Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Cary, NC

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cary, North Carolina?

  The non-emergency phone number of the Cary Police Department is 919-469-4012.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Cary, North Carolina?

  You may search for a Cary police report at https://townofcary.policetocitizen.com/EventSearch. To confirm any information provided online, call the Cary Police Department at 919-469-4021. If the report you are looking for is not available on the web page, visit the Records Department, located at 120 Wilkinson Ave., Cary, NC 27513.

• Do you need a lawyer in Cary even if you’re innocent of the crime you’re being accused of?

  It would be in your best interest to have a Cary criminal defense lawyer by your side even if you are innocent. As false allegations, poor investigations, mistaken identity, and bias can lead to arrests and convictions of innocent people, it would be wise of you to enlist the help of an attorney to protect your rights. Getting a lawyer does not necessarily mean you are guilty of a crime.

• Will your domestic violence charges in Cary be dropped if the victim wishes to withdraw charges?

  No. The domestic violence charges you are facing in Cary won’t be dropped even if the victim wishes to withdraw the charges. For domestic violence cases, Wake County has long adhered to its “no drop” policy, which means once a criminal charge has been filed, it is up to the State of North Carolina to decide whether or not to prosecute.

• Will a non-U.S. citizen get deported if convicted of committing a crime in Cary?

  It is possible for a non-U.S. citizen in Cary to get deported if they are convicted of committing a crime. With the defendant’s immigration status threatened, their ability to stay in the U.S. will depend on various factors, including the severity and nature of the criminal charges they are facing and if they have past immigration law violations. A criminal defense attorney with knowledge of immigration laws may be able to help preserve the defendant’s ability to stay in the U.S.

• What should you do right after your teenager has been arrested for a crime in Cary?

  In the immediate moments after your child’s arrest in Cary, do your best to stay calm and go to where your child is being held. Find out as much as you can about the situation through your child before the interviewer tries to get their side of the story, then call an experienced juvenile defense lawyer. Be firm and instruct your child not to speak to anyone without first consulting with their lawyer.

• Can you get a conviction off your record in Cary?

  If you wish to start with a clean slate, say apply for a job or housing in Cary, a conviction under your name can get in the way. Fortunately, there are certain misdemeanors that can be removed or “expunged” from your criminal record in North Carolina. To find out if you are qualified for this legal procedure, you can get a defense lawyer to assist you.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.