Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Gastonia, NC

FAQs

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

  704-866-3300 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gastonia.

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

  Individuals can visit their online crime report database, https://tepsweb.cityofgastonia.com/caserecords/Records/CaseSearchPage.aspx, and search using the case number or date of the crime and last name. Reports are available 3-5 business days after the crime occurs. If the report cannot be found, individuals can contact Records or visit the Gastonia City Police Department for a fee. Records phone number: 704-866-6702

• What are the costs of hiring a criminal defense attorney in Gastonia?

  Most attorneys in Gastonia, North Carolina, ask for a retainer up front and charge a flat rate. Pretrial motions, court fines, post-conviction hours, representation in superior court, and other costs may all be included in these fees. As a client, you should make sure you understand exactly what is covered by the flat rate.

• Can any attorney in Gastonia represent a federal criminal case?

  Although technically possible, federal crimes are serious and complex, making it advantageous to hire a Gastonia criminal defense attorney with experience in federal court litigation. Check the credentials of the attorney and conduct online research to determine their experience with federal law. Additionally, the attorney must be licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction where the case is being tried in order to represent clients in federal court.

• Who is eligible for expungement of a criminal record in Gastonia?

  In Gastonia, you have the option to remove an arrest from your record if you were found not guilty or if the charges against you were dismissed. Additionally, if the conditions are met, certain misdemeanors and felonies may be expunged, while juvenile offenses are frequently eligible. However, North Carolina law prohibits expungement for certain offenses, including, among others, sexual offenses, felony assault, and possession of meth or heroin.

• What happens if you missed your court date in Gastonia?

  There are three outcomes to consider if you miss your Gastonia court date. "Called and Failed" statuses are typically issued for lesser traffic offenses, while "Failure to Appear" and "Order for Arrest" statuses are issued for more serious offenses. For both "Failure to Appear" and "Order for Arrest," you'll need to file paperwork justifying your absence from court. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you retain legal counsel to help lessen the impact of missing your court date.

• What are the consequences for stealing in Gastonia?

  In North Carolina, theft is a class one misdemeanor, the second-most serious misdemeanor classification. You risk an active sentence and a criminal record if you're found guilty, both of which can hurt your chances of getting hired in the future. It is critical to retain legal representation immediately following a larceny charge in Gastonia. Avoid talking to investigators or law enforcement without an attorney present, as anything you say could be used against you in court.

• 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.