Greensboro Felony Lawyer

Greensboro Felony Attorney

When your freedom, reputation, and future are in danger because of a felony conviction, you need a Greensboro felony lawyer to guide and represent you throughout the legal process. A Greensboro criminal defense lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can fight hard against your serious criminal charges.

Felonies in North Carolina

North Carolina generally categorizes crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, while felonies carry severe penalties. Greensboro felony laws are governed by state statutes, which outline sentencing guidelines based on the severity of the crime.

The state categorizes felonies into 10 classes. Each class has specific sentencing ranges and consequences, which are based on the severity of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal record. A simple breakdown would be the following:

• Class A felony: This encompasses the most severe crimes, like first-degree murder. It can be punishable by imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty.
• Class B1/B2 felony: This includes second-degree murder or first-degree sexual offenses. Penalties include lengthy prison sentences, up to life in prison.
• Class C-I felonies: These are a range of offenses, such as drug trafficking, robbery, and financial crimes. Penalties vary widely based on the situation’s unique factors, such as prior convictions and the nature of the crime.

Each case is unique. The court considers various aggravating or mitigating circumstances when determining a sentence. Hiring a felony lawyer at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, gives you an advocate who understands how to present your case and work toward minimizing penalties.

Felony Penalties in Greensboro

A felony conviction in Greensboro can lead to a wide range of severe consequences, depending on the type of offense and the defendant’s criminal history. Penalties can include: 

• Lengthy prison sentences
• Probation or parole
• Loss of rights
• Permanent criminal record

The impact of a felony conviction can follow you throughout your life. That’s why it’s essential to consult a Greensboro felony lawyer as early as possible in your case.

Defense Strategies in Felony Cases

Every felony case is unique. A good defense strategy must be tailored to the specific facts and circumstances of each case. The Greensboro criminal defense lawyers at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, use their extensive courtroom experience and understanding of state law to build effective defenses.

Some of the common strategies we employ include: 

• Challenging the legality of a search or seizure: If the evidence was obtained unlawfully, it may be suppressed.
• Questioning the credibility of witnesses: Our team scrutinizes the motives and reliability of all witnesses.
• Establishing an alibi: Proving that you were somewhere else at the time the crime was committed can be a powerful defense.
• Self-defense or the defense of others: In cases such as assault or homicide, we may argue that you acted to protect yourself or someone else.
• Entrapment or coercion: If the Greensboro Police Department or another law enforcement agency pressured or tricked you into committing a crime, we can use that to fight the charges.

The team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, explores every legal avenue and prepares for trial from the start.

Types of Felony Cases

There are many types of felony cases, which can include: 

• Drug offenses: Drug trafficking, possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, or conspiracy to distribute controlled substances can be very serious felonies. Drug offenses make up about 33% of all felony crimes.
• Violent crimes: Felonies involving violence can carry harsh penalties. These can include assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, or homicide. The violent crime rate in Greensboro is 3.914 per 1,000 residents.
• Sex crimes: Allegations of sexual assault, exploitation, or child pornography can destroy your relationships and reputation.
• White-collar crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and other financial crimes can lead to lengthy prison terms and massive restitution.
• Weapons charges: Unlawful possession, use, or trafficking of firearms can enhance the penalties for other crimes. These can also be prosecuted as standalone felonies.
• Property crimes: Burglary, arson, and theft charges may become felonies, depending on the value or whether violence occurred. Robbery is the most common felony crime in Greensboro.

Why Choose Steven T. Meier, PLLC?

Hiring the right Greensboro criminal defense lawyer can greatly improve the outcome of your case. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we offer a client-focused approach to felony defense. Our firm has extensive experience with felony cases.

We thoroughly investigate each case. We use forensic professionals and legal researchers to support our defense. Our goal is to build the strongest case possible while providing personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.

FAQs

Q: Can a Felony Be Dropped in NC?

A: A felony charge can be dropped in North Carolina under certain circumstances. Prosecutors might dismiss the charge if:

• There isn’t sufficient evidence.
• There are procedural errors.
• There are no witnesses.

Alternatively, a plea deal may also reduce a felony to a misdemeanor, thus lightening the defendant’s sentencing. Only the prosecutor has the authority to drop charges, not the victim or a felony attorney.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Felony Charge?

A: In Greensboro, hiring a lawyer for a felony charge is strongly recommended. Felonies in North Carolina can carry serious consequences. These may include lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. A skilled defense attorney can evaluate your case, identify weaknesses in the evidence against you, and represent you in court. An experienced lawyer can better protect your rights and build a stronger case in your favor.

Q: Can a Lawyer Get a Felony Dropped?

A: A lawyer cannot guarantee that a felony charge will be dropped. However, they can take legal steps toward seeking a dismissal. Challenging the prosecution’s evidence, filing pretrial motions, and questioning probable cause can persuade the court to reduce or dismiss charges. Lawyers can also help eligible clients enter diversion programs that lead to a case dismissal upon completion.

Q: Do First-Time Felony Offenders Go to Jail in North Carolina?

A: First-time felony offenders in North Carolina don’t always go to jail. Sentencing depends on the class of the felony, the defendant’s previous record, and the circumstances of the offense. Some low-level, nonviolent felonies may be eligible for probation, community service, or deferred prosecution programs. Serious felonies are more likely to result in prison time.

Hire a Felony Lawyer

Take the first steps toward building your defense. Contact the office of Steven T. Meier, PLLC, to schedule your confidential consultation.