Kernersville Felony Lawyer

Kernersville Felony Attorney

It can be overwhelming to face potential felony charges. They often result in much more serious legal consequences than the ones you’d face for misdemeanor charges. You could end up paying substantial fines or serving a lengthy prison sentence. If convicted, you will have a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life, impacting your employment and housing opportunities, as well as your personal life. A Kernersville felony lawyer can help.

The legal team at The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, understands the difficulties ahead of you if you are facing felony charges. Throughout this ordeal, you should have a Kernersville felony attorney by your side to provide consistent legal advice. You will want someone by your side who has considerable knowledge of the state’s felony laws, as well as someone with extensive experience handling felony cases similar to yours. Our firm can help you make a plan.

Hire a Felony Lawyer

When you are facing felony charges and a potential conviction, the most important thing you can do for your case is hire a felony lawyer. The last thing you want is to go up against a seasoned prosecutor who wants to ensure you face the maximum penalty for your alleged offense. At The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, we can help you determine the right course of action. J. Scott Smith is an accomplished defense lawyer who can bring a focused approach to your case.

According to recent data from the United States Sentencing Commission, there were over 1,400 criminal cases sentenced throughout North Carolina in 2024 alone. Generally, the average minimum active sentence for a felony conviction was 35 months, according to the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission. If you find yourself facing felony charges, you should contact a defense lawyer as soon as you can to begin developing a defense.

It can be severely detrimental to your mental health to be facing felony charges. It’s likely weighing on you all the time, and you don’t really know what to expect. It’s understandable to feel worried, and you may want to consider reaching out to a local mental health support group like NAMI Connection or Rising Hope Clinical Assistance. Having a judgment-free zone to talk to people who are also going through something can be beneficial to your healing.

Potential Defenses Against Felony Charges

When you are arrested on felony charges, it can make you feel like you’ve already lost. That’s not the case. An arrest is really the beginning of what could be a lengthy legal battle. Never forget that you are innocent until proven guilty. Be sure to utilize your constitutional rights, particularly your right to legal counsel and your right to remain silent. An experienced lawyer can help you build a defense based on the evidence at hand. Here are some possible defenses:

• Strong alibi. One of the most common ways to exonerate yourself is to provide the prosecution with an airtight alibi. If you are able to prove that you were in a completely different place while the alleged crime was being committed, that can be enough to make the prosecution drop all charges against you. Evidence such as video surveillance and witness testimony can be very helpful in proving your whereabouts.
• Lack of intent. In order to secure a conviction, the prosecution has to be able to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. That can be far easier said than done, and proving intent is a significant part of their case. If you and your lawyer can prove that you never intended to commit a crime, there’s a strong chance you could at least get the charges against you reduced.

FAQs

Do Felonies Go Away After 10 Years in North Carolina?

No, felonies do not go away after 10 years in North Carolina. A felony conviction will permanently remain on your criminal record, unless you are able to successfully petition for expungement. However, expungement is only an option for nonviolent felonies and only after completing your full sentence. Otherwise, the conviction will stay on your record for good. If you are curious about expungement, you should speak to your lawyer about your options.

What Is the Second Chance Act for Felons in North Carolina?

The North Carolina Second Chance Act was signed into law in 2020. It expands expungement opportunities for certain nonviolent misdemeanor offenses and certain felonies. It also automates expungement for some dismissed charges. This legislation can provide more people with options for expunging their records and starting over with a clean slate. There is still a 10-year waiting period, and you must have no other felony or misdemeanor convictions during that time.

Can a Defense Lawyer Help My Case?

Yes, a defense lawyer can help your case in Kernersville. When you are facing felony charges, the possibility of serious legal penalties is significant. You shouldn’t take any chances when there’s so much at stake. An experienced defense lawyer can provide you with a strong defense strategy, help you gather evidence that supports your case, and protect your interests in court. The right legal help can prove indispensable in situations like yours.

Who Pays Criminal Defense Lawyers?

Criminal defense lawyers are typically paid by their clients. Depending on the lawyer, you may pay them with an upfront retainer fee, an hourly rate, or a flat fee. Some lawyers may offer you a payment plan to make things easier for you, but these options are at the discretion of your individual lawyer. It is important to work out a method of payment with your lawyer before you agree to hire them for their services.

Contact a Lawyer Today

At The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, we can help you put your case together, gather evidence, and make sure you don’t get taken advantage of by the prosecution. Contact us to speak to a member of our legal team about what we can do to defend you and your rights.