The criminal defense attorneys at King Law offer extensive experience to help clients through this difficult process and minimize the consequences of a criminal charge. Our attorneys will aggressively defend your case and attempt to avoid or reduce your criminal penalties, which can include fines, probation, or jail time.
Cases We Handle at King Law
At King Law, we handle a wide variety of different criminal law cases. Our goal is to help build a strong defense for our clients as we defend their rights and pursue the second chance they deserve.
Assault
Assault and battery can be a misdemeanor or felony in North or South Carolina. The penalties can vary from a small fine and 30 days in jail to a maximum penalty of ten or more years in prison. Many factors can determine the severity of your assault charges:
- The type of injuries sustained by the other party
- Whether you have a previous assault conviction
- The gender or occupation of the victim
- If the victim of the assault is handicapped
- Whether a concealed deadly weapon was used in the assault, carrying a concealed pistol-handgun, or unlawfully concealing a firearm
Our attorneys can argue for a reduced sentence in some cases. The issue of self-defense is also a major factor in many assault and battery cases and could be critical to your legal defense. Our criminal law attorneys will work to ensure you present the strongest possible defense to your assault charges.
Breaking and Entering
Breaking and entering charges can lead to very serious penalties in North and South Carolina. The prosecution may even pursue felony charges when certain facts are present in your case such as a charge of willful and wanton injury to real property. For example, the issue of criminal intent can be critical to your case. If the prosecution argues that you illegally entered a home with an intent to commit a felony, your breaking and entering case could lead to first-degree burglary charges, which come with much more severe penalties.
Our criminal law attorneys can help you argue the issue of criminal intent and seek a reduced sentence in your case. We can negotiate a plea deal on your behalf or take your case to trial if necessary. Don’t risk your freedom—consult with the criminal law attorneys at King Law if you’ve been charged with breaking and entering in North or South Carolina. Did you flee the scene after breaking and entering, contact our experienced attorneys immediately.
Domestic Violence and Assault
Law enforcement takes domestic violence charges very seriously in North Carolina. If you have been accused of committing domestic violence, assault or kidnapping, King Law’s criminal defense lawyers are prepared to protect your rights under North Carolina laws. Our legal team is experienced in these sensitive matters and will advocate tirelessly for you through the court procedure to obtain the best possible result. Conversely, if you are a victim of domestic violence or communicating threats, we will help you get the required protection you deserve through the court system.
At King Law, we understand that cases such as these can be complicated as emotions run high when individuals have or had a personal relationship. Our North Carolina domestic violence and assault lawyers are here to provide trusted legal support for those charged with domestic violence as well as those who are victims of domestic violence. We also help with Temporary Restraining Orders & Preliminary Injunctions. Keep in mind that these situations are very time-sensitive, which is why it is crucial to reach out to our criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible.
Drug Possession and Paraphernalia
Drug possession charges can lead to fines, jail time, and a conviction on your criminal record. Our criminal defense attorneys can help you argue for a reduced sentence or attempt to avoid jail time in some cases.
The penalties for drug possession can be quite severe for certain types of drugs. Even a first offense for possession of heroin or cocaine can lead to a significant prison sentence. If you have multiple offenses on your record, a simple possession charge could become a felony. Our criminal defense attorneys also understand that you may need additional help if you are dealing with drug addiction. We can provide information about counseling, substance abuse assessments, criminal diversion programs as well as outpatient and inpatient treatment options.
Expungement
You may be able to seek an expungement for certain misdemeanors or felonies on your criminal record. Our attorneys can explain the process and tell you whether your offenses may qualify.
Waiting periods may apply before you can seek expungement of certain offenses. For example, you must generally wait five years in North Carolina before seeking expungement of a non-violent misdemeanor and ten years for a non-violent felony. Some cases are not eligible for expungement. Once an offense is expunged, it will no longer be visible on your criminal background check.
Fraud and “White-Collar” Crimes
White-collar crimes include:
- Bank fraud
- Mail and wire fraud
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Identify Theft
The penalties for these crimes can include fines, house arrest, probation, restitution of stolen funds, and jail time. These crimes can also have a negative impact on your livelihood, professional reputation, and future employment prospects. Our attorneys understand the importance of a strong defense against white-collar crime charges. Even if you have not yet been charged with a crime, you should strongly consider talking to a criminal law attorney if you are being questioned by authorities or if your business is being investigated.
