High Point Felony Lawyer

High Point Felony Attorney

A felony charge is no laughing matter. It can cause irreparable damage to your reputation, to your employment status, to your personal relationships, and to your social standing. Felony charges carry serious penalties ranging from significant prison sentences to even the death penalty in certain extreme situations. If you are ever charged with a felony, it is vital that you take the proper steps to protect yourself by hiring a High Point felony lawyer.

What to Do if You Are Charged With a Felony

In North Carolina, felony charges are reserved for the most extreme and dangerous crimes that law enforcement officials feel warrant a significant sentence to discourage others from engaging in similar behavior. You may feel a need to try and clear your name or handle your legal situation on your own. This is not advisable. It is highly recommended that you consult with a criminal defense lawyer who can help you. Having someone on your side can only help.

In the event that you are arrested and charged with a felony, there are steps you can take to try and make your situation better in the long run. Remember, these charges are very serious, and the slightest misstep could result in devastating consequences:

• Exercise your rights. When you are initially arrested, you will be read your Miranda rights, one of which is the right to remain silent. Exercise it. Say nothing. The police may attempt to guilt, trick, or intimidate you into revealing something that could incriminate you. Calmly state that you will say nothing without your lawyer present. There’s no need to be hostile or disrespectful. Just invoke your Fifth Amendment right and be quiet.
• Contact a lawyer. The moment you are provided with the opportunity to reach out to somebody, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Involving a criminal defense lawyer could be the most important decision you make throughout this entire process. You need someone by your side who can provide you with legal advice, anticipate roadblocks, and stand up to police and prosecutors on your behalf.
• Don’t resist. This can be difficult to remember, especially when you are being hounded with questions about a serious crime. Try your hardest to stay calm and don’t resist. Resisting can make you appear guilty and could result in law enforcement narrowing their focus to just you or cause you to be given additional charges.
• Understand the charges. It is important to know exactly what you are being charged with, if anything. If you are being charged with a misdemeanor, the road ahead can be quite different from being charged with a felony. A felony conviction could cost you certain rights, such as the right to vote and the right to bear arms. Understanding the charges can help you and your lawyer forge ahead with a plan in place.
• Be honest with your lawyer. Your lawyer is there to help you. You may be reluctant to share certain details with them for fear of self-incrimination. Remember that everything you say to your lawyer is protected by attorney-client privilege.

They cannot share anything that you don’t want them to share. They can’t help you properly without complete transparency. Don’t keep any secrets from your lawyer, and be honest with them about what happened and what they can expect.

FAQs

What Percentage of Criminal Defendants Cannot Afford to Hire an Attorney?

A significant percentage of criminal defendants are unable to afford an attorney for their case. The number varies depending on the state, the crime, and, of course, the defendant at hand, but many defendants are unable to hire a lawyer. In these cases, they will most likely be given representation at a significantly reduced rate, provided they meet certain criteria. It can be hard to be in a position where you cannot afford legal counsel.

How Is Sentencing Decided for a Felony Charge?

The sentence imposed upon you for a felony charge depends on a number of important factors, including the severity of your offense, any prior offenses you may have been responsible for, whether anybody was hurt, and the evidence against you. Depending on the charge and the circumstances of the crime, you could be looking at a possibility of life in prison. Judges will  use a sentencing grid to determine the appropriate penalty.

Can a Felony Charge be Dropped?

Yes, in certain cases, a felony charge can be dropped to a misdemeanor in High Point, NC. If the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove a felony charge, they may attempt to drop the charge to a misdemeanor. A drop may also happen if you accept a plea agreement for a lesser charge, your constitutional rights were violated at the time of arrest, you cooperate with law enforcement on a separate case, or there is no evidence for probable cause.

What Is the Worst Felony?

The worst felonies are Class A felonies. This is considered the most serious charge that one can get and applies only to first degree murder. The penalties for a Class A felony carry the highest punishment possible in the state, which means you can get either life in prison or the death penalty, depending on the case.

Reach Out to a Felony Lawyer Today

A felony charge can be the start of a truly tumultuous time in your life that you may not be prepared to handle alone. It is vital that you reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you understand the charges you are facing, develop a successful defense strategy, and help you challenge these charges in a court of law. Attempting to handle things on your own can result in serious consequences.

LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, can provide you with quality legal assistance throughout your case by helping gather evidence that supports your claim, protecting your interests throughout, and providing you with a strategy. Contact us to schedule a consultation.