the evidence against you and determine whether a plea bargain or a trial is in your interests. Your attorney will also provide you with a straightforward look at your case so that you understand the most realistic outcome.
In addition to incarceration and fines, misdemeanor and felony convictions have consequences that can affect your future. These are not court-ordered penalties, but they are the result of being a convicted criminal in North Carolina:
An effective attorney will have years of experience and be able to effectively communicate with you regarding your case. They will have in-depth knowledge of criminal court and criminal law, as well as the ability to be extremely well-prepared and adaptable in consultation, negotiation, and court. Your attorney should be discrete and respectful of you and your circumstances.
A criminal defense lawyer defends those who are charged with criminal offenses. They represent their clients’ interests and advocate for them in negotiations, hearings, interrogations, plea deals, or criminal court. The goal of a criminal defense attorney is to achieve lesser sentencing or fewer charges for their clients and avoid conviction when possible.
In North Carolina criminal court, someone must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to be convicted of criminal charges. This is a high burden of proof to achieve. An effective defense for many cases is that the prosecution failed to meet this burden of proof.
You want to hire a criminal defense attorney with experience and success in the specific areas of criminal law that your case is in. You can also ask an attorney how they might approach your case so that you have an idea of what to expect from them. An attorney who is experienced will have a better idea of the nuances and specifics of your case and how to handle things. You also want to be sure you feel comfortable with your attorney and that they have compassion and respect for your circumstances.
For strong and exemplary criminal defense, contact Edwards Law, PLLC today for legal counsel in your criminal case.