Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyer

Greensboro Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing charges for a criminal offense can be stressful, especially if it is the individual’s first time dealing with the criminal justice system. In the United States, everyone has the legal right to a fair trial, as well as protections relating to law enforcement and court officials’ actions throughout the legal process. A qualified Greensboro criminal defense lawyer can advocate for those rights and make sure you’re treated fairly.

At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we have decades of combined experience in litigation and administrative proceedings in North Carolina at the state and federal levels. We know the legal system can be complicated and overwhelming, and we use our knowledge and skills to create an aggressive defense strategy for each client. Our top priority is receiving the most positive outcome possible for every case.

What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Does?

A criminal defense lawyer’s main role is to protect the rights of defendants accused of breaking the law. In contrast to civil cases, which involve disputes between two or more parties regarding physical or financial harm, criminal cases involve prosecution by the government for actions deemed harmful to society as a whole, with potential penalties including fines, imprisonment, or other legal sanctions.

When considering the role of criminal defense attorneys, the focus often centers on their representation of defendants during trial proceedings. While this is undoubtedly a critical aspect of their work, a significant portion of a criminal defense lawyer’s responsibilities occurs outside the courtroom.

These attorneys thoroughly evaluate cases, meticulously review facts, identify key elements, and collaborate with their clients to develop a strategic legal defense. Additionally, they may engage in negotiations with the prosecution and coordinate with witnesses or other relevant professionals.

When you work with a criminal defense attorney, they don’t just speak for you. They use their legal knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as professional resources and relationships, to guide you through the legal process and ensure you are treated fairly throughout. A skilled criminal defense attorney can start working with you as soon as you are arrested or investigated.

Protect Your Rights

In the United States, everyone is entitled to certain legal rights that guarantee fair treatment and a chance to defend themselves against criminal charges. Your constitutional rights begin before you are charged with a crime. Whether it’s your first arrest or you have a previous criminal history, knowing your rights can make a difference to the outcome of your case.

Below are some of the most important rights you need to know:

• Remain silent. When an individual is being questioned by law enforcement, they have the right not to answer questions that may incriminate them. An important distinction is that the accused has to state they are using their right to silence, or it may be considered evidence of guilt. Once a person states they are invoking their right to stay silent, police should not continue to question them.
• Have a lawyer. Everyone has the right to have a lawyer represent them in the legal process. If you can’t afford to hire a lawyer, the court will appoint one for you. However, while a private criminal defense lawyer can start representing you before you’re even arrested in some cases, you generally can’t be given a court-appointed lawyer until after you’ve been formally charged with a crime at the arraignment.
• Search warrants. Police officers have to obtain either your consent or a search warrant to search you, your home, or your vehicle or to take your personal belongings. To get a search warrant, police must prove to a judge that they have a good reason to believe there’s evidence of a criminal offense. If there’s not a search warrant, you can deny them access to search, but if you are being arrested, a search warrant isn’t required.
• Bail. When you are arrested, you can request bail, which is when you or someone on your behalf pays for you to be released from jail while you wait for your trial date. However, the amount is sometimes set high, especially in cases that involve violent crimes because there may be a higher risk of the defendant being a threat to society or a flight risk.
• A speedy trial. This simply means that an individual can’t be kept in jail for an unreasonable amount of time without their case being heard in court. Keep in mind that North Carolina does not have a law that specifies a time frame for a trial, but a qualified criminal defense attorney can help make sure improper procedures don’t delay the process.

Representing You

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can represent you throughout the legal process, starting with arrest and going through trial, if needed. They can assist you in determining what your legal options are and which ones make the most sense for your case. They can negotiate with the prosecution to have charges reduced or dismissed and defend you with a skilled legal strategy.

Develop a Defense Strategy

A strong defense strategy starts with the premise that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and it is the prosecution’s burden to prove that the defendant committed a crime. Every case is different and has its own unique facts and circumstances, but there are some strategies that are often applicable to many cases and may lead to favorable outcomes. Some of these are:

• Self-defense/defense of others. One common defense strategy for people accused of violent crimes is that they were acting in self-defense or in defense of another person. Under North Carolina law, an individual can use force when there’s an immediate threat of harm, as long as the force is reasonable for the specific threat and the threat is imminent.
• False allegations. This strategy may apply when the defendant didn’t commit the crime with which they were charged. The allegations could be a purposeful misrepresentation of what occurred or a misunderstanding. It can be used if no crime was committed at all or if there was a crime, but the defendant is not the one who committed it, such as a mistaken identity.
• Alibi. If the defendant can prove they could not have committed the crime because they were somewhere else when it happened, they may use the alibi defense. Evidence might be testimony from a witness, some kind of documentation, GPS or phone records, video footage, or other sources.
• Coercion. There may be times when someone is forced to do something illegal because someone else is threatening them with serious harm or death. The coercion defense is similar to self-defense in that the threat has to be immediate and serious enough that the defendant truly believed they had to do as told.

