Holly Ridge, NC Criminal Defense Lawyer

Holly Ridge, NC Criminal Defense Attorney

The legal ramifications of being suspected of a crime, no matter how serious, can permanently impact your personal and professional life. A Holly Ridge, NC, criminal defense lawyer can provide the legal defense you need in Holly Ridge and Onslow County. There can be anxiety and uncertainty surrounding a criminal charge and the potential consequences, but a lawyer can help you during the legal process.

Why Choose Us?

A competent criminal defense attorney may make all the difference in how your case turns out. At Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC, we carry out in-depth fact-finding, protect your legal rights, and create custom defense plans.

Whether we are negotiating a favorable plea agreement or defending you in court, our goals are to reduce the severity of the charges, refute the prosecution’s evidence, and ensure that you are treated fairly by the law. Your chances of winning any criminal case are greatly increased when you have an experienced attorney on your side.

What Is Considered a Crime?

Any activity or inaction that is forbidden by law and subject to government punishment is considered a crime. Crimes can vary in severity from less serious ones like speeding tickets or trespassing to more serious ones like drug trafficking, murder, or assault.

The nature of the wrongdoing, the harm done, and the motivation behind the conduct are frequently utilized to gauge how serious a crime is. Criminal law covers a broad spectrum of behavior, from violations that are not violent to felonies that are violent.

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies

Felonies and misdemeanors are the two primary categories into which criminal offenses are typically classified. The severity of the penalty, which may include jail time, fines, probation, and other legal repercussions, is determined in part by these categories. It is critical to comprehend the nature of the allegations you are facing to prepare a strong defense that lessens the impact on your life.

Misdemeanors are less significant crimes that usually result in less severe punishments, like fines, probation, community work, or brief jail terms. Misdemeanors include minor offenses, including simple assault, petty theft, and small-scale marijuana possession.

Felonies are more serious offenses that come with harsher punishments, such as lengthy prison terms, hefty fines, and long-term effects like losing the ability to vote and having trouble finding work. The classification of felonies in North Carolina is Class A to Class I, where Class A crimes are the most serious and include first-degree murder, and Class I crimes are the least serious.

Examples of Crimes in North Carolina

Criminal charges may pertain to a range of offenses in Onslow County, each with distinct ramifications. Typical types of crimes include:

• Assault and battery. Assault and battery accusations may arise from actual or threatened physical injury to another individual. Whether a weapon was used or not, the seriousness of the harm determines whether these accusations are misdemeanors or felonies.
• Drug offenses. Possession, manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking of prohibited narcotics can result in severe charges. Simple drug possession is a misdemeanor; however, drug trafficking is a felony with statutory minimum penalties sometimes associated with it.
• Theft. Shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and larceny are examples of theft crimes. The value of the stolen property and the use of force or threats during the incident determine how theft crimes are classified. Larger or more violent thefts are frequently felonies, but smaller thefts are typically misdemeanors.
• DWI/DUI (Driving While Impaired): In North Carolina, it is illegal to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Charges of DWI/DUI may lead to fines, jail time, license suspension, and other consequences. Prior offenses or high blood alcohol content (BAC) are examples of aggravating factors that might make the accusations more serious.
• Domestic Violence. Crimes against a household member or intimate partner that involve injury or threats of injury fall under this category. Restraining orders, jail time, and the loss of some rights—such as the ability to carry a gun—may result from these accusations.
• White-collar crimes. White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses like fraud, identity theft, and embezzlement. Although these offenses do not result in bodily injury, they are punishable by severe fines and jail terms.
• Sexual offenses. In North Carolina, accusations of rape, sexual assault, child exploitation, or indecent exposure are handled with extreme severity. A conviction can result in extensive prison sentences and the need to register as a sexual offender, both of which can significantly restrict one’s ability to find work and housing in the future.

FAQs About Holly Ridge, NC Criminal Defense Laws

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

How much it costs to hire a criminal lawyer in North Carolina depends on things like how complicated the case is, how much experience the lawyer has, and the charges. Some cases for simple misdemeanors may cost less, while cases for more serious felonies may cost more. Criminal lawyers in Holly Ridge usually charge flat fees or hourly rates, of which the total cost will depend on if the case lasts a long time or is complicated.

Do I Need an Attorney for a DUI Charge?

You are not required to hire an attorney for a DUI charge, but it is highly advised you do so. Any DUI charge can come with very serious penalties that can severely disrupt your life. Some of those penalties can include jail time, vehicle impoundment, hefty fines, and suspension of your driver’s license. A DUI lawyer can aggressively advocate for you to avoid the severe penalties.

What’s the Most a Lawyer Can Charge?

Since fees depend on the lawyer’s history, reputation, and case complexity, there is no set maximum rate a lawyer may charge. Particularly for prominent or complicated cases, lawyers may demand high hourly rates or large flat fees. However, the overall cost can vary significantly depending on the hours worked or extra-legal services needed, such as professional witnesses and investigations.

Is North Carolina Good For Lawyers?

North Carolina presents a good setting for attorneys with possibilities in both urban and rural areas. Legal markets in the state are varied and span practice areas, including family law, corporate law, real estate, and criminal defense. Given the rising population and developing corporate sectors, legal services are in constant demand. Like in any state, though, there is rivalry and success usually depends on a lawyer’s skill, experience, and professional network.

Contact Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC

Criminal charges can lead to serious consequences, but you don’t have to face them alone with Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC. Contact us today for more information.