Pineville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Pineville Criminal Defense Attorney

Many different scenarios can result in a criminal charge, and these can range in severity. However, when you are charged with a crime, the consequences can be costly. Knowing these consequences and having a Pineville criminal defense lawyer on your side can enable you to fight for the greatest possible outcome for your situation.

Why Choose The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett?

The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett works hard to provide each client with the individual care and attention they deserve. We know that each crime case is different, so our firm tailors its defense strategies to meet the needs of your case. Our legal team is deeply knowledgeable about North Carolina’s criminal laws and how the courts work. We strive to do all we can to fight for your rights so you can maintain your freedom.

Overview of North Carolina Crimes

Criminal charges in North Carolina can be split into two groups, felonies and misdemeanors. People usually think of misdemeanors as being less dangerous crimes, but they can still get you fines, probation, community service, or even jail time.

Both types of offenses have harsh punishments, but the intensity of the punishment depends on how bad the crime was. Some common misdemeanor crimes are:

• DWI (driving while impaired)
• Assault
• Theft of less valuable items
• Having small amounts of marijuana on you

Felonies are more serious crimes that have harsher punishments for those who commit these offenses, such as longer jail terms, larger fines, and losing the right to vote.
Here are some examples of felonies

• Murder
• Robbery with a gun
• Sexual abuse
• Drug trade
• Theft of money

Even after they have completed their sentences, felons often have trouble finding work, housing, or a good job. Their conviction may even have an effect on their personal life, like being shunned by their families or friends.

Categories of Felonies and Misdemeanors

Although crimes are either misdemeanors or felonies in North Carolina, their specific classification is determined by how severe the crime is.

Four types of misdemeanors exist. Their penalties can range from a fine and probation to a short jail term. Class A1 is the most dangerous. The other three are Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. For instance, driving while drunk could be a Class 1 misdemeanor, while minor theft could be a Class 3 misdemeanor, depending on the specifics of the case.

Felonies are more severe crimes with more intense punishments. Penalties can include long-term or life-term prison sentences or paying large fines. They are broken down into different classes, similarly to misdemeanors, based on how serious they are. These categories range from Class A (the worst, like first-degree murder) to Class I (the least, like having stolen goods).

North Carolina Criminal Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is the amount of time that the prosecutor has to start a case against a suspect. When someone is accused of a crime, the state can no longer bring charges against them after the time limit has passed. Different types of crimes have different terms of limitations.

For most minor crimes in North Carolina, you have two years from the date of the crime to file a criminal complaint. Charges must be brought within that timeframe, or the case will not be heard in court. It is very important to know the statute of limitations for your individual charge because it affects the legal strategy that can be used to defend you.

In North Carolina, there is no time limit on when you can be charged with a felony crime. Serious crimes, like murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping, can be prosecuted decades after the fact. In other words, if you are suspected of a felony, the state can file charges against you at any time, even if the crime happened a long time ago.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

A criminal defense lawyer’s job is to protect your rights and make sure you get a fair hearing. They can also work to keep the legal consequences as low as possible in your case, no matter if the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.

In a lot of criminal situations, your attorney can talk to the prosecution about lowering the charges or getting a lighter sentence. If the case against you is overwhelming, your lawyer can try to get you a plea deal that lessens the punishments you’ll face, like less time in jail or probation. They could also attempt to get some of the charges dropped.

A skilled lawyer can carefully look over the charges and proof against you to find any holes in the prosecution’s case. This review will be the foundation of your defense, as your lawyer may be able to question the legality of the evidence or point out mistakes in the process that could lead to the charges being dropped.

Some cases can fortunately be settled out of court, but others end up going to court. In those situations, you will need an efficient lawyer. During the hearing, they can make sure your rights are respected. Your lawyer can build a strong defense, question witnesses, and dispute the proof the prosecution presents.

An experienced attorney can work hard to get the greatest result possible. Sometimes, this means getting the charges dropped or reducing the severity of any repercussions you may face. In others, they must fight for a not guilty verdict.

A criminal defense lawyer can also seek post-conviction relief, like making an appeal or trying to get your criminal record expunged or sealed.

Contact The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett Today

Being charged with a crime in Pineville is stressful, no matter how large or minuscule. Every crime comes with its own possible consequences. A criminal record can also affect your life for a long time, making it hard to get a job, a place to live, or even a professional license.

Fortunately, you do not have to navigate the legal system by yourself. The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett can help you. Contact us today, and we can protect your rights and fight for your freedom.