Mooresville Misdemeanor Lawyer

Mooresville Misdemeanor Attorney

A misdemeanor in North Carolina comes with lower penalties compared to felony offenses. Any criminal charge is a serious matter, though, that requires the work of an experienced Mooresville misdemeanor lawyer who will fight for your rights. Failure to secure quality legal counsel could result in high penalties or even jail time.

The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., has extensive experience handling misdemeanor cases in Mooresville. We passionately fight on our client’s behalf to develop strong strategies while providing them with robust legal counsel. Defending your rights is our top priority if you are facing a charge in the North Carolina criminal justice system.

What Constitutes a Misdemeanor Offense in North Carolina?

North Carolina misdemeanor offenses are classified based on the severity of the crime. However, the initial criminal charge for any defendant does not solely determine the final outcome of a case. Prosecutors will consider factors like the defendant’s criminal record and plea deals when deciding on charges. Below is a breakdown of North Carolina’s misdemeanor crimes.

Class 3 Misdemeanor Offenses

Simple possession of marijuana can result in a Class 3 misdemeanor. The concealing (theft) of store goods is also considered a Class 3 misdemeanor offense, along with certain city code violations. Fortunately, if you have fewer than four past convictions on your record, you can only be fined under state law.

Class 2 Misdemeanor Offenses

Class 2 misdemeanor charges potentially come with a maximum jail time of 60 days and a maximum fine of $1,000. Common charges under this classification include:

• Disorderly conduct
• Simple assault
• Resisting arrest
• Failure to stop for law enforcement or EMS
• Carrying a concealed weapon

If you are charged with any of these offenses, your Mooresville misdemeanor lawyer can work to have the charges lowered. If evidence shows that you did not commit the alleged crime, your charges may be dropped altogether.

Class 1 Misdemeanor Offenses

The second-highest misdemeanor offense carries a maximum sentence of 120 days in jail. Crimes that are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors include larceny, theft, threats, and possession of drug paraphernalia, among other offenses. Fines for this offense are discretionary.

Class A1 Misdemeanor Offenses

The most serious misdemeanor classification is A1. Defendants found guilty under this category are subject to a maximum of 150 days in jail. As with Class 1 misdemeanors, fines are discretionary. Serious offenses under Class A1 include:

• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Assault on a government employee
• Restraining order violations
• Assault resulting in serious injury

No matter which misdemeanor offense you are charged with, your Mooresville misdemeanor lawyer can fight tirelessly to have your charges lowered or dropped.

What Can a Defense Attorney Do for Me?

Being charged with a misdemeanor crime can be nerve-racking. The potential for steep fines and jail time is enough to make anyone worry. Defense attorneys in Mooresville are trained to represent the interests of their clients. When you begin working with The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., our esteemed lawyer can listen carefully to the details of your case before developing a legal strategy that protects your rights and fights for your interests.

Our legal team can research your Mooresville case, examine law enforcement reports from the incident, and speak with eyewitnesses. If the evidence shows that you are innocent or that there are mitigating factors involved, your charges may be lowered or dropped altogether. Many cases are settled through what is known as the plea-bargaining process. Prosecutors often offer lower charges in return for an admittance of guilt. This helps lower the workload of a district attorney’s office.

Time is often on the defendant’s side, and the first offer isn’t necessarily the last or ideal one. Having an attorney on your side can improve the chances that you are given an offer that allows you to move on with your life and begin putting the charges behind you.

If the right option is to take your case to trial, our experienced attorney is experienced in courtroom settings. In those cases, a judge or jury may rule in your favor. No matter the circumstances of your case, having a lawyer in your corner is often the ideal option for achieving optimal results in your case.

FAQs

Q: How Does a Defense Attorney Defend Someone Who Is Guilty?

A: Every defendant in the state of North Carolina enjoys a presumption of innocence, and the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is on prosecutors. Whether the defendant is innocent or guilty, a Mooresville defense attorney has an obligation to defend their client vigorously.

Q: How Much Is a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor in North Carolina?

A: The total cost of your defense will depend on the amount of time and the number of resources that are needed to defend your case. Each case is unique, and a criminal defense attorney can discuss pricing during your case evaluation. Lawyers who have more experience often charge higher rates.

Q: What Are Class 3 Misdemeanors in NC?

A: Of the four misdemeanor classes, Class 3 is the least serious. The maximum penalty is up to 20 days in jail. There could be a fine as high as $200. Lower offenses subject to these charges are possession of small amounts of marijuana, driving with a revoked license, and second-degree trespassing.

Q: Do Misdemeanors Go Away in NC?

A: Misdemeanor charges can be expunged after five years if certain steps are taken. You must apply for expungement. Misdemeanors do not automatically go away. Your greatest chance for successfully expunging your misdemeanor charges is through working with a Mooresville defense attorney.

Work With an Experienced Mooresville Misdemeanor Lawyer

Being charged with a misdemeanor offense does not mean that you are guilty. With the right legal representation, your charges can be lowered or potentially dropped. The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C. has helped many clients fight misdemeanor charges with positive outcomes. If you were recently arrested, don’t lose hope. Contact our Mooresville office today to schedule your free consultation with our legal team.