Theft and Robbery
Theft crimes can range from a simple shoplifting charge to a felony burglary offense. Regardless of what offense you’ve been charged with, your criminal law attorney should provide a strong defense to avoid or minimize the penalties and negative consequences associated with a theft charge. We also handle false pretense charges as well as other property crimes.
Even a non-violent theft can result in a lengthy prison sentence if the stolen property is valued over a certain amount. Our criminal defense attorneys will fight to reduce your charges or seek a lesser sentence.
Additional Criminal Cases We Handle
Contact a North and South Carolina Criminal Lawyer
Being accused of a crime can have serious repercussions on a person’s life. If you are facing criminal charges, it is crucial that you speak with a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
The experienced criminal defense lawyers at King Law help clients in North and South Carolina build strong defenses. To schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, contact us here or call (888) 748-5464.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Law in North and South Carolina
What should I expect if my criminal case goes to trial in North or South Carolina?
Trials can be contentious and no one can guarantee a particular outcome. In a bench trial, the judge will make a decision as to guilt, and in a jury trial, the jury will make a decision as to guilt. This decision is known as the verdict. Trials will begin with the selection of a jury (if necessary) a process known as voir dire, which can last hours, days, or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the trial. The prosecution will begin with an opening statement, followed by the defense. The prosecution will then present their evidence by calling witnesses and introducing exhibits in their case-in-chief. The defense will have an opportunity to cross-examine, each prosecution witness, meaning that they will question the witness and object to any irrelevant or inappropriate statements or exhibits. At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case the defense will often make amotion requesting that the court dismiss the case for a failure of the state to meet its burden of proof, however, these motions are rarely granted by the judge. At this point, the defense will either call witnesses and introduce evidence for their case, or they may not because the burden of proof is completely on the prosecution and a defendant cannot be forced to testify or put on a defense. The final phase of a trial involves each side making closing arguments explaining their theory of the case, and why the judge or jury should find the defendant either guilty or not guilty of the charged crimes. At the conclusion of the closing arguments, the judge will either make a decision in a bench trial or in a jury trial the judge will read instructions to the jury and they will go out of the courtroom to deliberate on a verdict. Upon reaching a verdict the jury will be brought back into the courtroom and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury fails to reach a verdict, a situation known as a hung jury, the judge may declare a mistrial and it will be up to the prosecution on whether they decide to try the case again. If a defendant is found guilty, the judge will sentence them based on structured sentencing laws or if the defendant is found not guilty they are free to go and may have the charges expunged from their record.
Can criminal charges be sealed in North and South Carolina?
Criminal charges, other than juvenile matters, will not be sealed. Under limited circumstances, a defendant may be able to have criminal charges expunged or removed from their record. Any charges that are dismissed or where the defendant is found not guilty can be expunged, and often are expunged upon completion of the case. Convictions must fall into one of several categories in order to be expunged, and an attorney will need to review the charges, the court record, and the defendant’s criminal record to determine if an expungement is possible and if so the appropriate process for applying for and obtaining the expunction.
What is the process like after criminal charges have been filed in court?
When charged with a crime in North Carolina a Defendant will either receive a citation or a criminal summons with a court date or if arrested they will appear before a magistrate and receive an initial appearance date before a District Court Judge. At the first court date, the defendant will make a decision regarding attorney status, either applying for a court-appointed attorney or signing a waiver of court-appointed counsel to hire an attorney or represent themselves. Depending on the severity of the charges, the matter may be resolved on the first or second court date, or the matter may be continued several times for witnesses and evidence to be presented. Felony charges result in a probable cause hearing being scheduled within 15 days of a defendant’s initial appearance, however, that 15-day window may be waived by the defendant. Misdemeanors will generally be resolved in District Court, however, if the defendant is not satisfied with a result in District Court they may appeal that decision to Superior Court for a jury trial within 10 days from the date of the case being resolved in District Court. Some low-level felonies may be handled in District Court, but most will need to be indicted by a grand jury and resolved in Superior Court by either plea or jury trial. Regardless of the severity of the charges, defendants should remain aware of their right to not be used as a witness against themselves, and their right to consult with a criminal attorney at each critical stage of the court process. Defendant’s should only speak to their attorney about their case while charges are pending.