What to Look for in a Defense Lawyer?

The most important qualities of a good defense lawyer are a proven record of favorable outcomes for their clients’ cases, as this shows they have extensive experience, comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and case law, and strong communication and negotiation skills. This allows them to see factors many people would overlook or not know about which can be used in your defense strategy.

Similarly, their familiarity with the legal process means an understanding of the rules and other requirements of the court system. A good criminal defense lawyer adheres to moral and ethical standards like confidentiality and avoiding conflict of interest.

Lastly, criminal defense lawyers need strong attention to detail, thorough skills for researching and investigating, and general professional conduct like returning phone calls and emails. Being respectful to clients and others involved in a case, and honesty in all interactions with clients, are signs of a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Common Charges in Greensboro

Some of the more common charges in Greensboro are:

• Assault and battery. Assault is when someone threatens physical harm and battery involves inflicting actual harm against another person. It can be a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances and whether there are aggravating factors, such as using a weapon or if the victim is a child.
• Domestic violence. Domestic violence is not a specific charge in and of itself. Rather, it can be one of many charges such as assault or stalking when the defendant and the victim have or have had a personal relationship.
• DWI. In North Carolina, as in all states, it is illegal to drive while impaired by alcohol. The blood alcohol content limit in North Carolina is 0.08% while driving a personal vehicle or 0.04% while driving a commercial vehicle.
• Drug charges. Charges such as possession, possession with intent to distribute, drug manufacturing, and drug trafficking can have serious long-term consequences in North Carolina. Illegal substances include fentanyl, amphetamines, ketamine, marijuana, and prescription medication without a valid prescription, like Percocet or Demerol.

Consequences of a Criminal Record

The consequences of a criminal record include the penalties imposed by the prosecution, such as fines, restitution, incarceration, home confinement, parole, community service, or programs such as substance abuse treatment or anger management therapy. Depending on the specifics of the conviction, there may be other consequences, as well.

A felony or federal conviction may also make it difficult to get a job, hold a professional license, drive, find housing, exercise some civil rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm, and in some cases, travel between states or countries. For offenses related to sex crimes, the individual may be added to the North Carolina sex offender registry often for a minimum of 30 years.

In addition to official penalties, a conviction can have other long-lasting consequences. A criminal record can result in negative outcomes for child custody and visitation, bank loans and other financial matters, and some government benefits like food stamps or public housing. Finally, there is a lot of social stigma around criminal records, which can take a toll on relationships and an individual’s mental health.

Greensboro Criminal Defense Law FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Greensboro, NC?

A: The cost of hiring a criminal lawyer in NC can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s location and experience, and whether the case goes to trial. Lawyers also have different fee structures. Many criminal defense attorneys offer free initial consultations. Make sure you ask about their fees and fee structure during your first meeting.

Q: What Are the Two Types of Defense Attorneys?

A: The two types of defense attorneys are private criminal defense attorneys, who are paid by the client, and public defenders, who are lawyers appointed by the court to represent someone who can’t afford to pay a private attorney. Both have the same roles and obligations.

Q: Which Lawyer Wins Most Cases?

A: It is difficult to determine which lawyer wins the most cases in Greensboro, NC. Prosecutors can often control which cases go to a court trial and which don’t, which means they often prevail in court. It is estimated that up to 90% cases end in plea bargains, and effective criminal defense attorneys can utilize methods such as pretrial motions that may suppress evidence and end with charges being dismissed.

Q: Who Pays Criminal Defense Lawyers?

A: Who pays criminal defense lawyers depends on whether they’re working with a private client or in a capacity as a public defender, which are attorneys appointed to people who don’t have the funds to pay for a lawyer. Private clients are responsible for paying criminal defense lawyers themselves, while public defenders are paid by the courts to ensure every defendant’s right to a fair trial and legal counsel are met.

Defend Your Rights

Hiring a defense lawyer is a personal decision, but quality legal representation can make a difference in the outcome of a case. When the consequences of conviction might mean high fines or even jail time, having a skilled lawyer on your side is crucial.

If you’re facing criminal charges, contact Steven T. Meier, PLLC right away to set up a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer who can defend your rights and provide the legal representation you need.