Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Concord

FAQs

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

  Call the Concord Police Department at (704) 786-9155 for non-emergency concerns and incidents.

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

  You can search for and download or print police reports on the dedicated Concord Police Reports portal: http://www.concordp2c.com/ If your report search does not bring up any results, contact the Concord Police Records Division for assistance at (704)920-5052.

• Do you qualify for a criminal record expungement in Concord, NC?

  Expungement of a criminal record in Concord is allowed if:

  • The verdict was “not guilty”
  • The charges were dismissed
  • If convicted, the defendant has completed their sentence and has not committed another crime
  • The required amount of time since getting charged with the crime has passed

  Expungement is not granted to those who had their prison sentence extended, and those charged with obstruction of justice, motor vehicle offenses, and violent crimes.

• Whom can you sue for wrongful incarceration in Concord, NC?

  If you have been imprisoned for a crime you were eventually exonerated for, you can file a wrongful incarceration lawsuit against the state of North Carolina and the government agencies accountable, induing the Concord police and prosecutors. According to the North Carolina General Statute Section 148-82, you can also file a claim for statutory damages from the accountable state. You must file the claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission within five years of your exoneration.

• Can you go to jail in Concord, NC, for Interfering with emergency communication?

  Yes, it is considered an A1 misdemeanor in Concord which carries jail time of up to 150 days. There are two ways you can be charged with this crime:

  • If you intentionally interfered knowing that the communication is to address an emergency
  • If you tamper or interfere with the apparatus needed to communicate the emergency with the intention of preventing the communication from happening.

• What are considered internet crimes in Concord, NC?

  Internet crimes include identity theft, child pornography, phishing, hacking, and cyber harassment and stalking. Trademark infringement, intellectual property theft, and solicitation of minors in chat rooms are also prosecuted under this category. Internet crimes incur heavy penalties in Concord and may be prosecuted by both the state and federal courts.

• Do you still need a criminal defense lawyer for a case in Concord if you’re innocent?

  Yes. Innocence is not a guarantee for case dismissal or acquittal. Errors in the investigation, bias, tampered evidence, and false allegations have led to innocent people getting convicted. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Concord can spot these case anomalies, ensure you receive a fair trial, and build a strong defense of your innocence.

• 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.