Abogado especializado en delitos violentos Charlotte

Violent Crime Attorney in Charlotte, NC

A violent crime conviction can derail your life. Such a conviction may come with hefty fines, jail time, reputational damage, struggles with employment and housing, and more. If you are in the Charlotte area and are being charged with a violent crime, don’t face the future alone. Enlist the help of an experienced Charlotte violent crime lawyer to defend you.

About Steven T. Meier, PLLC

If you are facing violent crime charges, you need a defense attorney willing to fight for you in tribunal. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we have over two decades of experience representing our clients. We understand how devastating criminal charges can be, and we approach every client’s case with the respect, compassion, and effort they deserve. With an office conveniently located on South Boulevard, we serve our clients in Charlotte with care and integrity.

What Is Considered a Violent Crime in North Carolina?

A crime is considered violent when it involves the use of force or threatened use of force intended to hurt or kill the victim. Unfortunately, violent crime is not as rare as it should be. In 2024, the city of Charlotte reported 7,355 violent crimes. A wide range of offenses fall into the violent crime category. Here are a few major ones:

• Murder: All degrees of murder charges are classified as violent crimes, whether the act was premeditated or not.
• Rape: Nonforcible statutory rape is the only subcategory of rape that is not considered a violent crime.
• Aggravated assault: Aggravated assault is defined as the use of force with a deadly weapon against another person with the aim of killing or seriously injuring them. Aggravated assault is the most common violent crime in North Carolina. In fact, there were over 31,000 cases of aggravated assault recorded in 2023.
• Armed robbery: Armed robbery is considered a violent crime because it carries an inherent high risk of violence. The presence of a weapon implies intimidation and the threat of harm, even if no one was physically injured.

What Are the Possible Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction in North Carolina?

Violent crimes in North Carolina are almost always felonies. The consequences for a specific case depend on the circumstances of the incident and the severity of the charge, but most violent crime penalties include jail time. The following are some potential sentences for violent crimes:

• Murder: First-degree murder is categorized as a Class A felony, and it carries a minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The maximum sentence is the death penalty. Under North Carolina law, if the offender is under the age of 18 at the time the crime is committed, the maximum sentence is life without parole, and the minimum sentence is life with the possibility of parole.
• Rape: First-degree rape is a Class B1 felony. The minimum sentence is set at 12 years in prison, but up to life in prison is possible.
• Aggravated assault: If it is possible to prove intent to kill, an aggravated assault can be classified as a Class C felony. Prison terms for Class C felonies begin at 44 months but can be as long as 182 months, depending on aggravating factors or previous convictions.
• Armed robbery: Armed robbery is considered a Class D felony in North Carolina. It carries a minimum sentence of 38 months in prison.

Hire a Charlotte Violent Crime Lawyer

North Carolina is serious about prosecuting violent crime. If you have been charged with a violent crime, you should get serious about defending yourself. The legal system can be complicated, and the process of fighting charges is often long and arduous. While you can leave your defense up to chance, it is in your interest to hire a violent crime lawyer who can help you build a compelling case and achieve the greatest possible outcome.

Preguntas frecuentes

What Is the Difference Between Burglary and Robbery?

The difference between burglary and robbery is that burglary refers to the act of entering a place to commit a crime, whether that crime is trespassing, theft, or something else. Robbery, on the other hand, is the act of taking property that belongs to another person, whether by force or not. Both burglary and robbery are usually felony charges, but burglary is not always considered a violent crime.

How Much Does a Violent Crime Lawyer Cost in Charlotte?

There is a wide range of factors affecting the cost of a violent crime defense lawyer in Charlotte. Most lawyers charge an initial retainer fee for clients to begin using their services. Retainer fees are unique to each lawyer, but they are usually based on the amount of time the attorney expects to spend on your case. The actual time they spend is then billed hourly against the initial retainer. Your attorney can explain their fee structure to you in greater detail.

Is Domestic Assault a Felony in North Carolina?

Whether domestic assault is considered a violent crime in North Carolina depends on the severity of the violence. In cases of strangulation or serious injury resulting from domestic assault, the offense is usually classified as a felony instead of a misdemeanor. Violencia doméstica of a lesser degree is often a misdemeanor unless there are multiple offenses.

Is Arson Considered a Violent Crime in Charlotte?

Generally, arson is not considered a violent crime in North Carolina. It is instead classified as a property crime. However, it could be considered a violent crime and charged as such if the intent was to harm or kill someone present in the structure being burned. Your attorney can help you understand the nuances in arson situations.

Reach out to a Charlotte Violent Crime Lawyer Today

A conviction on violent crime charges can derail your life, possibly for decades to come. That’s why it is so important that you have the right counsel in your corner. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we help our clients walk through some of the toughest challenges life can bring. With our winning track record, extensive legal knowledge, and firm courtroom demeanor, we are ready to defend you, too. Póngase en contacto con nosotros today for a free consultation.