Being arrested in North Carolina puts your freedom, your finances, and your reputation in jeopardy. The best way to protect your rights is to consult with an aggressive criminal defense attorney. If you live in Craven or Pamlico Counties, turn to Greene Wilson Crow & Smith.
We are committed to the principle that you are innocent until proven guilty and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and your freedom. We will stand by you through the entire criminal justice process to support you, answer all your questions, and allay your fears. Contact our office today to set up a consultation.
Common Criminal Defense Cases in North Carolina
At Greene Wilson Crow & Smith, we are highly experienced in defending clients against a wide range of criminal offenses, including:
DWI
North Carolina has some of the strictest DWI laws in the U.S. You may be charged with DWI if:
- Police determine that you are impaired by observing your appearance, behavior, or performance on field sobriety tests
- Police find that your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 or above (.04 for minors under 21 and commercial drivers)
Several factors make DWI charges more serious and carry more severe penalties, such as:
- BAC of .15 or above
- A child in the car
- Driving recklessly
- Causing an accident, especially one with injuries
In North Carolina, even a first offense conviction will lead to a 1-year license suspension; a third offense will result in license revocation. Other distressing consequences may be a court-ordered Interlock Device, auto insurance premiums that skyrocket, and a DWI conviction visible on background checks. Worse, a DWI conviction may lead to incarceration. This is why it is vital to have excellent criminal defense representation when faced with DWI charges.
Traffic Violations
Tickets for traffic violations are more than an inconvenience. They can interfere with your daily routine, your employment and may even lead to jail time. License and insurance points can accumulate rapidly, increasing your insurance rates and affecting your life in significant ways. Not only can traffic violations, like speeding, running a red light, or distracted driving result in expensive penalties and fees, they can also result in loss of driving privileges and freedom.
If you want to give yourself the best chance of avoiding these miseries, your best bet is to engage the services of our talented traffic attorneys. Because North Carolina law allows our criminal defense attorneys to take your place in court during negotiations, you will be spared the time-consuming court appearances.
Drug Crimes
The criminal defense attorneys of Greene Wilson Crow & Smith are strong negotiators and litigators, well-practiced in defending our clients against all types of drug charges, including:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Drug trafficking
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Manufacturing and cultivation
- Drug distribution to minors.
We know specific details of federal and state drug laws, and will always use our in-depth knowledge to help your case. We will work tirelessly to obtain the best outcome, whether that means having the charges against you dismissed, plea bargaining to a lesser offense, or decreasing your penalties.
Felonies and Misdemeanors Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense attorneys will protect you from both misdemeanors and felonies.
Misdemeanors, though less serious offenses, may still result in up to $1,000 in fines and up to 120 days in jail. Common misdemeanors include:
- Shoplifting
- Possession of stolen property
- Assault
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Trespassing
- Communicating threats
- Prostitution
- Underage drinking
Felonies are very serious crimes in North Carolina. Common felony charges include:
- Felony larceny (stealing property worth more than $1,000)
- Conspiracy
- Assault resulting in serious injury
- Possession of controlled substances with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver
Punishment for convicted felons ranges from unsupervised probation to long years of prison time. As you might expect, felony convictions result in harsher penalties if you already have a record. Like misdemeanors, felonies are categorized in classes, Class A being the most serious.
If you are convicted of a felony, you may not only serve a lengthy prison sentence, you may also lose the right to possess a firearm or ammunition, vote, or run for public office. Therefore, if you are charged with a felony, don’t waste time. Contact our skilled criminal defense law team immediately.
Military Criminal Defense
Being charged with a crime while you are a member of the military requires an aggressive court-martial lawyer. Whether you are accused of a misdemeanor or felony and whether your charges involve a military matter or a civil matter, our criminal defense attorneys have the credentials, skills, and experience to provide you with a strong tactical defense.
Expungement
If you have only one nonviolent conviction on your record, in North Carolina you may be eligible for expungement — having the records of their earlier trials sealed. However, expungement does have limitations and may not be used for:
- Traffic offenses
- Violent crimes
- Sexually based offenses
- Drug charges involving heroin, methamphetamines, or cocaine
- Class A through G felonies or Class A1 misdemeanors
The expungement laws in North Carolina have recently changed making more North Carolinians eligible to expunge their criminal records. Now more than ever, expungement is a meaningful tool for those who want to wipe the slate clean of eligible misdemeanors and felonies. If your expungement is granted, background checks by prospective employers will not uncover any evidence of your past offenses, which is a big plus.
Juvenile offenders (under the age of 18) can have their criminal records sealed after only 2 years as long as the offenses fit into certain categories. Other restrictions also apply.
Because expungements are complex, it is critical to have our sharp criminal defense attorneys handling them.
Contact Greene Wilson Crow & Smith Now for Powerful Criminal Defense in North Carolina
Whether you are entirely innocent of a crime you have been charged with, have a valid alibi, lacked intent in taking the criminal action, or have had your rights violated during investigation or arrest — we will find the path that leads to the most positive legal outcome possible. Don’t take chances with your freedom or your future. Contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys today.
Greene Wilson Crow & Smith, PA help residents of NC with criminal defense including those located in New Bern, Pamlico County, and Craven County.