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Raleigh Misdemeanor Attorney

Individuals located in Raleigh and surrounding areas can be left feeling confused and overwhelmed after learning they are facing charges for a misdemeanor. Many people who are charged with misdemeanors have never been exposed to the criminal system before and are unsure of what steps to take.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, a Raleigh misdemeanor lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can help you mount your defense.

Your Experienced Raleigh Misdemeanor Team

A misdemeanor conviction can come with various criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, and other actions such as participation in education programs or community service. In addition to criminal penalties, a misdemeanor on your record can have other negative consequences. A Raleigh criminal defense lawyer from our firm understands all that is at stake and can work with you to fight to minimize charges and penalties.

A Breakdown of North Carolina Misdemeanor Charges

Criminal offenses in North Carolina are categorized into misdemeanors and felonies. Although misdemeanors are considered to be less severe than felony crimes, they can still lead to criminal penalties and negative consequences. The state of North Carolina categorizes misdemeanor crimes into Class A1, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 categories. Class A1 misdemeanors are considered to be the most serious type of misdemeanor.

Criminal penalties for misdemeanor convictions can differ depending on various factors, including case circumstances, the class of misdemeanor, and the offender’s criminal history. Misdemeanor charges are brought forward for various offenses, such as possession of small amounts of controlled substances, shoplifting, public intoxication, simple assault, and driving while impaired.

How a Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight Your Misdemeanor Charges

Although misdemeanor charges may not seem as threatening as felony charges, they can lead to serious negative consequences if your situation is not adequately handled. Therefore, it is crucial to have a Raleigh criminal defense lawyer on your side.

An adept attorney from our firm can assist you in the following ways:

• Help You Understand Your Rights: It is critical to be aware of your rights in order to ensure that you are subject to a fair investigation, arrest, and sentencing process. Failure to adequately understand and exercise your rights can lead to inadvertent negative consequences, such as implicating yourself in your misdemeanor charges.
• Build a Strong Defense: A strong defense can involve various legal tactics, such as calling into question the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses, arguing that your rights were breached during search and arrest, or shedding light on inaccurate or inconsistent evidence. By showcasing any weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument, a skilled lawyer can potentially get your charges reduced or dismissed.
• Negotiate on Your Behalf: Depending on the details of your case, a lawyer may be able to participate in negotiations with the prosecution to get your charges reduced. An experienced lawyer from our firm can advocate for alternative sentencing, such as community service or participation in educational programs in lieu of jail time. In some cases, a plea bargain may be ideal to ensure minimized criminal penalties.
• Fight for Your Criminal Record: Having a misdemeanor conviction can lead to the creation of a criminal record, which often comes with negative consequences, such as barriers to certain professional and housing opportunities. A skilled Raleigh criminal defense lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can help you avoid a criminal record by leveraging options such as alternative sentencing or even expungement.

The empathetic criminal defense legal team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, understands how stressful and overwhelming it can be to face criminal charges. Therefore, we are here to assist you by understanding your case details, concerns, and goals, which is information that we leverage to develop a strong defense strategy on your behalf. By working with us, you can rest assured that your case is in knowledgeable and skilled hands.

Raleigh Misdemeanor FAQs

Q: What Is Considered a Misdemeanor in Raleigh, NC?

A: A Raleigh misdemeanor is a crime that is considered to have an associated criminal penalty of no more than 150 days in jail and is less serious than a felony offense. In the state, misdemeanors are classified into Class A1, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 categories. An A1 misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor that can be charged in North Carolina. In addition to jail time, individuals can face fines, probation, and community service.

Q: What Are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor in Raleigh, NC?

A: The penalties for a misdemeanor crime in Raleigh, NC are dependent on various factors, including whether the misdemeanor was classified as Class A1, Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3, and the offender’s existing criminal history. Offenders can face time in jail, fines, and probation. For certain misdemeanors, options such as substance abuse treatment, attendance of educational programs, and community service participation may be available.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Charge in Raleigh, NC?

A: If you have been charged with committing a misdemeanor in Raleigh, NC, it is generally recommended to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights and interests. Failure to adequately navigate the criminal defense process can lead to unnecessary criminal penalties or collateral consequences. A misdemeanor lawyer can advocate for you on your behalf.

Q: What Are Common Types of Misdemeanors in Raleigh?

A: Common types of misdemeanors that are committed in Raleigh and across the state of North Carolina are shoplifting, simple assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, and other forms of simple drug possession. Although common misdemeanors may seem minor in nature, they all have penalties and negative collateral consequences.

Fight Back Against Your Charges With a Raleigh Misdemeanor Lawyer

If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Raleigh or surrounding areas, it is crucial to find experienced legal representation who can advocate for you and your rights. A skilled Raleigh misdemeanor lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can design and implement a robust defense strategy to push for optimal case outcomes. Contact us today to get started.