Statesville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Statesville Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in North Carolina, no matter the severity, you must take the matter seriously. Fines, probation and jail time are on the line. If you obtain a criminal record, this could affect the rest of your life. Without skilled representation, you risk losing significantly. You need the representation of an experienced and hardworking Statesville criminal defense lawyer.

Even if you have committed some wrongdoing, there may be illegal search or seizure issues on the part of law enforcement, which can lead to reduced or dismissed charges. Working with an experienced attorney is the most effective way to potentially avoid the penalties and long-term consequences of a criminal conviction, and it provides you with support during this stressful situation.

Griffin Law, PLLC: Your Statesville Criminal Defense Law Firm

At Griffin Law, PLLC, we take a hands-on approach to criminal defense cases. We are meticulous in our review of the charges at hand and will use our skill, 19 years of experience and commitment to justice to make sure we are getting you the best possible outcome for your situation. We strongly believe in standing up for the rights of individuals in our community, and we remain with you through each step of the process. Our team works to help you understand the charges you face and your options for defense.

Aggressive And Experienced Defense Strategies For Any Charge

It’s crucial to find a criminal defense attorney with experience in the type of charges you are facing. Lawyer Jonathan D. Griffin is experienced in a broad range of criminal cases, including:

• Drug crimes, including possession, distribution and trafficking. In North Carolina, many drug crimes are charged as felonies. The severity of an offense depends on the type and amount of substance, as well as other aggravating factors.
• Obtaining property by false pretense. This may be a form of larceny or a type of fraud. Fraud and other white-collar crimes are serious financial offenses.
• DWI (driving while intoxicated) and habitual DWI charges. DWI offenses are taken very seriously and can result in significant fines and jail time. Repeat offenses will result in increased penalties and less lenient judges.
• Underage drinking and other underage alcohol offenses. North Carolina is a zero-tolerance state for those arrested for a DWI under the age of 21.
• Larceny. Larceny of items valued under a certain amount is charged as a misdemeanor. Theft of items valued at higher amounts or of specific items like firearms is charged as a felony.
• Theft and shoplifting, which are typically charged as larceny.
• Robbery and burglary. Robbery is a crime that requires the presence of the victim, and it is a violent crime. Burglary can be charged whether or not the victim was present in the home or dwelling when the person committing the crime broke in.
• Assault and violent crimes. Assault, robbery, vehicular manslaughter, and murder are all forms of violent crimes. Most violent crimes are serious felony charges.
• Domestic violence. Domestic violence is any violent crime or abuse against a child, partner, relative, or member of the household. It includes physical assault, attempt to commit physical harm, substantial emotional distress, and sexual assault.
• Traffic violations, including tickets for speeding, reckless driving and other offenses. We can help you determine the benefits of contesting or mitigating a ticket in a hearing.
• Felonies and misdemeanors, which are the two broad categories of criminal offenses.
• Criminal charges associated with a missed court date (failure to appear) – we may be able to get your order for arrest stricken and get you a new court date.

As a criminal defense attorney in Mooresville, Statesville and surrounding areas in Iredell County, attorney Jonathan D. Griffin will work with the facts of your case in order to find the best possible defense. We help our clients mitigate the damage of these charges. We are not looking to push your case under the rug by collecting your money and settling for a plea bargain that is not in your best interest.

If we cannot get your case dismissed or achieve a successful deal, we aren’t afraid to go to trial and seek the best possible outcome for your case.

We thoroughly prepare for each case, whether it is resolved in a plea agreement or trial. We will thoroughly evaluate the evidence in the case, drawing on our own investigations, if necessary. We locate the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and focus our attention on bringing those out in trial.

Understanding Traffic Tickets

If you have received a ticket in Iredell County, do NOT pay it off at the Courthouse or online yourself.  Doing this almost always results in points against your license and an increase in your insurance premiums.  You may not realize it at the time, but this can have far-reaching consequences that can be avoided depending on your circumstances.

Traffic tickets are typically non-criminal infractions, but they can still affect your life. Traffic tickets result in fines, points on your licenses, and sometimes automatic license suspensions or revocations. These fines for non-criminal violations may differ significantly. You may also receive points on your license. If you receive 12 points on your license within three years, your license may be suspended.

For more serious criminal offenses, like a DWI, fines may be much higher, and you may receive more points on your license.

When you receive a non-criminal traffic ticket, you have options:

1. Pay the fine, which is the same as admitting guilt for the offense
2. Request a hearing to mitigate or contest the ticket

An attorney can help you evaluate your options for a hearing and determine whether you could mount an effective defense against the ticket. For some traffic tickets, especially criminal offenses, you are required to attend a court hearing. It’s important that you do not miss your court date.

Did You Miss Your Court Date?

If you do not appear at a court date for a traffic ticket where a hearing was required, you could face additional penalties. Some traffic violations that require a hearing to resolve include:

• A DWI
• Driving on a suspended license
• Driving without insurance
• Aggressive or reckless driving

If you do not appear, a failure to appear notice will be issued either immediately or after a period of days. The severity of the action typically depends on the severity of your ticket. Your license may be suspended until you resolve the issue in court, and you could receive additional fines. An attorney can help you take the necessary actions to resolve the penalties and obtain a new court date.

FAQs:

Q: What Are Criminal Charges in North Carolina?

A: There are two forms of criminal charges in North Carolina: felonies and misdemeanors.

1. Misdemeanors: These are the less severe charges that typically result in fines and a year or less in jail.
2. Felonies: These crimes are considered more severe and result in longer jail or prison sentences and more significant fines. Being convicted of a felony can also cause the individual to lose certain civil rights, including the right to vote or carry a firearm.

Both misdemeanors and felonies result in a criminal record. Often they can be expunged after a period of time.

Q: How Do I Look up Criminal Charges in North Carolina?

A: You can look up criminal charges in North Carolina using the public computers in each clerk of court at a North Carolina Judicial Branch office or by contacting the clerk of court in the county where the charge was filed. You can also request further records on both criminal and civil cases in these locations. The North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections also carries public records for state offenders and sex registry information.

Start Protecting Your Rights — Contact Our Law Firm

If you’re facing criminal charges, don’t wait another minute to seek help from the experienced criminal defense attorney at our firm, Griffin Law, PLLC. We offer free initial consultations where you can discuss your case and legal options. Call our office in Statesville at 704-873-5500, or contact us online to get started.