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Misdemeanor or Felony Charges

Have you been charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime? If so, you need an experienced misdemeanor defense lawyer on your side. The criminal defense lawyers at Wilson, Reives & Doran are ready to fight for your rights and represent you in court.

Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, but the penalties for a conviction can still be quite harsh. Possible penalties include fines, jail time, community service, and court-ordered participation in drug rehab or mental-health counseling programs.

What types of offenses are classified as misdemeanors?

North Carolina has four different types of misdemeanors on the books. They vary in severity, but it’s important to look for a firm with experienced misdemeanor defense lawyers if you are charged with any of them.

Class A1 misdemeanors

Class A1 offenses are the most serious misdemeanors. They are punishable by up to 150 days in jail and a fine determined by the sentencing judge. Class A1 misdemeanors include the following:

  • Sexual battery
  • Assault that results in a serious injury
  • Violating a restraining order
  • Assaulting a government employee

Class 1 misdemeanors

Someone convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor faces up to 120 days in jail and a fine to be determined by the judge. Class A misdemeanors include the following:

  • Possession of stolen property
  • Forgery
  • False imprisonment
  • Prostitution
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Writing bad checks on a closed account
  • Providing alcohol, mobile phones, or tobacco to prison inmates

Class 2 misdemeanors

Class 2 misdemeanors are not as serious as Class A1 and Class 1 misdemeanors, but a conviction can still result in jail time. A person convicted of this type of offense faces up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. Class 2 misdemeanors include the following:

  • Simple assault
  • Writing bad checks (amount less than $2,000)
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Carrying a concealed weapon
  • Indecent exposure
  • Making false reports to law enforcement agencies

Class 3 misdemeanors

The least serious offenses are classified as Class 3 misdemeanors. They are punishable by up to 20 days in jail and a fine of $200. Class 3 misdemeanors include:

  • Violating a court order
  • Misusing the 911 system
  • Violating city codes
  • Simple possession of marijuana
  • Littering
  • Defacing public notices

How are felonies classified?

A felony offense falls within one of ten different categories: A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F, G, H, or I. Class A felonies are the most severe, while Class I felonies are the least severe. Because the penalties for a felony conviction are harsh, it is especially important to hire an experienced misdemeanor defense lawyer if you are charged with this type of offense.

The following offenses are all classified as felonies:

  • Murder
  • Kidnapping
  • Armed robbery
  • Aggravated assault
  • Involuntary manslaughter
  • Making terroristic threats

How can a lawyer help you if you have been charged with a felony crime?

A skilled felony lawyer, experienced in criminal defense, will be your most valuable resource if you have been charged with a crime.

An experienced felony defense lawyer can also do the following:

  • Ask the prosecutor to consider a plea deal or charge you with a lesser offense
  • Investigate the crime and find evidence that can help your case
  • Protect your rights every time you appear in court
  • Explain to you what is happening during every court appearance
  • Make sure you are treated fairly

It’s time to contact a misdemeanor defense lawyer.

If you are charged with a crime, the first thing you need to do is contact a misdemeanor defense lawyer who has experience handling a variety of misdemeanor and felony cases. The lawyers at Wilson, Reives & Doran have more than 50 years of combined experience protecting the rights of people who have been charged with criminal offenses.

When your freedom and reputation are on the line, you need the support and tactics of a successful defense lawyer. Wilson, Reives & Doran is ready to gather evidence, question witnesses, and appear in court on your behalf.

If you are facing charges for a misdemeanor defense, contact us today to get the guidance you need.

Call (919) 775-5653 or contact us and set up a consultation to speak with an experienced misdemeanor defense lawyer about your case.

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