Indian Trail Criminal Defense Attorney

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Indian Trail Criminal Defense Lawyer

Indian Trail Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal law in North Carolina encompasses a wide range of illegal actions. Many offenses are addressed by federal law, while other criminal statutes are unique to the state. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the crime, the person at fault may be punished by fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions. For people who face penalties for illegal acts, such as theft, assault, drug possession, and driving under the influence, it is in your interest to find legal representation. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney can advocate for your rights and help determine the right defense for your unique case.

If you are arrested and accused of breaking the law, your rights may not be taken into account, even though the law states a person is “innocent until proven guilty.” Without an experienced attorney who is well-versed in criminal law, you may succumb to pressure or misleading questions from the police. This could eliminate your right to a fair trial before you have even realized that you should ask for legal counsel.

The Law Offices of Huffman and Kendrick Can Help

The Law Offices of Huffman and Kendrick have provided criminal defense advocacy for people for over six decades. Our mission to serve the Monroe area with solid legal counsel for felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses is unparalleled.

Facing criminal charges in Indian Trail, North Carolina, is a situation that a seasoned legal professional can help navigate. Because criminal charges and a conviction can irrevocably alter a person’s life trajectory, the outcome of your case is of utmost importance to our team. No matter the charges or circumstances of your case, our skilled attorneys can fight against a conviction with every resource available. We may even be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

Our office has decades of experience in criminal law litigation, and our attorneys are committed to honing their skills to provide effective and proactive advocacy. Regardless of the severity of the charges against you, we can approach your case from a place of strength and give you the negotiation options that reflect your future goals. In cases involving violence, drugs, or firearms, our firm has experienced success and is dedicated to taking into account the unique components of your situation to design an effective legal strategy.

Over the years, our legal team has helped past clients navigate a daunting experience with courtesy and compassion, enabling them to find a resolution quickly and painlessly. Our team is trustworthy, empathetic, and knowledgeable, and our attorneys can comprehensively research all the aspects of your case to ensure that you will receive justice. When a person’s freedom is at stake, our dedicated legal team can help determine the most positive outcome for your circumstances.

What Is a Criminal Defense Attorney?

While a criminal defense attorney can be appointed by the court, it is much more advantageous for people to hire a reputable, dependable, and skilled attorney who can negotiate deals with the prosecutor. A qualified criminal defense attorney can win case dismissal, reduced sentencing, reduced bail, or reduced charges.

A dedicated legal team can afford clients the opportunity to view their case from a variety of perspectives and advise them on how to proceed with their side of the story. Furthermore, an outstanding criminal defense attorney can aggressively cross-examine witnesses, craft a plea deal, assess potential deals, and advise on any future ramifications of a conviction or criminal record.

If you are arrested on a criminal charge, it can come as a shock to be thrown into the criminal justice system without a knowledgeable advocate. Our team is committed to examining the nuances of each case and identifying the right approach when your case goes to trial. It is also necessary to find an attorney who practices law inside the city or county where a person was charged with a crime. This attorney is familiar with the judge who presides over cases in their jurisdiction. They are also familiar with the local prosecutors, which can allow them to more effectively negotiate with them or fight against them in court if necessary.

What Types of Penalties Exist for Criminal Law Cases?

This depends specifically on the illegal act that was committed. North Carolina is known for having especially tough punishments for offenses and has cultivated a reputation for issuing capital punishment, or the death penalty, for murder cases. Be aware that your case will be taken seriously by the courts, and your legal counsel must be equipped to inform you about the most effective defense.

The Law Offices of Huffman and Kendrick serves clients with cases involving:

  • Assault and battery
  • Burglary
  • DWI
  • Drug crimes
  • Traffic violations

Penalties for the above infractions can vary. For instance, theft and larceny in North Carolina are considered equivalent offenses, but depending on the value of the stolen property, each can be defined as a misdemeanor or a felony. Assault and battery are often charged together, and it is a criminal act if someone touches a person inappropriately or even threatens them with bodily harm. With drug crimes, North Carolina can dole out severe punishments depending on the class of the drug, with some drugs labeled as a misdemeanor and punishable by a few weeks in jail. However, repeat or Class I offenses are usually given a felony charge and can result in longer jail sentences. An aggressive criminal defense attorney can help reduce or eliminate these criminal penalties, affording a person a better outcome for their future.

What Happens After an Arrest?

When a person is arrested in North Carolina, the police are obligated to read them their Miranda rights, which include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. These rights protect a person from incriminating themselves, but there is no guarantee that a police officer will not try to pressure or sway someone to speak out against themselves. Remaining silent until you have an attorney present is the right way to protect your rights after an arrest.

After the Miranda rights have been stated, the booking process begins. The police will collect your personal information, which may take a few hours or even an entire night; this can depend on where and when the arrest happens. Expect to have a mugshot taken as well. Once these steps are finished, you will be taken to a holding cell. The person who was arrested must stay in the jail cell until a bail hearing is conducted.

The bail hearing will determine, based on a judge’s ruling, if the person can be released on bail, and the bail amount will also be decided. If the judge deems the person to be a danger to society, they will not be released. Factors like the person’s criminal history or the severity of the crime are considered in this situation. If the person is granted bail, they must pay the court directly to be released from the holding cell, and if they are unable to do so, they may contact a bail bond company for assistance.

Preparing for a Court Date

A dedicated and skilled criminal law defense attorney can help prepare the person for their upcoming court appearances. They can offer advice and information on whether to plead guilty or not guilty, provide options and facts about sentencing, rehearse questions and statements, and otherwise help navigate the legal system. If the person is found guilty of a criminal offense, the sentencing depends on the crime and can include probation, fines, and/or jail time.

If the judge hands down a not guilty verdict, the person will be free to go, and the crime will be removed from their record. In North Carolina, even if a person is found guilty, it is becoming more common for judges to assign probation instead of jail time, and it usually lasts 1-3 years. Once probation is complete, all charges will be dismissed, but the person must be aware of the terms of the probation and make sure not to violate them. A criminal defense attorney can assist in securing probation instead of jail time. They can also provide guidance in following the conditions of the probation, such as drug testing, counseling, and meetings with a probation officer.

Contact the Law Offices of Huffman and Kendrick

A dedicated, aggressive, and skilled criminal defense attorney can help with making informed decisions and understanding the most advantageous options after an arrest. Our legal team has handled criminal defense trials for decades and knows how to formulate strong representation. Our attorneys can build a detailed, client-focused defense that takes into account all the procedures that ensued during and after your arrest as well as the crime that was committed.

The efforts of your attorney can positively impact your experience at trial, help prevent harm to future plans, and possibly even get the case thrown out due to a rights violation. Although an arrest is stressful, our firm can ease the toll of this experience with an initial consultation. Please contact us to speak to a skilled criminal defense attorney.