Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Raleigh

FAQs

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

  919-831-6311 is the non-emergency contact number of the local police station in Raleigh.

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

  To obtain an incident report, email police.records@raleighnc.gov and provide your report number and contact number for communication purposes. The staff will send you the report via email. You can also contact 919-996-3325 and communicate with a staff member who can help you locate and email your report.

• Why is it important to hire a criminal defense attorney in Raleigh if you have been charged with a crime?

  Being convicted of a crime can negatively impact your life in many ways, including limiting your job opportunities and affecting your ability to obtain housing and custody of your children. Hiring a Raleigh criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and potentially secure a better outcome for your case.

• What types of crimes do criminal lawyers usually defend clients against in Raleigh?

  Raleigh criminal lawyers typically defend clients against various felony and misdemeanor crimes, including property crimes, violent crimes, white-collar crimes, sex crimes, drug crimes, DWI or DUI, and traffic violations. These lawyers also assist clients with the legal process, such as negotiating plea bargains, providing legal advice, and representing clients in court proceedings.

• What is the punishment for a simple assault charge in Raleigh?

  If convicted of simple assault in Raleigh, a person may face a range of penalties, including fines, probation, community service, or any combination thereof, and a possible jail sentence of no more than 60 days. The severity of punishment will depend on several factors, such as the extent of the victim's injuries, the use of a weapon, and the defendant's criminal record history.

• What should you do if you are arrested in Raleigh?

  If you're arrested in Raleigh, it's important to know your rights. Remain respectful and calm, do not resist arrest, and do not provide a statement to the police beyond the basic information needed for booking. Ask for a lawyer immediately and take mental notes of everything that happens. Contact an experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to negotiate on your behalf and get the legal advice you need.

• What is the process for expunging a criminal record in Raleigh?

  The process to expunge a criminal record in Raleigh involves getting an affidavit notarized, completing an expungement petition, serving it to the district attorney, filing the petition with a fee, and waiting for a verdict that can take up to six months. North Carolina's recent changes to the expungement law make it easier for nonviolent misdemeanor and felony offenders to clear their records after five or ten years. However, some convictions, such as assault, sex offenses, and drug possession, are not eligible for expungement.

• 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.