Winston-Salem Criminal Defense Lawyer

Winston-Salem Criminal Defense Attorney

Your life is precious even if you have made a mistake, no matter how large or small. You have rights, and we understand that nobody is perfect. It is immensely stressful to be arrested for a criminal offense, but you have the right to a strong and effective criminal defense. It’s important to find the right Winston Salem criminal defense lawyer. Lawyers at LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, stand by yours side to get the justice for you.

Strong Criminal Defense in Winston-Salem, NC

A criminal conviction can have severe immediate penalties, as well as consequences on your long-term future. An effective legal defense is the ideal way to avoid these consequences. At LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, we will stand by your side to achieve the best possible outcome. Some of the benefits of enlisting LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, include:

• Our criminal law defense attorneys have experience and knowledge in North Carolina criminal law, and their primary focus is criminal defense.
• Winston-Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina, prosecutors and judges know and respect our lawyers. They understand that our job is to protect your rights even if you are guilty.
• Our attorneys have an honest and professional reputation and are willing to put in all the effort needed to get positive results for you.

Don’t make legal mistakes or plead guilty without consulting a lawyer. You have rights under the law, and there is no reason why you should not have equal access to justice. Talk to us and let us shelter you from a very complicated situation that may have severe legal outcomes.

Criminal Defense Cases We Handle at The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith

It is crucial that the attorney you work with has experience in the area of criminal law defense under which you have been charged. Get protection for Winston-Salem, North Carolina criminal defense cases involving:

• White collar crimes
• Drug crimes
• Serious felonies
• Sex crimes
• Domestic violence
• DUI, DWI and traffic
• State appeals
• Homicide
• Expungements/expunctions
• Probation violations
• Misdemeanor larceny, shoplifting or theft
• Burglary
• Marijuana possession, cocaine possession
• Self-defense, assault and battery

A criminal conviction can result in large fines, time in jail or prison, probation, and other consequences. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record, which has a significant negative effect on your future opportunities. Regardless of what the criminal charges that you are facing are, our firm is here to help you every step of the way. Do not attempt to defend yourself in a criminal matter. Let us take on the criminal justice system for you, working to protect your rights and future.

FAQs:

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A: The cost of a criminal lawyer in North Carolina varies. Some criminal defense attorneys charge on an hourly basis, sometimes including an upfront retainer fee. Certain types of criminal cases may instead be charged on a flat fee, such as a straightforward DWI case. When a criminal defense case is more complicated, an attorney’s fees are likely to be higher. An attorney skilled in criminal defense and with significant success is also likely to have a higher rate.

Q: What Are the Four Legal Defenses for Criminal Responsibility?

A: The four main categories of criminal defenses include:

1. Innocence, such as an alibi defense, claiming the defendant didn’t commit the crime
2. Affirmative defense, such as insanity, self-defense, coercion, or defense of others, which confirms the criminal act but raises a defense for the action
3. Constitutional violations in which law enforcement officers do not follow proper procedure, such as entrapment, failing to read Miranda rights, or illegal search and seizure. As a result, evidence is suspended from the case.
4. Procedural defense, meaning that the statute of limitations expired and the case is barred

Q: Which Defense Claims That the Defendant Did Not Commit the Crime?

A: The defense that claims the defendant did not commit the crime is an innocence defense, including an alibi defense. In a criminal case, the defendant does not have the burden of proof. However, a strong defense is one that disproves the evidence shown by the prosecution or one that shows why the defendant was not present. If the prosecution simply does not have enough evidence to prove guilt, this also functions as this type of defense.

Q: What Is the Standard of Proof in a Criminal Case?

A: The standard of proof in a criminal case in the U.S. is beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution has this burden of proof. They must show the judge or jury on the trial that a defendant is guilty of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is reasonable doubt, then the defendant should not be convicted. This is a high burden of proof, but if a prosecutor charges an individual with a crime, it is likely they are confident they have sufficient proof to convict them.

Do Not Hesitate To Talk To Winston-Salem Criminal Defense Lawyer

The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get started on your case. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling 336-992-3600 or contacting us via email. Let our experienced team at LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, help you reach the ideal outcome.